What to pack for a vacation

Should we leave the DVD players at home?

We all tend to over-pack for vacations. Having kids makes it even harder. The most important thing to remember is keep it simple. Here in the United States, there are stores on just about every corner. If you forgot something you can probably do without it. If not (I hate to say this) there’s always the store at your destination.

Packing needs to start weeks before the trip. Start with the kids. Where are you going and what time of the year will you be there? Vacation clothing needs to be dual purpose. Short shorts are great but they aren’t appropriate for nicer restaurants. How about longer shorts and a tank top for girls that can be covered up with a nice solid colored button shirt that could be tied for dinner? It looks nice and will keep you from freezing from the air conditioning. As for clothing for boys, try to keep the artwork on the front and back of the T-shirts to a minimum.

Whether you are going on vacation for weeks or a day, everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. Click here for the 10 items that everyone should carry with them. They can save the day and the family vacation.

Helpful hint:

T-shirts, shorts and underwear.

Squeeze the air out.

Place the bags in their suitcase.

If you do this, then dirty clothes never touch clean clothes. Come laundry time, you won’t have to sort laundry and you’ll probably have less to wash because we all know a 10-year old boy will go days without a shower or changing his underwear.

Here are a few ideas on how to pack for a 7-day vacation to California in July.

1. Each person (kids over 4 included) gets their own toiletry bag. Don’t make mom responsible for everyone.

2. Pack enough summer clothes for 3 days plus a pair of long pants and nice shirt. 3. While at the pool, do the laundry

4. Toiletries - pack a tooth brush, tooth paste, comb or hair brush, soap etc for each person. Blow dryers etc... maybe.

5. Pajamas: No girlie or tacky sleepwear - bring something that can substitute for a pair of shorts or a shirt just in case of a clothing disaster.

6. Bring 2-pairs of shoes: walking shoes and sandals

7. Bring a Windbreaker of some sort.

8. Sweatshirts or Polar fleece jackets – If you are going to buy souvenirs, buy a sweatshirt or jacket. It’s a useful souvenir and the memory will last until it’s worn out or out grown.

9. Pack the swimsuits and towels separately. You’ll probably want to use them as soon as you get to the destination. Not to mention, they’re probably still wet from the day before. On road trips, our towels always drape over the luggage in the back of the minivan so that they can dry. (Thank goodness no one can see them through the tinted windows)

10. Kids Toys- Give each child a small duffle bag (not much bigger than a loaf of bread). Don’t forget paper and a writing surface and something to write with (leave the crayons at home. They melt into upholstery and carpet). Keep the car clean and safe. Tell your children “If you’re playing with a toy, it can be out of the bag. If your not, it goes back in the bag”. If you have bench seats in your car, be sure to place the duffle bags between the kids. The further the distance between the kids, the quieter the trip.

11. Music – This is a great time to learn about your kids and for them to learn about you. Make a CD or a file on the MP3 player with music for the car. This is a little work but well worth it. Each person contributes songs that are appropriate for the family to hear like Kids music, Country, Rock, Teen music or Oldies. I’ve grown to like some of the new music and the kids like some of our music. It’s fun to talk and sing for a while before they go back to the headphones.

12. Videos – Here’s where my husband and I disagree with nearly everyone around. You are paying a lot of money to be on vacation, you want to see things. Look out the window! In our car the rule is (most of the time), electronics of any type (Gameboys, DVD’s etc..) are only allowed on the freeways, major highways or at night.

13. Cell phones - Take them, but remember it’s a vacation. The kids can go a couple of days without talking to their friends back home.