Family Vacation Packing Tips:
Less Stuff. More Fun.

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When you're traveling with children you can very easily get bogged down with too much stuff before you even leave your house.

I learned this lesson the hard way. Your kids will want to take everything (My kids always want to bring the stuffed animal brigade), so when packing for travel it's best to set limits and stick to them.

I admit, this seems nit-picky but you'll be glad you did.

Top 10 "Must Do" Family Vacation Packing Tips

1. Make a packing list. General packing lists are available online, however, they have lots of things on them that don't apply to my family. I've always found it more useful to make my own packing list. I go through our closets, toiletries, and personal items and write down all the things we will need to pack about a week in advance. Do this for each member of the family and you will have lists with only those items that are necessary for you. You can also see which items you need to go out and buy for the trip.
2. Don't over pack. Easier said than done of all vacation packing tips. Be realistic and reasonable when planning what clothes to pack. Especially if you're flying, extra baggage fees are calculated by the pound, so you don't want to bring anything you aren't going to use. Lay out everything you're going to pack and look it over. Start packing once you've got it all together.
3. Fit your bag to your stuff. Choose a size bag that will fit the amount you need to pack. If you pick a suitcase first, then start stuffing it until it's full, chances are you will be lugging around a lot more stuff than you'll actually use on your trip. I've made this mistake with my family. Realizing we had packed way more than we needed by the end of the vacation was no fun.
4. Consider coin laundry. Some family resorts offer coin operated washers and dryers. If you're going to have access to a washer and dryer it makes packing light even easier. If you plan to do one, maybe two loads of laundry while you're away, you will be able to get a weeks worth of wear out of 3 or 4 "mix and match" outfits. Multiply that by how many of you will be traveling and you'll see how the suitcases fill up quickly. Don't forget to plan for the cost of coin laundry in your vacation budgeting .
5. Bring toiletries that can be shared. One tube each of toothpaste, lotion and sunblock for everyone to use saves a lot of space in your bags.
6. Fold and roll. Rolling some of your clothes to pack them rather than folding saves space in your suitcase and keeps wrinkles to a minimum. Fold jeans and other wrinkle resistant bottoms in half, then lay inside your suitcase. Fold each top once in half lengthwise then layer two or three on top of each other then roll tightly from the narrow bottom up. Place rolls on your suitcase snug against each other to maximize your space and minimize wrinkling.
7. Take a "carry on" bag. If you're flying it's always best to take a small bag on the plane with you carrying any essentials you will need in case your checked baggage doesn't make it to your destination the same time you do. Things like medications, jewelry, cash, laptops and fragile items should always go in your "carry on" and never in checked baggage. I go with a backpack or zippered tote because they hold everything I need and fit perfectly under the seat in front of me.
8. Leave the good stuff at home. Your family vacation isn't usually the time you're going to be draped in diamonds, so leave your truly irreplaceable and sentimental jewelry or other items safe at home. If you will be needing your valuables at your destination then DO NOT pack them in your luggage. Keep them with you.
9. Give the kids their own backpack. This is one of the best vacation packing tips whether you're taking a train, plane or automobile. Let each child carry their own backpack with a few snacks, a book, small toys or games, and a t-shirt and underwear in case of lost luggage. This will let your kids "fend for themselves" in their seats in case they get bored or hungry on the trip. If the kids are taking hand held games or MP3 players make sure everything is charged up and that you pack batteries too.
10. Don't forget the souvenirs. Depending on where you're going, you may come home with more than you left with. Bring an extra piece of luggage or consider having your purchases shipped home separately. Flat rate Priority mail through the USPS may be the most convenient, and most affordable way to get that stuff home.

If you follow these vacation packing tips your families packing for travel will be a breeze instead of a chore. Just remember to give everyone plenty of time to plan, prepare and pack.