How to Pack for Your Family Vacation

Packing for a family vacation can be a massive undertaking, especially if you're the one packing for everyone else. Here are a few steps to help you pack just what you need so you can get on with your family vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Do everyone's laundry before a family vacation. All of it. If you have young children you're probably always doing laundry anyway. If that's the case, don't let them wear anything you want to bring on your vacation for the last few days you're home.

2. Board pets the day before you leave, and don't pick them up until the day after you return. Yes, it will be more expensive but it will be worth it to have them safely ensconced at the Kitty Bed & Breakfast or Doggie Play & Stay rather than in your luggage or under your feet while you're trying to get out the door.

3. Set aside travel clothes and a travel bag for each person. Travel clothes should be comfortable and layered so you can adjust to different weather and temperatures, but not sloppy. You still want to be able to take family photos and eat in public, so save the pajamas for bed time. A travel bag can hold medications, a wallet, books, toys, your cell phone, and anything else you need to reach often while you're on the road. If you're flying, make sure everyone's bag meets airline guidelines. Let children choose their own toys, but leave time to help younger travelers review their choices once or twice.

4. Wear something ugly and get ready to finish packing for your family vacation. Finish? Yes! At this point, everyone has clean, comfortable clothes to wear when you leave and all their necessities and favorites in their own bags. All that you need now are day-to-day clothes, and vacation gear. I make two lists, one for clothes, one for gear. If you keep running lists from the time you decide on your family vacation, then by the time you're ready to pack you will have already thought of everything and written it down.
   
   For the clothes, open all the luggage in one room and go through your clothing list like you're dealing cards, "Socks for me, socks for John, socks for the kids. Swimsuit for me, swimsuit for John...". Round up all the vacation gear on your second list and pack it last in it's own container. Gear tends to be large and lumpy or small and breakable, so by packing it last, you'll be less likely to run out of room or break anything.

5. Round up the family, counting twice to be sure you haven't forgotten anyone, and you're off! Enjoy your family vacation.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that if you DO forget something, chances are good that you can buy a replacement somewhere on your trip. Relax, and enjoy your family vacation.

[karileighk]

on 6/30/2009 Packing for vacation can be fun and exhausting at the same time. Great tips. *5