How to Pack For A Trip With Kids

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By oneloved
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Pack For A Trip With Kids

Are you traveling with kids this summer? Whether you're going on vacation or visiting family, taking a road trip or flying, these tips will help you make sure you pack what you need, and forget what you don't!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Luggage
Activity Bag For Each Child

Step 1

Write an itinerary of everything you plan to do while you're on your trip. Will you be going swimming? Going out to a nice restaurant? Will you be indoors or outside most of the time? Do you need play clothes that the kids can afford to get dirty?
Step 2

Make a list of everything you want to pack a week or two in advance. This gives you time to buy things you may be missing (like batteries or small toys for the activity bag), and wash and set aside outfits you will be taking with you.

Here's a Sample List from my last trip:

Digital camera & batteries
Video camera & charger
Cell Phone & charger
PDA & charger
Size 5 Diapers
Box of wipes
Desitin
Bedtime stories
Curious George doll (for bedtime)
Baby Wash & Shampoo
Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
Tylenol & Teething Tablets
Sunscreen
Toddler dishes & utensils
Oatmeal packets & Fruit snacks
Nice Outfit for Dinner
Short-sleeved Shirts
Shorts
Long pants
Sweatshirts
Shoes & Sandals
Socks

Separate List For the Plane Ride:

Activity Backpack with toys
Snacks & drink
Diapers & wipes
Step 3

Share a suitcase between more than one person, if possible. Sometimes it's better to take one large suitcase on rollers for two or more people, rather than three smaller pieces of luggage that have to be stacked and carried (especially if your children are too small to carry their own luggage, or need to be carried or pushed in a stroller themselves).
Step 4

If you're visiting friends or family, call ahead and ask them to buy a few things to have ready for you (like diapers, wipes, or your kid's favorite snack). This cuts down on bulky items and gives you less to carry. Ask them to keep the receipt, and pay them back as soon as you arrive.
Step 5

For children who are too small to play travel games, create activity bags with new, inexpensive small toys that they have never seen before (a coloring book with washable crayons, small doll or action figure, stickers, toy cell phone or camera, thin story books, small puzzle, etch-a-sketch, toy cars, etc). A gallon-sized ziploc or small backpack should suffice. For older children, try books, travel games, a hand-held gamer, or an inexpensive discman or MP3 player.
Step 6

Two days before your vacation, wash all of your laundry. Separate the clothes you need to pack and place them in your suitcase. Check the weather report for your destination to see if you need to dress cooler or warmer than expected. Withdraw a small stash of emergency cash. Finish any last-minute shopping for things on your packing list, and put together the kids' activity bags.
Step 7

Print off your travel itinerary to carry with you, and make sure all airline tickets, passports, and other papers are in order. Pack your address book or a list of contact numbers (including a next-door neighbor) in case you need to get ahold of someone at home. Make sure someone you trust has a key to your house, in case you need them to get inside for an emergency. Confirm any arrangements you've made for house-sitting or watching your pets.
Step 8

The day before your travel, set aside your clothes for the next day. Charge up your cell phone and any other electronics you may need. Confirm your flight with your airline if you're flying. Pack up toiletries (shampoo, toothbrushes) in ziploc bags or a travel case. Put non-perishable snacks in your children's activity bags (granola bars, crackers, cereal, fruit snacks, jerky). Make sure each child has a clean sippy cup or water bottle, as well.
Step 9

The morning of your trip, make sure everyone is well fed with a high-protein breakfast (like bacon and eggs), to help them stay full until your next opportunity to stop for a meal. Double-check your packing list to make sure you got everything. Have everyone use the bathroom before you leave. Load up your luggage, give each of the kids their surprise activity bags, and you're off!