When preparing to embark on tropical family travels, particularly as cold winter temperatures are starting to take over most of the United States, there are a few travel packing tips that will come in handy when transitioning from a cold climate to tropical heat.Layering is critical to ensure all family members are warm enough when departing home but not sweltering upon arrival at the tropical destination. Bring winter coats onboard the aircraft and stuff in overhead compartments, for both flights. This saves room in the suitcase and does not add to the weight.
For girls consider adding leggings underneath a skirt or skort on flights. This layer can be removed when landing in paradise. Adding a long sleeve shirt or an extra sweater/jacket can add necessary warmth during flights too for both boys and girls. For boys, the roll-up cargo style pants are flexible for warm and cool climates.
When packing it is tempting to plan for the “what if” scenario, but with today’s luggage surcharges on most airlines, it is wise to pack smart. Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler, advises taking less.
“Organize what each family member wants to pack far in advance to allow time to wash favorite things and to encourage participation by each person. This minimizes complaints upon arrival, as each was part of the packing decisions,” Foster says.
One budget saving tip is planning to use self laundry facilities on the trip. Even some cruise lines offer a public laundry area. “You can pack half as much clothing,” she adds. “Tucking in a self-sealing plastic bag of laundry detergent saves money and hassles.”
Even when traveling to the tropics, Foster advises to include one off-season clothing piece for everyone. “If the weather changes, everyone will still be comfortable,” she explains.
Another innovative packing tip Foster provides is taking self-sealing bags of several sizes. “Organize clothing by grouping adult’s items: socks in one container, underwear in another. Children’s clothing is easily organized by folding or rolling an entire days outfit together — pants, tee-shirt, underwear and socks — and tucking into a bag,” Foster says. “Pop the dirty items back into the bag at the end of the day to isolate soiled clothing from clean.”
To assist in the packing process, pack a backpack for each person. “Parents can manage children better if they are hands-free, so purses and in-flight necessities are best carried in an adult backpack,” according to Foster. “Smaller children manage better passing through airports, airport security, and aircraft aisles with small backpacks; bigger children can manage small rolling bags that will fit under the seat.”
One kids’ backpack to consider, especially for toddlers in mind, is the Dog Pull-Along Backpack available at the Chocolate Cake Club (other animals are available) which is lightweight to carry as a backpack or they can pull their dog friend through the airport. This adorable product is small enough for little hands to manage, but does have room for a few travel essentials."When traveling with kids it is important and empowering to them to have their own backpack or pull-along luggage,” according to Sue Kirchner, president of the Chocolate Cake Club. “That way they learn how to pack for a trip, even if their bag only contains toys, and they have their treasures close at hand for when they are bored or feel uneasy traveling.”
Kids travel better when entertained, so allow them to choose their toys and to carry them. "When you take your kids out of their routine and comfort zone, you need to make sure that you travel with products that are fun, or remind them of home,” Kirchner says. “We have certain toys and activity books that only get brought out when we travel. That way they are always ‘new’ again for the kids.”
There are many “activity” type products out there, but a favorite that Tropical Family Travel has tested is the Princess Kids Activity Backpack, offered by the Chocolate Cake Club. This product is large enough that it contains a variety of activities including stickers, markers, and an included activity book, and still has room to bring extra paper or books. A unique feature is that this product is also a backpack.“When you are delayed in the airport, it is essential to have some toys or activities that will really capture your kids attention,” according to Kirchner. “Otherwise, a stressful situation just becomes more stressful for Mom and Dad."
Foster outlines the following items to bring along in the child’s carry-on:
• Gameboys, games and extra batteries and travel-sized games
• Books (thin paperbacks are best!) and/or coloring/activity books and crayons
• Portable DVD player (however battery length is usually only about 3 hours)
• Pajamas and slippers for a long flight
• Hard candies to suck on, water or juice for take offs and landings
• Anything your child must have such as a favorite blanket or bunny
What are some of your packing tips with kids?
3 comments:
The princess activity kit will definately be on my daughters Xmas list this year. We've also found it's important to let each child pack a few favorites in their own backpacks so they can get what they need when they want it. We almost always choose accomodations with laundry facilities when travelling with the children.
Great travel packing tips! The Dog Pull Along Backpack and Princess Kids Activity Backpack is just adorable!
My husband and I travel accross country every year with our three boys. And I know from experience all the tips in this article will really ease the stress of a long trip with young kids. Once again, the dog pull along backpack will be a lifesaver. Our youngest had one just like it except it was a turtle pack. He was so excited about pulling his turtle, he pulled it for long distances without any problem!
Post a Comment