I dread traveling with my kids as I always end up forgetting MY things as I’m so concerned about getting their things together.
So here are my tips I learned from our last vacation in November:
- Ensure you pack your bag before you pack everyone else’s.
- Don’t pack 15 minutes before you are trying to leave.
- Have a set of toiletries that stay in your bag instead of relying on packing the ones you use every day (brush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, toothbrush for each family member sharing toothbrushes on the vacation is as gross as it is at home)
- Ensure you have charged the electronics overnight and have power cords that you can plug into your car.
- Take a power strip so all the power cords are plugged in at one location so none are forgotten when you leave your hotel.
- Look for ways to save money where you can.
- Restaurants – eat where kids eat free
- Breakfast – included in your hotel stay, snacks in the evening
- Hotel Discounts – does the hotel offer discounts to local attractions
- Have a first aid kit with bug bite meds, pepto, Benadryl, band-aids, sunscreen, aloe burn cream, aspirin, tissue, wipes, q-tips, etc.)
- Bring your own snacks for the road trip, instead of buying from vending machines.
- Pack beach essentials if you are going to the beach (that includes sunscreen and swimsuits for everyone planning on going into the water).
Most of all enjoy your vacation, you’re eventually going to have to get back in the car and head home.
I have kids ages 6, 9 &15 years and we travel from Texas to Washington state and back every summer and I have found that having an activity bag for each of them plus the electronics work well. Also, I pack a snack bag for each of them for each day of the trip and each bag is different and has their favorites.
Great tips Nicole!
Very informative post! I liked all the suggestion for traveling. Before e traveling it is essential to do prior planning as it save you from several hustle and puzzle.
I agree. Vacations are suppose to be stress free.
Packing your bag first is brilliant! I never take enough time to plan for myself because I am so focused on what everyone else needs!
Not packing for myself leads me to forget things like shirts. I have had to buy a brush or use my daughters before (and she did not want to share, shirts, socks. I think I even had to borrow a toothbrush once too. Definitely about packing your bag first.
And having items specific for your suitcase instead of forgetting them (like a toothbrush and a hair brush!)
Never thought to eat where kids eat free budget friendly tip thanx!
It is so much less expensive! Or just have them eat off of your plate! We do that a lot too. Just get a plate for my son and he eats off of mine. We don’t end up wasting/throwing out food. You do have to get things each other likes though. 🙂