Travel Guide for the Well-Traveled Family, Part 4: It's Time to Pack!

By Sharon Rose

You have been planning your family vacation for some time now. The time is finally near!  All necessary reservations are made, to include travel and living accommodations.  It’s time to pack! 


When Should You Start Packing For A Family Vacation? 

Yes, it’s time to start packing, but before you do, make a written list of what you need to pack and what you already have available at hand.  Let’s assume you are vacationing for 5 to 7 days and will need to pack for about a week. The amount of clothing and kind of clothing and other special items you will pack will be determined by your length of stay and destination. 

 

At least one month in advance start to shop for those “needs” that you don’t already have. Keep the “wants” to a minimum.  You don’t want to break the budget and you may want to shop once you arrive at your destination.  Also, remember when packing to leave room for any souvenirs you plan to bring back home with you. If you are flying, check with your airline to be sure of any current restrictions. This is important information to have ahead of shopping and packing. For example, if you need travel size items you will need to put them on your shopping list. Your mode of travel will definitely determine the flexibility you will have in packing. 

Two weeks before time for your family to leave on your trip start to monitor the laundry and put clean clothes aside after they have been washed that will go on the trip.  Make it easy on yourself and eliminate the stress rushing to do things last-minute can bring.  Update your written list to include only what you will carry with you. This list will help you to avoid leaving important items behind; and upon your return for home when your vacation is over, the list will help you to make sure you are taking all of your belongings back home.  I still think about, with great regret, my favorite pair of stiletto sandals I left in a hotel room while on vacation in Chicago. 

One week before time to leave, start to put everything in your suitcases.  If flying, keep in mind that most of the airlines charge $25.00 and up, per bag, that they check. However, it is the weight of the bag that will determine the fee.  We encountered an example of this when on my family’s most recent vacation to Disney World, flying from Atlanta, Georgia to Orlando, Florida.  One of my family member’s bags, weighed in at 120 pounds.  The assessed fee was $90.00.  So, be aware that if your bag is over a certain weight the charge will be determined per pound, not per bag.  She opted to remove as much as she could from the over-weight bag and place the items in her carry-on bag.  She was able to get the fee down to the $25.00 she expected. Taking a small carry-on bag per person is the most economical way to go. Check with your airline to clarify all current policies for bags that are checked.  Policies have been known to change.  Don’t be caught by surprise and use your travel “fun cash” for checking bags.  It’s just not worth it!


What and How Do You Need to Pack?

The itinerary that you have already created will help guide you in what you need to pack. Make the itinerary available to all adults traveling with you so they will be aware of what clothing will be appropriate for the activities that are planned. The ladies will need to bring along their “little black dress” if you plan to check out the nightlife or a fancy restaurant. Make sure you pack batteries for the camera and any chargers for electrical devices. The typical things you will need to pack for most any trip are: clothes, shoes, sunscreen, first-aid kit, bathroom use items, cosmetics, and medication. Be sure to order, well in advance, any needed prescriptions or prescription re-fills. If you will vacation for 5 to 7 days, how will you avoid over-packing? Leave anything behind, like towels, that will be available when you get to your destination. Most hotels have hair dryers and irons, so leave those behind, as well.  Ladies may have to practice an up-do hairstyle, because there will probably be no room for all the hair products you use at home.  Keep them to a minimum. To make more room in your suitcase try tightly rolling your clothes, and using all the side and top pockets in your bag.  Use plastic zip-lock bags to protect clothing from any liquids that could spill in your suitcase.  Don't pack glass items, especially if your suitcase will be checked by an airline.  There is too much risk for breakage and spills on your clothing.  The suitcases are tossed and banged about by baggage handlers and machinery in a rather rough way.  With the thousands of bags to load and unload, quickly, and have them waiting for travelers, on time, at baggage claim, there is no time to be gingerly.  Other packing tips: stuff underwear in shoes to save space; use zip-lock plastic bags, and label them to organize items, such as, underwear, accessories, or socks for the kids to make them easy to find in your suitcase once you arrive at your destination.  It can be so frustrating and time-consuming to look for items in a disorganized suitcase.  You don’t want to be late for you dinner reservations looking for the kids’ socks. 

You need plenty of space to organize packing for a family of four or more.

Don't pack glass or breakable items in your suitcase.  Rough handling would put fragile items at risk.

You have packed the essentials, now what about snacks? I would definitely take along some snacks, and especially if children will be on the trip with you.  I would advise buying snacks before you leave home because they will cost more or be inconvenient to purchase once you get to your destination.  Airports, hotels, and convenience stores usually have high prices on food items.  Take a good book, iPad and iPod along; include mini game consoles, coloring books, and crayons for the kids.  The kids will need entertainment on the airplane or in car.  Pack these items in your carry-on or purse, if flying.  Although most airports and hotels are wired for WiFi these days, if not a “must-have,” let me encourage you to leave your computer behind and enjoy being on vacation.  If an emergency should arise and you need the use of a computer, there is a business office for residents’ use in most hotels or local self-help computer and business services stores, once you reach your destination.

Complete all packing at least 3 days in advance of leaving.  Check your list to make sure you are not leaving anything behind.  You’re all packed and ready to go!

* You leave in 3 days.  Now is a good time to verify any reservations.  These days, many establishments send out e-mail reminders; watch for this if you shared your e-mail address. 

*Next, it's time to have a talk with the kids on traveling and living away from home.  Family Travel Tip # 5 – Travel Safety Tips for the Kids.

Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, "Travel Guide for the Well-Traveled Family, Part 4: It's Time to Pack!"   June 21, 2013, all rights reserved.  Photo credit, Sharon Rose, Mother packing families clothes; all rights reserved.