6 tips to simplify your vacation

6 Tips to make your families vacation fun and memorable.

Summertime means fun family vacation. If you are like me growing up in the 80’s what comes to mind is Chevy Chases movie “vacation”. To recap for those of you who haven’t seen it, Chevy Chase buys a station wagon with wood paneling in metallic pea green.  The family wagon is loaded or should I say overloaded with luggage, including suitcases tied to the roof.  The Griswold’s vacation is full of calamity right down to the picnic basket which the dog has peed on.

Their vacation yet memorable doesn’t inspire me to travel.  Let’s face it traveling is fun but can be overwhelming especially with kids.  I’ve simplified my top list of traveling tips to make your trip more enjoyable, less crazy and more memorable.

1. Let’s start with the planning.

•  I always start with a piece of paper( I know old fashioned).  I write down all the items I want to bring.  Some of those items include:
• special blankets, toys, books
• phone chargers, laptops or Kindle(also note making sure to have all devices charged the night before).

2. Next, start planning your outfits

I start a week before our trip laying outfits out, with kids you need multiple changes of clothes.  Don’t forget the bathing suit & beach towels, sunscreen and hats. So many places now don’t provide pool or beach towels.

3. Purchase some new items for your trip.

I purchase some new items just for our trip.  Nothing very expensive.  These are some of my current favorites.  This list will vary based on age.

•  Sesame Street Elmo’s On the Go Letters
• ALEX Toys Artist Studio Desk To Go
• Crayola Dry-Erase Activity Center Zany Play Edition
• Melissa & Doug On The Go Water Wow Bundle Animals, Alphabet and Numbers Paint
• Melissa & Doug Play House! Reusable Sticker Pad
• Matching games you could do shapes, colors or cards.  Take and play anywhere game.
• books, books, books make sure to get some new ones to peak interest.  Or use some you haven’t rotated in awhile.
• One of my favorite traveling items isKids Travel Play Tray Bag- Childrens Car Seat Buggy Pushchair Lap Tray (Blue)  I’m in love with this item.  There’s a drink holder, a tray to eat, color, write or do any activities.  Two side pockets for books, it has snaps and zipper for holding items and a strap for easy carrying.  Perfect for car or plane travel.

Try to hide your new items from your kiddos for a “surprise”.  There is something fun for them when they know they have a surprise.

4. Plan your snacks.

Almost as soon as the car pulls out from the  driveway you hear, ” I’m hungry,” can I have a snack.”  Make sure you have snacks in easy to use containers and snack sizes.  A few of my favorites include:

•  Lunchskins 3pk Reusable Sandwich Bags: Apple Orange Pear toxic free can be put in the dishwasher. I use these daily for sandwiches and larger cut fruit.
• green sprouts by i play. Sprout Ware Snack Cup – Pink – Muli Girls – 4 Oz – 3 Ct these are made from plants, corn starch.  Perfect snack size.

5. Healthy snacks

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthily.  Yes, it is a time to indulge in a few foods but so easy to stay on track eating healthy with a little planning. Here are my go to travel foods:

•  Made in Nature 100% Organic Usda Dried & Unsulfured Mangos ~ 28 Ounces (794g)
• Healthy Fruit Snacks Sampler Pack, Includes the Best of Crispy Green, Brother’s All Natural , Bare Fruit and Peeled Snacks, 12 Assorted Fruits and Flavors
• GoGo SqueeZ ORGANIC New On the Go Apple Sauce, VARIETY PACK, 20 Count (20 ct), 3.2 Ounces / Real Organic Fruit & Juice No Artificial Anything 100% Fruit To Go these are a great value.
• Bananas, cut apples, pears, other fresh fruit.
• veggies, carrot sticks are a perfect size
• almond butter between two slices of apple for a sandwich
• Epic All Natural Meat Bar, 100% Grass Fed, Beef, Habanero & Cherry, 1.5 ounce, 12 count this is a great protein snack

We are gluten free 95% of the time.  Here are my gluten free snacks

•  Sweet Potato Chips, (Jackson’s Honest), Cooked in Coconut Oil, Paleo Friendly, 1.2 Oz, (3 Pack)
• Late July Organic Snacks Sea Salt by the Seashore Multigrain Tortilla Chips, 6-Ounce (Pack of 6)

6. Organize

Lastly chose totes that organize all your hard work.  It doesn’t help if you can’t get to your items easily or they are disorganized.

•  SCOUT Original Deano Classic Tote, Deflategate these totes are great! Organize all your smaller bags in these larger ones.
• Cotton Muslin Bags 6×8 inches Red Hem Orange Drawstring 25 count pack  I keep the books, toys, games, crafts etc organized in these bags.  I organize each bag with specific items.  I simply take one bag away and give my daughter the next bag.

Remember to pack lots of water and a few cups for the kids in case one drops or something happens to one.  Don’t forget a few blankets.

We once were stuck while traveling for 5 hours due to a mud slide.  I knew then I always would be prepared.  Blankets, water, activities and lots of food.

 

Wishing you and your family a safe and fun summer.