Before I had kids, I used to love the easy routine of getting ready for a vacation – stocking up on sunscreen, getting a new swimsuit or pair of sandals and rediscovering my summer wardrobe after several months of sweaters. These days, that routine is a lot more involved – packing for a family of 5 is definitely not easy! We are off to sunny Mexico in a few weeks and I am getting ready to place my Well.ca order.

Here are some of the things that are on my travel checklist:

For Everyone

Sunscreen

We’re heading south for this vacation, so sunscreen for the whole family is a must! I definitely recommend stocking up in advance of your trip, especially if you’re a natural sunscreen-lover like me. You’re likely to have trouble finding your family’s favourites where you’re going, and it’s just not worth the risk. Bring at least a couple bottles – you’ll want to be sure you’ve got enough to keep your whole family protected during all of those beach and pool days!

I’ve got Badger Balm Sport Unscented Sunscreen and Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen in my Well.ca order for the trip. They’re both great natural sunscreens that the whole family can use. The Goddess Garden spray is extremely easy to apply, and the Badger Balm Sport is super water-resistant and perfect for days by the water.

S’well Bottles

Everyone in the family will be bringing along a S’well bottle with them – this one is my personal favourite right now. Staying hydrated is so important, especially when you’re spending long days in the sun. These are amazing on the beach for keeping your water or drink of choice cold all day – my husband has been known to put something other than water in his!

For Me

I like to keep my beauty routine pretty simple when I go south. Here are a few things I will be packing:

BB Cream

I discovered this ANDALOU naturals BB cream when I went a way last year and it has become my everyday staple. It provides perfect light coverage and gives you a bit of a dewy glow. Best of all, it’s SPF 30 and full of skin-boosting antioxidants and moisturizers.

Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara is a must for days on the beach. This one by Covergirl is great because it gives you full, lush lashes that won’t smudge.

Bronzer

Protecting your skin from the sun is key, so I like to layer up on sunscreen and fake my way to a sun kissed glow with bronzer. Cargo Swimmables Bronzer gives me a great natural looking colour and is water resistant, so your sun kissed look will last all day!

Travel Sized Toiletries

Lugging full sized versions of toiletries like shampoo and body wash in your suitcase takes up room that could be better used for stashing souvenirs from your trip. This Philip Adam Travel Pack includes travel-sized versions of their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. It’s even carry-on approved!

Pacifica Radiant Shimmer Highlighting Creams

I gave this to my sister for Christmas and she took it on vacation over new years. She told me that this (plus mascara) was the only makeup she wore the whole trip, and now it’s a vacation staple for both of us. I love that it helps to keep my travel makeup bag light, since the creme can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks.

Salt Spray

Beach hair is one of the best parts of a beach vacation. This John Masters Organics Sea Mist Spray is made with natural sea salt and organic lavender to give you tousled, textured waves even when you’re off the beach.

For the Kids

Wet Bags

These super adorable wet bags are perfect for packing up swimsuits at the beach or pool (since my kids seem to feel the need to constantly change out of a wet swimsuit).

Wean Green Baby Feeding Starter Set

I will be packing these for baby Henry so I can store food between meals for him – yes, I will be that woman packing up all the leftover fruit from breakfast for snacks later in the day!

Activity Books

Busy kids make for happy kids (and happy parents!). Activity books like this one and this one from Melissa & Doug are a must to keep the kids busy on the plane and in restaurants (or on rainy days).

Baby Food Pouches

At home I make all of my own baby food. That will not be happening on vacation! I will be packing several of these pouches to keep the little guy fed!

Our Favourite Snacks

Packing some of your favourite snacks when you’re travelling away from home is key, especially with kids. This everyday staple in our house will be coming with us to Mexico!