Universal

When traveling with children we always seem to pack more than we actually need. It is important to bring the essentials but sometimes as parents we get carried away. As you pack, take into account where and how you will be traveling. Consider these universal tips for all modes of transportation.

Medications: For everyone in the family who will be traveling, be sure to bring any necessary medications. Refilling your prescriptions before you leave will be helpful incase you are traveling to a location that does not have your particular pharmacy. Who wants to waste time searching for a pharmacy while on vacation? If you need to travel by airplane with medications that are in liquid form, please be sure to check out the complete TSA rules and regulations. For those traveling to a sunny location, don’t forget to pack sunscreen or be sure to buy it once you arrive. We have found that it is best to pack the sunscreen rather than purchasing it at your destination. Kids will be kids and they want to go to the pool or beach, NOW! Sometimes it saves you time and energy to bring it with you.

Entertainment: It is always helpful to bring something that interests the children while traveling in any form. This not only helps keep your sanity but it makes for a faster more pleasant trip. Our top recommendation would be to bring a portable DVD player and a couple of new DVD’s that your child has never seen before. Next bring a few inexpensive new toys (from a discount store) or a favorite old toy (such as a favorite stuffed animal, doll or blanket). Finally, a couple of lightweight books or games (electronic or otherwise) or creative toys such as crayons and coloring books could really save the day in a moment of boredom for a young child (and you). The list can go on and on. It’s easy to get carried away with bringing half of your child’s room but keep it down to a couple of items. You may end up buying a few new items at your destination anyway.

Snacks: It is always important to travel with snacks for the little ones. It is especially important if you are on a domestic flight where now-a-days nothing is free. When traveling by air many flights no longer offer snacks but sell them at high prices. So be sure to have plenty of snacks to last you the entire trip no matter your mode of transportation.

Pack light: Some might say this is impossible when traveling with children. However, it can be done and it will make your lives so much easier with less “stuff.” If you are traveling with small children consider not bringing a pack n play. Almost every hotel and inn has one you can use or rent during your stay. Every hotel we have stayed at in and outside of the US had cribs or pack n plays in very good condition, even some of the smaller "mom and pop" style motels/bed and breakfasts. So take advantage of them and forego the extra luggage.

Staying with friends or family is great because you can always try to borrow as much as possible from them or their friends. A few items you may consider borrowing are: a stroller, pack n play, car seat, toys, and even a winter clothing such as a coat for a child who lives in warm weather and does not have one. Try just asking and who knows, you may lighten your load by 50 pounds!

Save space: You may want to consider saving room in your luggage for any new purchases you make on your vacation or an alternative would be to purchase a collapsible bag to take with you. We sometimes use our collapsible bag and fill it with our dirty clothes and use our suitcases to carry anything new or fragile that we may have purchased on our trip.

Don't forget to check-out our tips for Airplanes, Automobiles, Cruise Ships, and Trains.

Last update : 20-02-2008 21:37