Travel Light

Holiday is often a time for packing up and hitting the road - either to visit family, celebrate the holidays or enjoy the gift experiences while the kids are out of school. With family across the country, and with a love for the beach and nature filled adventure, we have traveled a good deal in our nearly 14 years of marriage. I wanted to share some tricks that I’ve used for many years to help make the packing less painful and trips more enjoyable.

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Packing Checklist

Starting with a packing list is the easiest way to make sure you don’t leave anything behind. I would rather not reinvent the wheel each time I travel, so I begin with a master list and make adjustments based on the the type and length of trip. Categories include clothing, outerwear, shoes, toiletries, meds + first aid, gear (i.e. beach towels or a hiking pack), plus snacks and activities (like travel toys for the kids).

Pre-Packed Toiletry Bags

I received a beautiful toiletries bag as a bridal shower gift and after packing it up, realized having it pre-packed with shower essentials, first aid, hair, and makeup made the packing feel less cumbersome. Of course I have to refresh, but having the bag pre-packed reminds me of what I’m running low on and need to restock.

I’ve now implemented this for each my kids as well, so when they have an overnight without us at grandparents or friends, they have their bag ready to go.

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Snack Bags for the Kids

I like to pick my battles and discussing snacks on vacations is not one of them. Having individual bags for each kiddo that includes healthy options like nuts and fruit, as well as crackers, granola bars and a couple treats means they can make those choices themselves.

*Pro-tip! I often will make a non-perishable option that I store in our suitcase for the return trip, as well.

One item on my wishlist is to upgrade from plastic bags to these cute washable wet bags from Beego Handmade. Aren’t they so happy?

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Novelties

With younger kids who can’t read, having a few novel toys to entertain them makes a different. We keep a tub in our attic for “travel only” toys and activities like dry erase workbooks, magnetic games, and coloring supplies that are only pulled out for trips. They have a “new” feeling because they don’t get played with often. For bigger trips we might purchase a couple new items to pull out when there is unexpected delays and they start to get bored.

*Pro tip: Travel games and activities make great stocking stuffer and Easter basket fillers!

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Travel DVD case

Speaking of novelty, we keep a travel DVD case full of movies that we generally only watch on road trips with our travel DVD player. We reserve this activity for especially long road trips and when it is too dark for other activities. These children’s headphones have been excellent for air travel, as well.

I hope these tips will help make your travel easier throughout the year. Is there anything about travel prep that you’d like some recommendations on?