Packing for a Family Vacation

May 10, 2009

Packing for a Family Vacation: //©istockphoto

Anyone who has traveled with kids will tell you that packing is not something to be taken lightly. Gone are the days of throwing a couple of things in a bag and making do when you get there. When you have a family, packing takes planning; it requires a strategy.

Natalie Pechacek is an expert on the subject. As CEO and co-founder of Babies Travel Lite (BTL; www.babiestravellite.com) and the mother of two, her advice has been featured on television and radio and in many magazines. BTL, founded in 2004, specializes in delivering more than 1,000 products — including diapers, formula, bottles, food, bathing supplies and more — to resorts, time shares, vacation rentals or even grandma’s house. BTL recently became the official baby supply delivery service for Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

“We all look forward to getting away. However, along with the happy anticipation, travelers also share concerns about packing and what the airport and flights might hold in store,” said Pechacek. “Add kids to your travel plans, and your happy anticipation is often replaced with anxiety and your normal travel concerns can turn to outright fear and dread.”

Pechacek suggests following a few tips in order to make preparing for a family vacation easier and more enjoyable.

• Create a packing list and use it. List everything you think you’ll need. Include even the most obvious items so nothing gets left behind in the final rush. Check off each item as you pack. Before you lock the front door, review the list one last time to be sure you didn’t miss anything.

• Pay attention to your luggage. Don’t assume when it comes to your luggage. If you are traveling by air, check with your carrier about the baggage charges, limitations and restrictions that might apply and pack accordingly.

• Organization helps. Put each family member’s clothing into an extra-large Ziploc plastic bag or clear garbage bag. This makes it easier to organize each person’s clothes before you put them into the suitcase and also simplifies unpacking and keeping organized at your destination.

• Ship ahead. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler there is specialized help. BTL has more than 1,500 items parents can have waiting at any travel destination worldwide. Also, while expensive, there are many companies that will ship your luggage or sports equipment to your destination. You can also ship things yourself.

• Don’t forget about the carry on. You need to make sure you have the necessities while en route. You must be prepared for unexpected delays and unanticipated problems with your children. What you need will depend upon the ages of your children, but food, clothing and amusements are always the top three concerns.

Reader Suggestions

“Many hotels and resorts have inexpensive rates for children’s laundry, so I always call and ask about that before we go. That way, I only have to pack enough clothes for half the trip and have their laundry done midway through for the second half. I also try to pack things that are all the same color so everything goes with everything else and I can pack fewer items for each child.

Another way we save space in our luggage on a family trip is to purchase large items when we arrive. Last year, when we went to Hawaii, we bought Boogie Boards there. Then, we just had the airline put them into plastic bags at the airport for the flight home — and they didn’t even charge us for that!

Last, I always bring an empty duffle bag in my suitcase for things that we buy on the trip. It’s a good way to make sure fragile souvenirs — and kids club art projects — make it home safely!

— Samantha Davis-Friedman,
mother of Joshua, age 10, and Jacob, age 7