How to vacation like a boss!

It's that time of year again, to get away for a bit and head on vaca! But what to pack? Where should we go? And what will we do? Here is my vacation simple survival guide.

Where to go?

Questions to ask: Do I want to drive or fly? How does my hair look in high humidity? Can I survive nine hours worth of Elmo?

We have a 22 month old and would like to be within driving distance ( I feel like I still need our whole house to go anywhere). We decided we want to go to the ocean! One of the closest to us is the Jersey shore and Rehoboth beach area since we live in Northern PA. So we decided to head to Rehoboth Beach.

Where to stay

Questions to ask: What can I afford? Do I need a house because I brought everything in my house? Have I grown accustom to a certain standard of living?

We decided to go with the a whole house, and to make it more affordable, we're going with college friends. We all have kids around the same age! Plus, we used to be fun together so we are hoping muscle memory will kick in after a few drinks. #mommysspecialjuice We found our gorgeous home close to the beach on HomeAway. We just put in our needs, date and place. It made it so easy to find the perfect place to suit our families needs.

What to do

Questions to ask: Do I want to relax or do activities? Do I want to workout some or eat my weight in ice cream? Should I double check that my health insurance is up to date?

We decided that we wanted to be more about the ice cream and feet in the sand than muscle building and risk taking. Our house is walking distance to the beach and close to the boardwalk with ice cream. Since we have to walk everywhere we are getting that thing called exercise too even out all the bad decisions we plan to make to our waistlines. So you know #livingourbestlife.

What to pack

Questions to ask: What I have to have versus what I want to have? Do we need to bring puppy, the sound machine and the star projector? (are you mad!! of course we need these things! Do you really want to be the one that starts the toddler wars?) What do I need to make my instagram on fleek?

Number one is to make the 22 month old happy. If he's happy, then we have a shot at happy. Seriously though, we have the sweetest toddler (for now) and making him comfortable is important. I always start with his needs. Since we are renting a house, a lot of home amenities we enjoy will be present. For clothing I try to pack light, since we will have laundry. Also to make sure my outfits are cute and on point, I'm renting my vacation clothing from letote and renttherunway. I can just mail these back before our trip is over. We will have room for all those souvenirs! Who I am kidding, I mean outlet finds!

How to pack

Cutest Photo Bomber ever

Questions to ask: do I fit my life in one SUV? Should we test the structural engineering of our suitcase? How important is it to be able to see behind me when I drive?

Here is how I cram everything into such a small space. I pack my clothing as well as my sons clothing into one suitcase. Every space is filled including hats. I like to stuff my hats with under garments and socks to help them keep their shape. You can then roll and add clothing all around. I also put my shoes into dust bags so I don't have to worry about dirt. Now I know the rolling method can cause wrinkles but that is where the hair straightener comes in -- I love to use it to help get those wrinkles out.

How to relax?

Questions to ask: Do I have Mommy's special juice? Is there a place to park my butt? Do I have people around me that will give me some much needed laughs?

Wherever you go, whatever you do, and no matter what you bring (exception is puppy...you need puppy) what matters most is who you are with. Spending time with the ones you love will make all the craziness of preparing for vacation worth it. There's nothing more relaxing and recharging than good laughs and funny photos to tease your love ones with for years to come. So go on Vacation so you can #getyourchictogether!