February 24th, 2010
Pack Light when Traveling with Children? Yes, It’s Possible!
Yes, you read it right. It is possible to pack light when you travel with little kids. I know you would want to bring a LOT when you travel just to make sure that you brought everything. From their usual toys to some stuff like box cutter just in case you need to bring stuff packed in a box. And you would end up bringing the whole house!
So, how would you pack light when traveling with kids?
Here are some 13 tips written by SimpleMom.
1. Bring lots of ziploc-type baggies.
You will always need these especially with little kids. It’s light and can always be folded.
2. You need less toys than you think.
Not much toys though. One favorite toy or two would be enough and make sure you bring light toys!
3. Laundry soap.
This is perfect for washing soiled socks, milk bottles, used plates and utensils.
4. Unless you’re going into the Congo, just bring enough diapers for a few days.
You can easily buy more wherever you are. Point taken.
5. Save a special toy just for this trip.
6. Pack some small kid-friendly snacks.
Biscuits would be light and handy. Not so much water though because you can always buy anywhere.
7. Call ahead to your hotel to see if they have pack-n-plays available for your baby.
8. If you’re renting a car, find out if the rental company can provide a complimentary car seat.
9. Just pack an umbrella stroller.
Yes very convenient. It folds using only one hand and can be carried even if you walk long distances.
10. But if you’re wavering, do bring your stroller – especially if you’re flying.
I’m amazed how often the stroller comes in handy at airports, even if your little one wants to walk. It’s an instant luggage transporter, and you can push it all the way to the end of the jet way, where the airlines will store it underneath.
11. Research where you’re going ahead of time, and create a basic scavenger hunt or bingo game based on what you’ll see.
12. Pack basic, solid-colored clothing that mix and match – for your kids, and for yourself.
Make sure to bring cottony clothes and wrinkle free too!
13. Keep your expectations low.
It’s inevitable that at this stage of life, we will be packing more than we’d like. It often feels so – well, silly – that the smallest people in our lives “need” some of the biggest things. But it’s short lived. As kids grow, you need to bring less and less. So give yourself grace right now, and be okay with packing more than your ideal.
