Family trips are memories in the making, but they are rarely an easy undertaking. Attending to everyone's needs and wants while getting where you need to go and enjoying the process can be overwhelming. The best way to ensure you have an organized trip with plenty of fun is to pack smart. By following a packing list you will be ready for whatever comes your way and be able to enjoy this precious time together.
Pass the Time
You may not get bored trying to keep the family in order, but on a long trip it is certain that your children will. Create a backpack or tote bag specifically for travel entertainment. Include magazines, game books, road trip-friendly card and board games, and CDs with family songs or children's audio books. While electronics and movies are an option, consider activities that bring the family together and introduce your children to some of the games and songs you used to play on family vacations.
Snack Bag
Traveling with snacks is simple on a road trip. Pack a cooler with easy-to-eat fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapes and carrot sticks. Fill up everyone's reusable water bottle before you leave the house and keep them cool with the produce. Make your own trail mix or granola with nuts, seeds and dried fruit, and make everyone their own bag of popcorn for snacking.
During plane travel, snacks become even more important because of the high food prices in airports and on the plane. You need to pay special attention when packing, though. Fruits, vegetables, trail mixes and popcorn are all ideal for plane travel and can be stored in a tote bag or small soft-sided cooler that will fit under your seat or in the overhead bin. Remember that you can't take liquids with you through security so leave the ice pack and juice boxes at home. Take your empty reusable water bottles with you and refill them after security. If you are traveling internationally, be sure to consume all the fresh produce and throw away the waste before you go through customs at your destination.
Take plenty of clean-up supplies for when you are done snacking and for unexpected spills. Include antibacterial gel for a quick hand washing when you can't make it to a sink, small trash bags, wet wipes and napkins in your snack bag.
Emergency Kit
Supplies to help you deal with unexpected injuries or sickness are essential for a smooth trip. Include standard first-aid supplies such as band aids, antibacterial ointment and pain relievers. Also include tissue or toilet paper for an unexpected pit stop and facilities that have run out. If you will be outdoors, pack plenty of bug spray, sunscreen, anti-itch cream and sunburn relief lotion. Also, throw in a mini sewing kit for the occasional repair of a missing button on the last clean shirt in the suitcase.
Create Memories
It is likely that you have everything you need to snap photos of your vacation unfolding with your digital camera, charger, extra memory cards and video camera. Consider giving everyone in the family the chance to capture their favorite moment. If your children are not old enough to handle their own digital camera, buy each person a disposable camera for the trip. Pack a notebook and folder for each person to record thoughts and keep their favorite finds such as game or show tickets and restaurant cards.
