Summer travel is here, and parents are ready to get kids out of the house and on the
road or in the air. But before kicking off their dream vacation, parents are left with the difficult
task of packing for everyone in the family. And while it may be as simple as outfits and skincare
for adults, packing for kids requires much more preparation, thought, and consideration.
Don’t run out the clock
While you might think you can accomplish all of your packing in an afternoon, that’s likely not
the case. Give yourself time to pack and plan for everyone. The more people you have in your
family, the more time you need. This way you can see how much space you really have for
everything ahead of time and can double and even triple-check that you remembered
everything.
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Know the plan
While you might know you’re heading out on a beach vacation with the family, think about the
other places you’ll go too. You likely won’t want everyone to wear a bathing suit to a nice
restaurant for dinner. Having an idea of where you’ll visit can make packing go more smoothly.
It’s also important to check the weather so everyone can have what they need, and your
vacation isn’t ruined by an unexpected downpour.
Pack for messes, but leave the closet
While we might make an attempt to keep our photo-worthy vacation outfits clean, kids are
mess magnets. Plan to pack multiple outfits for kids throughout the day, and plan for a mishap.
This doesn’t mean to throw your entire kid’s wardrobe in the suitcase but figure out which nicer
outfits could potentially get messy and pack an extra so your family photo isn’t ruined by a
giant stain.
Pack smart
Think about clothes with multiple uses. Airport fashion can easily translate into tourist sightseeing if you plan ahead. Choose functional and comfortable outfits that can transition with you
throughout the day. For parents of babies and toddlers, Sandra Aris pants are the ultimate
travel pants. They feature uniquely designed, protective pads in the knee and butt area that can
prevent travel meltdowns for kids running up and down the plane aisle, and for excited wobbly
steps on the beach. In most suitcases, shoes will take up a majority of the space, choose shoes that can be used for function and fashion to conserve space.
Think beyond clothes and toiletries
Packing doesn’t just involve outfits and toothpaste. For example, make sure to plan ahead with
medications that are taken daily, as well as pain-relieving medications such as Tylenol, aspirin,
etc. For road trips, be sure to pack enough snacks and entertaining activities to keep everyone
in the car full and happy. This can be a list of road trip games you write on your phone, coloring
books, or other forms of entertainment.
Most importantly, cherish the time you spend with your family on vacation. Memories will last
a lifetime, and in most cases, something you forgot to pack can be found at a convenience store
or grocery store nearby. Taking the time to plan your packing for the family can make the trip
more enjoyable and create even better memories.
For more travel tips and packing help, see these:
- 10 Family Travel Destinations That May Surprise You Are Actually Affordable
- 5 Reasons to Take a Beach Flexcation
- 16 Top Safety Items You Actually Need On A Theme Park Packing List
- 12 Suitcase Packing Tips to Cut Baggage Fees
Guest Author: Family Travel Expert Sandra Aris
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