Introduction:
Mapping out a family vacation takes a great deal of coordination, mostly because there is so much for you and your spouse to remember. Which one of you is in charge of the family car seat? And what about your child’s favorite snacks? But don’t worry, the following family travel checklist is here to help; table runners have created a list of must-have items and must-do tasks.
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By following our guide, you’ll spend more time enjoying yourselves on the road and abroad—whenever that becomes possible again—and less time trying to figure out what you or your child may have left behind.
Pre-Trip Preparations:
- If you’re going abroad, make sure you’ve got your passports, visas, and driver’s licenses duly documented. Travel insurance is also a really smart document to keep on hand if bad things happen while you’re abroad. It doesn’t take long to write up a trusty itinerary that includes key travel times (such as flight and hotel reservations). Meanwhile, confirmation emails are also vital. So, if you receive them, save them!
- Before you leave, handle the basics. Check that you have both your routine and recommended travel shots, but know also that some countries require specific vaccinations. As you would for any trip, pack a sturdy first-aid kit. Because accessibility to stores and medical facilities can waver, carry essentials—over-the-counter medicines, bandages, those you would otherwise turn to Mom for.
- Essential items to bring on a trip with an infant or toddler include a car seat, a stroller, a baby carrier, and some luggage. Since it can be pretty difficult to try to juggle all those items, this is where a travel system (covered next) can also come in handy.
- Make sure to reserve your accommodations well ahead of time, particularly if you are planning to travel during the middle of summer or around major holidays. It is not unusual for the most popular hotels, vacation rentals, and even campgrounds in and around national parks to be booked up 6 months in advance. Also, when booking, remember to look for family-friendly facilities that offer amenities like cots and high chairs. Plus, many places have children’s play areas. One can never be too careful or too prepared when it comes to small children.
Packing Essentials:
Here’s one way to put it:When it comes to clothes, do your best to pack for both the climate and the things you’ll do in your destination. Next, keep the situation with the weather in mind. Will you face any wild temperature swings during your trip? If so, plan for it with layered clothing. … When it comes to packing for a two-year-old and two 11-month-old twins, I have a hard-and-fast rule: pack the necessary clothes for 3 days, then double it.
Bathroom Supplies:
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- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair care products, soaps, and so on.
- Sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizers.
- Baby supplies.
- And last but not least… products for the ladies.
Entertainment:
Ways to entertain yourself on a trip include bringing along books, magazines, coloring books, and crayons. Of course, you can also stay occupied on a journey by watching a movie or show on a tablet. If you prefer a more old-fashioned form of entertainment, you can use a travel-sized game or puzzle. And remember, if you’re using headphones, don’t turn the movie up too loud.
Food and Beverage:
- Prepare wholesome snacks such as dried fruit, vegetables, energy bars, or whole-grain crackers.
- Come equipped with a good stock of water in a portable, refillable container.
- Allow some appropriate indulgences.
Documents for Travel:
- Keep passports, tickets, and itineraries in a safe and convenient location.
- Make digital copies of vital documents in the event of them being lost or stolen.
Cash and Credit:
Take both cash and plastic. Bankrate’s Greg McBride recommends bringing cash as a backup for when cards don’t work, especially in foreign countries where banks might be closed or ATMs unavailable. Of course, cash can be lost or stolen, so you might not want to keep all your eggs in that kind of basket. Plus, cash doesn’t have the most secure reputation when it comes to fund transfers, and credit card transactions are usually protected by international working groups like Eu ro pay, MasterCard, and Visa. So it pays to know what rabbit hole payments could drop through when parting with plastic in Rome, Sicily, or Sardinia.
Electronics:
When it comes to packing for any kind of trip, my mind always goes to electronics first. After all, it’s our devices that allow us to capture and document great moments, keep us connected, and provide us with much-needed entertainment on long trips. The following is a basic list of essential electronics that should be in your bag before you hit the road.
Items to Help You Be Comfortable:
- Pillows for traveling and blankets
- Masks that cover your eyes; something like earplugs
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Tissues and good old-fashioned hand lotion
Additional Tips:
Some extra suggestions to help you out consist of planning for jet lag. Try modifying your sleep schedule for 2—3 days before and after your departure, which will help soften the blow. Research local customs too, so you don’t inadvertently do something that could be potentially offensive. Knowing a couple of phrases in the local language can also go a long way. Traveling can be unpredictable, so being flexible is a key component of overseas trips.
Conclusion:
Once you have this all-purpose list for family travel, you have everything you need to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. From the many things you have to remember to pack (like the baby car seat and all of your necessary medications) to the various types of foods you need to bring on a trip (to make sure everyone’s dietary needs are met), there’s a lot to think about. But we’re here to help! With these insights, we aim to make your family’s next trip a memorable one—for all the right reasons—that’s well worth crowding a car to the point that it might spontaneously transform into a clown car at any moment.
