We’re starting a new series today all about one of our favorite topics: TRAVEL! This series will include packing, navigating airports, time changes, schedules, choosing the right trip for your kids’ ages and current family dynamic, and how we handle the post-vacation detox. So let’s get to it.
I shared this photo on my stories two weeks ago and the feedback was hilarious. I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten so many questions on a picture. So here’s the down low on how we pack for trips:
First of all, we pack completely differently for a car trip than a plane trip. So packing tip #1 is:
Determine how much space you need in your car for other items, or, if you’re flying, how much you can carry through the airport with your kids.
We fit all of our clothes and toiletries into one bag for car trips because we need space for allll the other stuff we bring: (stroller, pack ‘n plays, high chair, beach toys, bike seats, food, helmets, etc.). So when you’re packing for a car trip, decide if it would make more sense to get the biggest suitcase you have and pack it full rather than letting each person pack their own bag.
When we fly, depending on the trip, some of these things that take up more space still need to come with us. So we pack 2 large rolling suitcases that we check, plus two smaller carry-ons that we keep in each stroller as we walk through the airport. We’ll talk more about airport tips in the next travel series post, but when you’re packing, envision yourself getting from the car to the gate and determine what you’re capable of lugging around along with your kids. Paying potential fees to check a bag is worth every penny if it means you can get to the gate with ease.
Here’s a little video of us getting ready to leave the rental car place and make our way to baggage check. These Gate Check car seat travel bags are super cheap and get the job done! Matt and I each wear one on our backs (his is this version that we borrow from his sister) as we walk through the airport since we carry the carseats on board (more on that in the airport post), but you can also check the carseats in these bags (for free!) if you don’t want to bring them on the plane.
Tip #2:
Decide how many outfits and pairs of shoes you really need.
If Matt and I are going on a trip just the two of us where every day is a date and every night is a date night, I’ll put more time and energy into packing cute outfits and jewelry and multiple pairs of shoes. But if we’re traveling as a family, and we’re spending our days walking, playing, and likely sweating often- I’ll take comfort and ease of getting ready every day over looking cute. 😉
Also, if we rent a house with a washer/dryer or stay in a hotel with a laundry service (this is included for FREE at some hotels!), and space in limited in the suitcase, I’ll pack 4-6 outfits and 2-3 pairs of pjs per person and run a load of wash when needed.
Tip #3:
Find out what the hotel or home you’re renting provides.
Most hotels have cribs, pack ‘n plays, roll away beds and air mattresses, and some houses offer these things as well. So call ahead and find out what they offer and then determine what the sleeping arrangements will be. If you’re all sleeping in close quarters, you can likely leave the video monitors at home. And if you travel with sounds machines like we do, you might not need one per person if kids will be sharing rooms or if one pack ‘n play is going in a bathroom that has a vent (built-in white noise).
Tip #4:
Let each kid pick a favorite lovey and a favorite book.
I realize every child is different, but our bedtime routines when we travel are honestly so much shorter because the kids are all tuckered out from the day. At home, we’ll read 2-3 books or magazines, but on vacation, some nights they don’t even want a book before bed! We also try to remind our kids that we’re only gone for a few days, so think about the one “friend” (that’s what they call their loveys) they’d really like to bring along for the trip. Obviously bend on this if your kids are super attached to more than one, but maybe avoid devoting an entire bag to bedtime essentials. 😉
Tip #5
Set aside an outfit for each person in your carry-on if you’re flying, or if you’re driving, think about what you’ll need to use or wear right when you arrive.
That’s really wordy but let me break it down into driving vs. flying. If you’re flying, throw in an extra outfit for each person in the carry-on. I know this is annoying, but Matt and I have each been pooped on in the air, and kids are bound to spill from time to time. The worst thing is sitting in a poopy shirt or having one of your kiddos riding uncomfortable and wet. Hopefully you won’t need the clothes, but you’ll be so glad you packed them if you do.
If you’re driving, figure out if there’s anything you’ll need to be ready for right when you arrive. For example, when we drove to the beach two weeks ago, I knew our kids would want to go down to the water right away. So I had our bathing suits in the outside zipper section of our suitcase so we could change in the car if the house wasn’t ready yet. This is just a simple time saver and stress saver when everyone is ready to be out of the car and you’re avoiding sifting through 5 different sections of a suitcase trying to find what you need.
That’s it for today! Questions? Comments? Any tips of your own you can share? Leave a comment below and add to the conversation! And if there’s anything specific you’d like for me to cover in the upcoming travel posts, let me know! You can either comment below or email me at heather@makinghomehere.com.
