Travel Tips: What You Should and Shouldn’t Pack When Traveling with Kids

Jun 19, 2013 on Travel

When you travel with kids, it can be difficult to know what to pack. It helps to follow great travel tips and to follow a basic packing list for holiday travel. You can use a coupon like the REI coupon at our site to score great deals on the items you need to make a vacation with your children an enjoyable experience. It is important to find the right balance between what you take and what you do not take while you are on vacation. You cannot pack everything you use at home, but there are items you do not want to leave behind.

Items to Include When You Pack

When you are packing for your holiday vacation, you need to pack with your destination in mind. Additionally, you need to prepare a travel bag for your children so that you do not go crazy while you are on the way to your destination. These travel tips can help you keep your sanity.

When you are packing for your destination, it is important to prepare for both warmer and cooler days than the average. Pack so that your child can wear layers and adjust to the temperature during the day. Whether you are going to the beach or headed to the mountains, you need to include a sun hat and sun glasses for your child. You can score a great deal on baby sunglasses at BuyinCoins with the  BuyinCoins promo code.

Another item you need to always pack for your child is a swimming suit. Most hotels have swimming pools, or you may find you have extra time and decide to swim unexpectedly. If you have a small child who is not toilet trained, be sure to include a few swim diapers, as well. You can use a coupon to save on the cost at home while you may not be able to find them at your destination.

When you are packing, be sure to include your child’s comfort items from home. Most preschoolers have a prized stuff animal or a blanket that they need to fall asleep. Pack this in your carry on bag just in case they lose your luggage. This is one item that you do not want to do without.

When you are packing your travel bag, you need to follow this packing list for holiday travel. No matter what age your child is you should prepare a travel bag with snacks and quiet activities in it.  One great example is this Magnetic Hangman from REI. This is a great game for older children. You can save even more with the REI promo code. The REI coupon will help you save even more on this great deal.  You should also include plenty of  small quiet toys for the trip like finger puppets from Banggood. These work great for smaller children. Be sure to use the Banggood promo code.

If you are traveling with an infant or toddler be sure that you pack more diapers, wipes and food than you think you will need. This will help you if you face delays and other issues while traveling. It can also save you from looking for a shop that sells diapers in the middle of the night. This is one of the biggest things you can do to make travel with kids easier.

Items You Should Leave at Home

Travel with kids does not need to be stressful, but if you have every seen parents fly, you may have laughed at how much they were carrying with them. You can prevent things by sticking to the packing list for holiday travel and leaving these items at home. These travel tips make flying much easier.

You can leave the majority of toys at home. Instead, buy one or two smaller new toys that will keep your child occupied while you are traveling. Sticker books and coloring books travel well and can be used to keep your child busy. Games on phones and other electronic devices are also good options.

If you are traveling with an infant, you should leave behind your heavy stroller and travel system. An umbrella stroller folds up easily and is lightweight. You can rent a car seat when you arrive or buy an inexpensive travel car seat.

Leave behind the extra bedding like your pack and play or sleeping bags for your children. Instead, plan on renting one from the hotel or have your parents buy or borrow one for your stay. This will simplify packing and make the entire trip more enjoyable.

These travel tips will make travel with kids much easier. Our packing list for holiday travel should help you determine what to take and what to leave behind. Remember to use a coupon, like our REI coupon to save money on the things you need as you prepare for your holiday.

Boy at Beach Image Source: teddyb (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

Kids with Mimi and Papa Image Source: Clintus McGintus (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

Kids Playing at the Beach Image Source: mikebaird (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr