A vacation is always a great thing because it gives you a chance to rejuvenate and a break from work. Planning and organizing trips are a challenge and even more so when kids are involved. Sure, it’s nice to have a couple’s retreat with your partner, but family vacations are transformative for young children.
In fact, kids value vacations with their parents more than they value having a lot more toys or gadgets. Going to new places stimulates a child’s brain development and engages all their senses. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that both the adults and kids can enjoy.
The biggest hurdle when it comes to traveling as a family is packing. Excess luggage is heavy to carry around and an additional expense. If you want to go lighter, check out these genius hacks to apply on your next vacation with kids.
Make a List
It may seem like an extra step, but making a list helps keep you on top of things. When you write down only the items you need, it prevents you from overpacking. Keeping the packing list ensures that everything you take with you is accounted for once you’re packing again to head home.
Pack Double-Duty Clothes in Space-Saving Cubes
Some of the heaviest things to pack in the luggage are clothes. If you’re going on vacation for two weeks, it makes sense to bring a lot of clothes, but when you’re a family of four, things can add up easily. While bringing only the basics helps, it makes much more sense to pack double-duty clothes that can function like different garments simultaneously.
For example, instead of bringing two jackets, you can bring a reversible to get more use out of it. Convertible clothes are a smart way to travel if you want to pack light and still look fashionable.
Even if you only travel once a year, there are a lot of uses for convertible clothes. You can get rid of clothes you don’t need anymore either by donating them to nonprofit organizations or by selling them online for extra income.
How you put clothes in suitcases or luggage can make a difference as well. You can save a lot of space and minimize wrinkles when you roll and stack clothes. Packing cubes can also help make packing and taking out things conveniently from bulky travel bags.
Another tip to remember is to assign mesh bags or cubes to a certain family member. If a child needs socks, you can easily get what you need because you know which cube you placed their things in. Emergency clothes can be stored in carry-on luggage for that unfortunate spillage that happens from time to time with kids.
Arm the Kids with Small Backpacks
It’s no secret that kids can sometimes be excessively fussy in transit, whether on a plane, train, or boat. The secret to calm children during these times is to give them something to occupy their attention. If you travel with a brood of at least two, it is recommended to bring coloring books, snacks, markers, Kindles, tablets, or toys.
However, carrying all these things around is taxing on your back or shoulders. Let kids help by giving them small backpacks to carry when traveling. It should hold some items that can entertain them for hours. If they’re old enough to understand, this is an excellent opportunity to teach them about responsibility. If they take out their things, they should be responsible to look after all those.
Wear Largest Items
If you want to save as much space as possible, don’t pack the largest wearable clothes or items you have. If you absolutely must have bulky shoes because they’re important for travel, don’t pack them; wear them. The same goes for items like thick wool jackets and jeans. This is in conjunction with only bringing three pairs of shoes max for a weeklong trip.
Make Amazing Memories
Transit is often the hardest part of traveling with kids. Vacations are exciting, fun, and educational. No matter how you do it—whether you fill the days with endless activities or have days to do activities as you please—the most important thing to remember is to make memories.
Children are only young once and moments where you treasure them can be fleeting. Spend quality time with your young ones, and remember to take lots of pictures!
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