Traveling with your family is a great way to create everlasting memories for life. It is fun, but if you are heading out for a long vacation with your kids always pay attention to their needs. It is the key factor for your safe and smooth family trip. Here are the 12 amazing packing tips that’ll make your journey hassle-free.
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First And Most Important Tip- Take It Slow With Plenty Of Time
It is advisable not to procrastinate your packing as it will take time to pack correct and you might forget something essential for your kids. Always start your packing at least a week before just to be sure that you have plenty of time to finish your packing.
Pack Essentials Only And Keep It As Little As Possible
Some parents tend to pack every item they may or may not require on their vacation. They pack even those items which are easily available everywhere. This is a terrible idea as there is a good chance that you have to carry your kid after the long tiring day but wait, you already have 100 kgs of luggage with you. Good luck with that! If you miss something, you can buy it at your destination. You don’t need to carry every single item you need on a trip.
Pre-Book Things to Avoid Long Queues
You have booked your flights, lodging, transfer, etc., but your pre-booking doesn’t end here. Some of the items that you can book ahead are private and public transportation, theme parks, tickets for sightseeing tours, museums, adventure parks, and private guides. You end up getting some discount for pre-booking or booking it online. Avoid the long queue and enjoy uninterrupted.
Explain The Trip To Your Kids
The kids need to know the details of the trip. It will help kids understand the situation of every point of the trip and they always know what comes next. Explaining the itinerary can include the waiting time for the next flight, your stay, local points of attraction, etc.
Keep Their Favorite Snacks
Kids are always hungry and their hunger can turn a pleasant trip into a disastrous one in a matter of a few minutes. While traveling, you never get to know the time between meals. It could be due to several factors such as flight delay, long journey, unexpected delays, long queues and many more. Kids tend to eat less but they eat frequently so it is better to keep some handy snacks for your kids.
Travel With Basic Medicines
The quickest way to ruin a happy fun trip is possibly a sick member. Traveling in a bumpy ride can make your tummy upset, a ferry ride causes seasickness, and due to fear of flying or flying anxiety, some people feel uneasy while traveling on a flight. You must keep some basic along with your prescribed medicine with a doctor’s prescription (you may ask for it if you are traveling abroad). You can consult with your doctor about how to get over the fear of flying.
Always Carry Water With You
Water is essential for everyone. Especially in summers, kids need water every 10 minutes and you don’t want to take a risk for drinking tap water while traveling. Always keep a portable water bottle not just for your kids, but for your entire family.
Keep Your ID In a Secure Waterproof Satchel
Always carry your identification documents with you all the time. Some countries require you to carry the original birth certificate of your kids to make sure you are the real parents and you have the right to enter and leave the country with them. Always keep photocopies of your documents separate from the original ones besides the scan copies in your mail as you don’t always have the internet facility with you.
Pack Electronics Devices To Keep Them Busy
Keep your kids entertained is the main concern of every parent going on a long trip. One way to keep them busy is to let them use their electronic devices such as a mobile, tablet, video games, etc. Even if you limit electronics or have a strict time limit for their usages but traveling is the time you can keep that rule aside. Some buses, trains, or planes have their own entertainment devices but some don’t. Make sure you have plenty of tv shows, movies, and games downloaded before so that you can enjoy them offline.
UV Protected Window Shade
Traveling with the sun directly shining on your side of the seat can be irksome sometimes. A UV protected window shade comes handy in such situations. They protect you from heat and sun glare. Keeps your seat cooler and reduces skin irritations. They are cheap and easily available.
Let Your Kids Have Their Own Bag
Instead of having a sharing bag, try to pack a little bag for your kids. It can include their two or more dresses, snacks ( chips, chocolates, etc.). Make it as light as possible.
Bring Plenty Of Wet Wipes And Diapers
Always carry plenty of diapers and wet wipes for your toddler. Also, carry one spare dress and a ziplock bag to put the used dress and avoid mixing it with fresh clothes.
Conclusion
The biggest tip for having memorable moments with your family is to stop putting it off and plan your travel now. Traveling with your kids will be a fun trip or boring one somehow depends upon how you do your packing for the tour. Keeping these tips in your mind will help you in a smooth family vacation.