Surviving Family Vacations: Packing Tips for Traveling with Children

Oh, the joys of traveling with your spawn. The screams- their's and mine, the crying, and the dreaded "are we there yet?" every five minutes. As a mom, traveling with kids can be quite the challenge. But, it really doesn't always have to be. Whether you're crazy enough to go on a road trip or flying, the key to a successful family vacation lies in properly packing for the trip. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most helpful packing tips for traveling with demons-I mean, kids. Trust me; you'll want to thank me later.

1. Travel checklist: Making a travel checklist can be a game-changer. It helps you keep track of everything you need to pack and hopefully ensures that you never forget anything important. If anything, you can ensure that each child has the appropriate clothes, and other essentials they need for the trip. So, before you start packing your bags, take some time to sit down and make a list of all the things you and your kids will need. Download my checklist here.

2. Pack a first-aid kit: If your kids are anything like mine, they will get hurt before you get to your final destination. It's always a good idea to pack a first-aid kit. You never know when you might need it, especially when you're in a different country. Include medications, mosquito-bite ointment, sunscreen, bandaids, Tylenol and anything else that you think you might need. It not only gives you a piece of mind but also saves a trip to the store while on vacay.

3. Pack light: As tempting as it may be to pack your entire house, resist the urge to overpack. It's always best to stick to the essentials and do laundry if needed. Overpacking can become expensive if you're flying. Remember the goal is to have fun so think light and the absolute worse thing that could happen, is you have to buy something you forgot.

4. Entertainment: Nothing is worse than a long flight, train ride, or car trip with bored kids. Pack some entertainment as one of your packing essentials. Books, toys, crafts, or tablets, are all great options to make sure the kids have something to keep them busy for hours on end. Don't forget the headphones for the tablet! It's a win-win situation. You'll have some downtime (maybe), and your kids will be entertained (hopefully).

5. Organize your luggage properly: I'm far from a professional packer but I do try my best. There are plenty of ways to pack your luggage to maximize space and keep things organized. For example, roll clothes instead of folding them, or use packing cubes to keep things separated. My favorite trick is packing socks and undies inside shoes The process can be fun and practical once you get the hang of it.

Traveling with kids can be a daunting task. If you follow these tips, it can hopefully be less stressful and maybe even become fun. From making a travel list, to making sure that you pack light, a little planning can go a long way to ensure that your family vacation goes off without a hitch. Remember, organizing different luggage elements also helps save the day. Now that you know what you need to pack, what are you waiting for? Go pack and enjoy your vacy with the kiddos.