Family Travel Packing Tips

Posted on Jul 6, 2014 | 0 comments

I am going to be honest here, I have a very bad case of wanderlust! I LOVE to travel! And I LOVE to share the experiences with my children and husband. I want us to try new foods, see new places, smell new smells, really experience it all!

However in order to do all of that, first you have to do something nasty… pack. There, I said it, and yes you must do it! But lucky for you, you have found this webpage where I am going to list my secrets to making it much easier for family packing. So go ahead and poor yourself a nice glass of champagne – or whatever your drink of choice may be – get your bags out and let’s get this done!

My family travel packing tips:

Step 1: Check the weather for the location and time of your trip.
Step 2: Make a list! Depending upon where you are going climate wise, I like to start off with the basics and build from there.

Underwear and socks for how many nights you will be there + 2 extra of each for emergencies.
Pajamas – at least 2 pairs, even for an overnight (you will thank me later).
Bathing suits – a must have no matter what the climate! I never leave the house without bathing suits for all – you never know when you will be able to swim, or better yet let the kids wear themselves out by the pool while you have a lovely drink watching them – indoor or out!
Think about each day’s activities and list out what clothes will be needed. I generally bring 2 sets for each day, daytime wear and nighttime wear. You are on holiday and should have fun dressing in things you don’t get to wear day to day. Don’t be afraid to dress up or try out new styles for both you and your kids!
Camera(s).
Phone, camera, video game chargers.
Sound machine (in case you need to block out loud neighbors).
Appropriate gear (ie: if you are going skiing – ski gear; if you are going to the beach – beach gear).
Sunscreen – please never leave home without this – no matter where you go!
Shoes/boots/flip flops (something I never leave home without either!).

Step 3: Decide how many bags you will need and go and get them out.

Please note: be conscious of the weight of your bag if flying. Be sure to check the airline regulations on how many bags you are allowed, fees on those bags and how much they are allowed to weigh. Most airlines only give you 50 pounds for 25 dollars. A couple of good ones give you the first bag (up to 50 lbs) free so be sure to check this out BEFORE packing.

Step 4: It is possible you will need a refill on your drink, grab water this time to stay nice and hydrated! Do that now and take a bathroom break if you need!
Step 5: Line your bags up, hold up your list and go find it all! I like to collect each item listed for each person at the same time and work my way down. This makes it easier when unpacking or if you need to find something quick. Fold it tightly, you will get more in. I like to put the shoes along the bottom of the bag, a layer of pants/jeans on top, then shirts and everything else above that.
Please note: I like to put a dryer sheet across the bottom of the bag. It keeps it smelling fresh and deters pesky bugs/rodents if flying or taking the train.
Step 6: Now that that is complete it is time to pack the toiletries.
My Tip: I have a big travel toiletry bag that I like to keep packed with the staples of family traveling. Most of the brands we use do not sell travel sizes so I have bought some plain plastic bottles and filled them with each person’s shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotions. That way at least everyone has these items already packed. I just refill them upon return if needed and it makes packing that much easier. Other items I leave in there:

A Razor.
Tweezers.
Sunscreen for the face (make sure you keeps tabs on when it expires and be sure to toss it and replace it).
Toothpaste.
Travel toothbrushes.
Cold Medicine for both adults and children (be sure to check this yearly and to not let it expire).
Children’s Pain Relieving Medicine (be sure to check this yearly and to not let it expire).
Travel Poofs for cleaning.
Q-tips.
A Mirror.
Caladryl lotion.
Band-aides.
Pain Relieving Neosporin.
Vaseline.
Rubber bands for hair
Saline Nasal Spray – you will be surprised how dry traveling can be and how much this can help.
I am a tea drinker so I always keep a few tea bags in here – you never know what you are going to get so best to have your own.
I keep a few dryer sheets in a plastic bag in the travel pack – they have many uses!
Matches/lighter.
Several quarters – just in case…!

Now all you should need to add are hairbrushes and makeup/hair products. I usually keep my toiletry bag accessible until it is literally time to walk out the door. I add these essentials just before we leave.

Step 7: Give yourself a cheer, you are done and ready for holiday! Go ahead and have a celebratory drink and relax, job well done!

I hope you have found these family travel packing tips as useful as I find them to be. They help make a nasty job fun and quick! What are some of your tips?

Cheers and Safe Travels!
Malibu Mama Loves Xx