In just a few days my family leaves on our biggest adventure yet- an active family vacation that includes stops at some of America’s most iconic National Parks.  We’ll be hiking, cycling, horseback riding and rafting with Austin Lehman Adventures and RVing, camping and exploring on our own. You could say we’ll be busy.

Packing for an Adventure Vacation

Apart from this being our first really active vacation, it is also our first guide-led vacation.  We’re taking the Austin Lehman Montana Family Adventure, which will take us through parts of Yellowstone, Big Sky and Paradise Valley.  With as much as we will be doing, I was a bit worried about what to pack.  I was really thankful when I looked through the kit Austin Lehman sent and found this list of packing suggestions:

Adventure Vacation Packing List (click to see large version)

The only thing I would add to that list is baby wipes.  Truly- they are indispensable. 

Thankfully we had many of the necessary items already.  We also found that our girls were much more prepared.  And, as we researched, we found a few items that would do dual duty or that we thought were well worth the cost.  Here are our recommended items for active vacations:

Recommended Products for Active and Adventure Vacations

Recommended Products for Active and Adventure Vacations

1. Good Hiking Shorts  Both Doug and I were lacking in good quality shorts.  A quick trip to the Eddie Bauer Outlet fixed our problem (and on sale it didn’t hurt our budget).
2. Sport Sunscreen  Sunscreen is a must for everyone.  When you’re going to be active be sure to buy a sport performance formula lotion sunscreen with a minimum SPF 50. Use a shotglass amount for an adult- and don’t forget ears, shoulders and the tops of your feet!
3. Hiking Boots  Doug and I already own good hiking boots.  We both like Timberland Hiking Boots for their fit, durability and price.
4. Convertible Pants  To add functional versatility, Doug really likes Convertible Pants.
5. H2O Shoes  To cut down on the shoes we need, we wanted something that could go from rafting to cycling and even light hiking.  We found Bass H2O water shoes at the Bass Outlet Store.  They are very comfortable, have a firm sole and are great for outdoor activities. (I can’t find them online, so you may want to search out an outlet asap- they were on sale!)
6. Keen Shoes  Because the girls both have sturdy tennis shoes and we wanted to get them something that would be worn after the vacation ended, we purchased Keen sandals. The Kid’s Newport H2 Sandal is cute, so the girls will wear them all summer, has a sturdy sole for hiking, is made to get wet and has a covered toe.  The perfect all-around shoe for active kids!
7. Day Pack  For Doug we bought the Eddie Bauer Ultralight backpack.  The nice thing about Eddie Bauer backpacks is their lifetime warranty.  (And if you can find them on sale at an outlet, it’s even better!)
8. Photographer Day Pack  I’ve been using my Lowepro Photo Sport Sling for a while now and absolutely love it.  It’s perfect for toting your camera safely and with the single strap you don’t have to take the pack off to access your camera.  The rain cover is another big plus.

Do you have any “must have” items for active vacations?  I would love to know about them!

This week’s P52 theme is “true love” to – obviously – coincide with Valentine’s Day.

Because this is a travel site I’m going to toss in a tip…  If your child has a favorite ‘cuddle buddy’ be sure to bring it when you travel.  No matter where you are it will feel like home with a best friend along.

My eldest, Brenna, had never formed a lasting attachment to any of the adorable ‘stuffies’ she had crowding the foot of her bed.  She didn’t really care about cuddling any of them…  Until we relocated to Scituate back in 2009.  Each day, as we took Doug to catch the train to Boston we passed an art studio.  One day we stopped and Brenna fell in love.

Brenna & BunBun

‘BunBun’ is a “velveteen rabbit” created by Donna Green, a spectacular artist whose illustrations of The Velveteen Rabbit are breathtakingly beautiful.  ‘BunBun’ sleeps with Brenna every night- no matter where we are- accompanies her downstairs every morning and patiently waits for her to return from school daily.  I have no doubt that she is so loved as to, one day, become real.

While many people can pack for a business conference without thinking, social media conferences are a different animal.  After all, you are usually handling the arrangements yourself and, unless you have a sponsor, are paying your own way.  Social media conferences have another aspect as well…  they are meant to be social.  Which can add a lot of stress to those of us who prefer the anonymity of a computer screen.  So while you want to be comfortable you also want to present yourself well to your peers and to the conference sponsors.

Clothing

First of all- be comfortable!  That said, sweat pants and t shirts are not what I am talking about.  You want to put your best self out there.  Nice jeans and shirts are fine for a social media conference.  The same goes for shoes; wear what is comfortable for you.  A nice pair of flats or loafers are perfect.  If you are comfortable in heels wear them.

Photo by rickbucuch on flickr

Make a statement:  Sometimes you find the perfect clothing for a conference, like this T-shirt I wore to Type-A-Mom last fall.  It was a hit and there were many pictures taken of me because of it.  Know the crowd you’re socializing with and tweak your wardrobe choices accordingly.

Most often forgotten clothing: pajamas and exercise gear.  If you’re rooming with people who aren’t your family be sure to pack your PJs. Nuff said.   Toss in exercise gear- it doesn’t take up much room and you’ll be glad to get in a little stress relieving time on a treadmill.

Know your itinerary: Be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes if your conference includes any kind of tour or photo walk.  Are there cocktail parties? Bring a dress or jacket.  If nothing else bring some accessories to add interest to your daytime look.

Tools of Social Conferences

You will undoubtedly be surrounded by more than a few laptops, netbooks, video recorders and cameras.  But don’t forget the “low tech” stuff, too.  Things like notebooks and pens are essential, as well.  I often Tweet during sessions and write my notes on paper.

You will, of course, be bringing a camera to get shots of you with all your new friends.  Make sure your accessories are up to the task: tripod, batteries, bag…  To see my favorite travel camera accessories click here.

Large conferences rarely have enough outlets.  Bring a power strip- and make 5 new friends!

Do you “Poken” or “bump”? Make sure your info is up to date.  Also have business cards handy- not everyone uses the same tools.

Be Remembered

Chocolate "Business Cards"

After coming home from a large conference it’s easy to forget who you met.  As you shuffle through the piles of business cards and fliers or review the electronic information you’ll realize you have no idea who half the people are.  Make a small investment in yourself- add your info to something that won’t get thrown away: notepads, pens, jar lid grips, measuring spoons, cookie cutters, chip clips, chocolate…

Have Fun

There are three reasons to attend a social media conference.

1) Education.  Obviously you want to learn something that will make you better in your niche.

2)  Network.  Social media is about building relationships with your peers and with companies.

3)  Fun.  Nowhere else will you be surrounded by so many people who “get” you.  Have fun, let down your guard, smile and say hello!  You never know- there may be someone there who really wants to meet you!

Handy Tips

If you are flying consider shipping items ahead.  I ship non-essentials: toiletries, swag, extra shoes…  It may cost less than checking an additional bag and you’ll have extra room for any swag or gifts to send home.  Be sure to speak with the hotel before you do this. Remember to insure your bag and call to make sure it has arrived and is waiting for you.

Don’t forget your information!  Hotel confirmations, flight information, conference confirmations, directions…  I advise having one set electronically (on a computer or smart phone) and one set printed.  Also consider emailing the information to a friend or family member.  If everything goes wrong you can still get your necessary information.

Photo of me in geek shirt by rickbucuch