Vacation discussion: Looking for sales on items we'll need…

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  • July 10, 2012 at 9:42 pm
    blue j
    Participant

    OK, so this year is the first year in 14 years that we are taking a really, truly, going-away vacation.  So now I am trying to gather some of the things that I know we’ll need for where we are going while staying within our budget boundaries before we leave for Destin, FL in early September.

    Here is what I need to find on sale:

    Thick, thirsty LARGE beach towels.  Where is the best place to find these?  Is there someplace either store or online that has these on sale now, or do I need to wait until August to find deals on these? 

    Chlorine resistant swimsuits that AREN’T racer/ swim team styles, again, on sale.  My girls swim year round, are on a swim team, and need to get a LOT of wear from whatever suit(s) we buy.  My two older girls have 3 swim team suits, but would like one that has a halter-type top (either one or modest two piece) so they can “have a nice tan w/out lines” from vacation. 

    Girls plus size 16/ 18 suits, chlorine resistant if possible.  Where can I find these at a reasonable price?  The junior sizes fit her, but then again, they don’t, IYKWIM.  My baby is in an awkward stage where she’s developing, but not able to fit into the tops of most junior or women’s suits, and tall enough for regular or some petites, yet not old enough to carry many of the styles, and some of the tops are still inappropriate for her even though they are a modest cut because she doesn’t fill them out right.  I want to get rash guard shirts for her, with board shorts, but finding them in stores has turned up nada.  Suggestions?

    Games – we will be taking some family games to play at the condo.  Does anyone have a family favorite for ages 11 & up that allow for 7 people to play at once?  We have Apples to Apples, Cranium, Uno, & Things.  Dh and I thought we would either buy a new one to take with us or buy it there as a gift for the kiddos. (NOTE: Monopoly is NOT on the list of acceptable games for us for this trip.)

    Also, I need to think this “out loud” on the board… should we try to make a lot of our foods to take with us (multiple allergy issues), or buy most of the ingredients when we get there (I’ll take spices, etc)?  We’ll be sticking around the condo rather than doing a lot of tourist-y things, so almost all of our meals will be eaten there.  Does anyone live in the Destin area?  Do you know if there is a store(s) that carry these kinds of items nearby?

    Thanks for the help.

    ~jacqleene

    July 10, 2012 at 9:57 pm
    missceegee
    Participant

    I buy beach towels at Costco. They are huge, thirsty towels and still going stron after 5 years. I think I paid $12 or so each. If its feasible & the food travels well, I’d cook ahead and bring it. You’re sure to have what you want for prices you’re used to.

    Have fun! Christie

    July 10, 2012 at 10:12 pm
    Corie
    Participant

    I was going to say Sam’s for beach towels, so Sam’s/Costco, either one!  And I definitely agree on the cook ahead and take.  You could cook and freeze items so they could travel in coolers, and then thaw and warm in the oven!

     

    I don’t know about chlorine resistant, but I like to purchase swimsuite from Lands End’s clearance section.  I purchase several sizes for trying on, and Sear’s will take the returns, saving on shipping.

    One of our favorites games for large groups has been to take Pictionary and play on large notepads hung or propped up, kind of like that game show…was it Win, Lose or Draw?  

     

    Have a great vacation!

    July 10, 2012 at 10:22 pm
    simple home
    Member

    We were in Destin In April. So nice and no crowds when we were there! There are lots of grocery stores including a Fresh Market ( we did take out from there alot) and a Target. Food wise, pack as many nonrefrigerated items as possible. Have a list handy of the perishables/cold items you will buy when you arrive.

    Also, I made ahead a frozen large lasagna in a disposable pan (or you can do any family favorite meal ) and let this thaw on the way. Just pop in oven to warm when you get to your condo. It was nice to not have to mess with making a full meal that first night.

    July 11, 2012 at 12:22 am
    MissusLeata
    Participant

    When I’ve made food ahead of time because of food allergies, we’ve saved tons of money and it was so much stress preparing the food it almost ruined the vacation. So, if it were me and buying the groceries there is an option, I’d take that one.

    July 11, 2012 at 3:13 am
    blue j
    Participant

    OK, so I’ll be checking out Sam’s when I’m there this week to see if I can pick up some towels.  @Christie & Corie, thanks for the heads up on that.  I would not have thought to look there.

    @Corie, thanks for the suggestion. I’ll have to get the girls to sit down and peruse the LE website. I don’t think about them having a lot of halter styles, I usually think of their tugless suits or their classic tankini.  Hopefully they’ll find what they are looking for.

    Pictionary would be great.  I thought we had it, but couldn’t find it the other night. I think that would be fun for all of us. 🙂

    @simple home – thanks for the head’s up with the stores.  We really like Fresh Market for a few things.

    @MissusLeata – that was my worry.  That I would end up feeling so stressed before the vacation, I wouldn’t enjoy it.  I’ll have to think on this some more, but I’m leaning toward the list & taking dry good.

    Thanks, ladies.  If there are any more suggestions, please throw them out there.  I’m all ears.

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