Oklahoma City is a great vacation destination for families or groups of friends. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, and the city has a unique charm that you won't find anywhere else. With a little bit of preparation, you can make sure that your vacation is enjoyable and stress-free. When you're trying to find the perfect vacation rental, planning your itinerary, and packing your suitcase, it can be easy to forget some of the most important items for your trip. With loads of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, you'll want to make sure you're packed and prepared for your next great adventure. You'll want to make the most of every minute and this how to guide will help ensure that you're packed and ready to go!
Find Your Perfect Vacation Rental
When traveling to a new city, you may want to consider renting a vacation rental (sometimes known as a short term rental) rather than staying in a hotel. Staying in a short term rental will give you more space and privacy, and often times comes with extra amenities like a full-size, stocked kitchen, laundry room, and additional outdoor space in the backyard and garden. Some rental hosts also offer additional concierge services to help take those mundane tasks off your hands, like "fill the fridge" and grocery shopping. Often times, booking a short term rental is a more affordable accommodation, as well! When you think about the square footage and additional amenities that come along with a short term rental, it actually makes more sense!
Plan the Ultimate Itinerary
When considering what to pack, you need to think about the kinds of activities you plan to do while you're traveling. Going on a girls getaway? Tuck in your eye mask and ear plugs. Plan on taking the kids to the adventure parks? Pack that portable, folding snack cooler. Taking in the historic sites and world-renown museums? Grab those comfy walking shoes. Having a vision for how you plan to spend your time in OKC will help you pack accordingly.
What to Bring on Your Oklahoma City Vacation: A Packing List
When traveling to OKC, you have to be prepared for its unpredictable weather, so make sure you pack accordingly! Every inch of your suitcase is valuable real estate, so plan ahead, pack smart, and you'll be ready to go!
A small, compact umbrella and small rain jacket are great to carry along in your backpack, in case of the impromptu rain storm. With large temperature swings, possible severe weather, and windy days, it's always good to be weather aware.
Moisture-wicking materials (hello atheleisure-wear!). While layering is a pretty good tip, on most hot, summer days, you'll want to stick with one layer of moisture-wicking materials. Most folks in Oklahoma City have a fairly relaxed style of dress. Shorts, leggings, t-shirts and tanks are standard during the summer.
A refillable water bottle will help you stay hydrated. After spending a few minutes outside on a bright, sunny day, it won't take long for you to break a sweat. Drinking enough water during the day will also help you avoid heat distress.
Wearing sunscreen (& re-applying frequently), sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will also help you stay cool as you take in the sights.
Comfortable walking shoes & socks are a must as you take in the tastes, sights, and sounds of the city. Your feet move you, so it's important your shoes are well fitting and your socks are moisture-wicking (goodbye, cotton!).
A swim suit, a cover-up, and sandals are a must during the summer! Cool off at a local splash pad or relax on the lounge chair at a nearby pool. PRO TIP: Leave the pool towel at home! Most vacation rentals have pool towels you can borrow during your stay.
Plan on doing something a little fancy, like dinner and a show? Bonus points if your sandals can double up with a cute sundress or a fancy top and a skirt. Except for a few places around the OKC metro, even date nights call for a relatively relaxed dress code when it's 90 degrees at night.
Last but not least, bring a good attitude and positive spirit. Even the best vacation planners may have their best laid plans foiled during their time in Oklahoma City. That's part of the joy of traveling. Be open to trying something new. Step out of your comfort zone. Roll with the punches. Things may not go according to plan, so plan for the unexpected and enjoy the journey.
Packing for your summer vacation to Oklahoma City doesn't have to be stressful! Just like a storybook character, Oklahoma weather has a mind of its own and can creep up on you when you least expect it. Book the perfect vacation rental and take advantage of the extra amenities and concierge services offered by the host. Consider planning an itinerary for your vacation, something that fits the needs and wants of your family. And when you're packing your suitcase, remember to pack those key items so you can make the most of your trip. Pack light, pack smart, and most importantly, don't forget to have fun!
Did I forget to include your must-have item? Tell me about it!
Coming to Oklahoma City in the near future? We'd love to host you and your fur baby at one of our short term rentals in OKC. Book direct and you'll get the lowest rates plus free early check-in!
