When traveling on vacation with kids, you absolutely can’t pack enough. Of course, most parents know that things like toys, wipes, and bandages are obvious necessities. But there are also a few things that will make your life easier if you do pack them. They may not be immediately obvious, but you’ll be happy you have them! Here are 5 Things to Bring on Your Family Vacation!
5 Things to Bring on Your Family Vacation
Benadryl
Benadryl is essential if you’ve got a child with food allergies. But, even if you don’t have a family member with food allergies, I still recommend carrying along Benadryl. Not only is it important to have if you do face an allergic reaction (which can still occur even if your family has no history of allergies), it’s also great if one of your kids get itchy bug bites or poison ivy. In addition, the main ingredient in Benadryl, Diphenhydramine, can be used for motion sickness and as a sleep aid. So, it really is a multitasking medicine. (Remember to talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking it for any purposes other than specified on the box).
Book light
You’ll probably already pack a book light if you plan to read in bed when other family members are asleep. But, I also love to have a book light as a small light to use when the kids are asleep and I’m awake, if we are sharing one room. It’s just enough light to be able to see where you are going, without shining light directly on your children. It’s also great to use if you get up to use the bathroom during the night (as us moms are always likely to do).
Nightlight
Some hotel rooms are dark, especially with the room darkening shades they offer have. I always travel with a small nightlight that I can use in my kids’ room if it’s especially dark.
Power strip
My family, like most, travels with loads of electronic devices, as well as battery chargers (for items that use batteries, like their Leapsters). Many family hotels don’t have nearly enough conveniently located outlets for everything we need to charge. If you, like me, have crawled
on a hotel floor unplugging lamps so you can charge your phone, you should definitely consider bringing a power strip along so you can charge your devices easily. If you are flying, you may also find it helpful to have a power strip so you can charge your devices at the airport.
Gallon-sized freezer bags
Have you ever needed to pack a wet bathing suit in your suitcase? Or maybe found yourself riding a water ride at an amusement park while desperately trying to keep your phone dry? If you, you’ll understand why I always pack gallon-sized freezer bags in my suitcase. They are easy to pack, and serve so many purposes!
What items do you always pack in your suitcase for family travel?
I definitely agree with the freezer bags. Kids always like to jump in the pool just before you leave.
I am so adding these things to my bag of vacation must haves! Thanks for these great ideas!
I like the power cord idea- especially for travel overseas where you have a converter for one outlet.
I’ve started to pack 3-5 reusable cloth bags. They can be stored easily and used as shopping bags, toy holders, beachtowel bags and for odds and ends collected along the way.