Any visit to a National Park requires a bit of preparation. The very idea of vacationing at a park implies that you will be in the wilderness. Toilets don’t flush. Showers are few and far between. Food cannot be refrigerated. The level of ruggedness required varies from park to park, since some, like Arches National Park, are adjacent to bustling towns (Moab) and others are somewhat more remote.

Regardless, there are some essential items that everyone should take during their time away from amenities like dishwashers and wall-to-wall carpeting. And few things you should leave behind, too. Read on for 10 items that should be on your packing list for a visit to any outdoorsy destination.

The top 10 things to take with you on a trip to the great outdoors:

1. Sunblock. Not only will you be spending lots of time outside, but many parks are at a high elevation. That means a higher UV index and more intense sunburns. Banana Boat has a great variety of SPF’s, a drier finish and different sizes of bottles (little ones for an already-heavy backpack, big ones to leave in the car for the kids). Note that sunblock has a shelf life; if last year’s bottle is oily and the consistency is somewhat chunky, you’re due for a new one.

2. Moleskin. I’d love to know how often this brilliant invention has saved a hiking trip (the number for me is in the dozens). If there’s even the smallest chance of getting a blister, throw some in your pack.

3. A Multi-tool. I’m not asking you to cut down trees and spear fish with this thing during your trip, but I am asking you to be prepared for pulling splinters, performing quick fixes on gear and whittling marshmallow-roasting sticks.

4. An extra plastic bag (or two. or three.). Whether it’s for holding wet socks from your fall in the river, those sap-filled pinecones you collected or a makeshift poncho, a plastic bag can be as invaluable as your hiking boots. Well, almost.

5. Water Bottles. You know this. We all know this. You don’t need to be reminded about the importance of staying hydrated, reducing waste, etc. Just be sure you take something that can withstand the rigors of the trail and can be easily refilled. If it fits your water filter/pump, bonus.

6. A map. A GPS. Your iPhone. Something that will help you navigate this fairly unpopulated corner of the world.

7. Snacks. The odds of passing fast food or grocery stores significantly decrease the closer you get to the park. I suggest durable bars (whether you’re a Clif Bar devotee or a Quaker Oats traditionalist), fruit that can withstand some jostling (apples, oranges, dried variations of your favorites) and trail mix. Low blood sugar is a pain (take it from a diabetic) so keep your body fueled.

8. A good jacket. Whether you’re in the mountains or the desert, it gets cold at night. A quality fleece or sweater can turn a night from miserable to bearable. My favorites? Northface and Patagonia. They’re available in lots of styles and colors, they’re designed to take some abuse and the companies often devote lots of time/energy/money to preserving the very national parks you’re visiting.

9. Something which which to record your memories. Camera, journal, scrapbook… there aren’t going to be as many chances to buy flashy souvenirs in a national park, so keep track of your experiences some other and, many would argue, more meaningful way.

10. Some emergency supplies. This could be anything from jumper cables, to a first aid kit, to 10 rolls of duct tape. Remember that if something goes wrong, you may need to depend on yourself to fix it. Think about the activities you have lined up and plan accordingly.

Leave behind:

1. Your gun. Hunting enthusiasts, be warned: Since it was signed into law in 1983, guns must be disassembled and kept out of reach while within the boundaries of all American national parks. Play it safe around the globe and leave the gun at home as well.

2. Your dog. Most national parks don’t allow your four-footed friend on their trails. Dogs that are present in the parks must be kept in the car, in the parking lot or on a 6-foot leash and within 50 feet of the road. A select few national parks will not even allow you to drive through the park with your pet in your car.

3. Your makeup. Even if if you feel “naked” without your mascara, leave the Maybelline at home. No one expects you to look made-up on the trail. In fact, they might judge you if you do. Guys, same goes for you. Hair gel, cologne and any neck wear other than a bandanna are distinctly out of place.

Do you have something that you think should be on our top 10 list? Leave a comment and let us know!

Packing photo courtesy of mil8/Creative Commons,
Plastic bag photo courtesy of How can I recycyle this?/Creative Commons,
Journal photo courtesy of fonticulus/Creative Commons

You were looking forward to…

The art, museums and history of a large city, try Paris or Florence. From Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the ancient Venus de Milo at the Louvre to Boticelli’s Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo at the Uffizi, you’ll get your fill of breathtaking pieces of history in either city.

Relaxing on the beach, try Jamiaca. Three words: rum, sun and reggae. Not to mention the all-inclusive deal we just mentioned in our travel deals roundup. After sunbathing, try Hellshire Beach for snorkeling and fresh seafood, or get friendly with Dolphins at Dolphin Cove.

Some good ol’ debauchery, try Key West or Miami. There’s plenty of inebriated fun to be had along Duval Street, and you can shake your money maker to the wee hours of the morning at one of many award-winning nightclubs in “Little Cuba”.

An archeology kick, try Cusco. Swap the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum for Incan ruins like Sacsayhuaman, Choquekirao and Machu Pichu. Can’t you hear the Sacred Valley of the Incas calling your name?

Hiking, climbing and becoming one with nature, try Bryce Canyon, Arches or Zion National Parks. With breathtaking views, gorgeous land formations and a full spectrum of hiking trails, the national parks of Utah won’t leave you disappointed.

Photo Credits: Louvre photo by Al Lanni/Creative Commons, Debauchery photo by wili_hybrid/Creative Commons, Arches photo by mandj98/Creative Commons