Chances are you’ve experienced the sinking feeling that arrives five minutes after you pull out of the driveway and set off toward your vacation destination. Those six dreaded words: HoneyI think we forgot something. Instead of spending the entire journey racking your brain for items gone AWOL, use Southern Vacation Rentals’ last minute packing tips for your beach vacation.

Straight from the expert property managers at Southern Rentals and Real Estate, these five items make the cut for most left-behind items during vacation. Now, you’ll know before you go.

  1. Hair Dryer

The hair dryer takes top spot on the most left behind items list. Unlike hotels, not all vacation rentals provide hair dryers, so be sure to bring your own. Then again, you can always rock a perfectly tousled beach wave, styled by saltwater.

  1. Beach Towels

Coming in at number two are beach towels. While every Southern condo and beach house rental is stocked with bath towels, you’ll need your own beach towels for fun in the sun.

  1. Chargers

Vacation is the perfect time to unplug. But if you want your device handy, especially ipads and e-readers that are perfect for long days of pool-side perusing, don’t forget charging bricks and cords.

  1. Batteries

You’ll want to make sure Gameboys, remotes, and any other battery-operated necessities stay fully functional. So grab a few AAs/AAAs on your pre-vacation market run. Don’t forget back-up batteries for flashlights if you plan to do some nighttime crabbing.

  1. Spices

Last but not least, salt and pepper round out the the most left behind items list. That’s right, good ol’ S&P. Most vacation rentals won’t keep anything on-hand that can expire or contribute to food sensitivities. Whatever your favorite spice and condiments, be sure to pick some up upon arrival.

Print Southern’s last minute packing tips, stick it to the fridge, or save it to your bookmarks. That way, you’ll avoid the gnawing concern of, Honey, I think we forgot something. Now, all you have to do is book your sweet Southern vacation and point the car toward the beaches of Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama.

If you’re thinking of vacation in Gulf Shores, Destin, Panama City Beach or anywhere in between, check out our Signs You’re Ready for a Beach Vacation.