We have found local vacations to be our go-to lately. This means places we can drive to which saves money by not having to fly and being able to pack everything up in the car. Most recently, we headed about three hours east of our house, which brought us to guaranteed nice weather. We are pretty simple vacationers and as long as we have a pool and sun, we are happy.
We are finally in that sweet spot of parenting. You know, when the kids can swim and you can actually remember what relaxing in the sun feels like. I am a big planner, which pays off when it comes to things like packing for a vacation. I suggest starting a week in advance to ensure you don’t forget anything. Here are ten things I suggest packing on your next vacation. Most can be good for any vacation, flight or car. {Amazon links are affiliate links.}
- Knife Sharpener –We try to rent a condo or house or something with a kitchen so we are not eating out each meal. The knives are often super worn down which makes chopping more dangerous and difficult.
- Black-Out Shades DIY kit – my kids don’t get the memo that sleeping in is a good idea on vacation. I bring safety pins and sticky utility hooks to then hang a sheet or blanket in their room(s). Anything that buys me even an extra 20 minutes of sleep is worth it.
- All In One Books – Even on trips where we are not flying, I still need to save space. I love these 5 minute bedtime stories. One book holds multiple stories plus they only take 5 minutes to read!
- Chargers – You don’t want to run out of battery on your phone, iPad or Kindle.
- Re-Useable Snack Bags – If your kids are like mine, they are constantly in need of snacks. On vacation, I give in and allow it. I use these bags all the time in school lunches and am sure to also bring them on vacation so I can bring food to the pool.
- Dollar Store Toiletries and Entertainment– I don’t like bringing back things like a squirt of toothpaste. I hit up the dollar store for things like deodorant, shave gel and toothpaste. I typically also get a four pack of toothbrushes. At the end of the trip, I throw it away. It feels a little wasteful but honestly it otherwise just ends up sitting in a basket at home labeled “travel” and I never end up using it. I also get new crayons and coloring books that the kids can have fun with but then be done after the vacation.
- Paper plates- Like the Dollar Store idea, this is not the most eco-friendly thing to do but I always bring paper plates and bowls with us to cut down on doing dishes. Reuse them to not feel super wasteful.
- Bathrobes – Not a big space saver so this item is more for vacation by car travel. I love having robes at the swimming pool so my kids are not tripping over towels on the walk back to the room. They are also good for lounging around and not dirtying up an outfit.
- Bluetooth Speaker – Whether it’s for music at the pool or your vacation residence, this is a must have.
- Kids Utensils and Sippy Cups– I find it much easier to use kid sized utensils and plates versus what comes in the kitchen (aka breakable stuff). It’s easier to get my four year old to drink enough liquids if she has her sippy cup versus a ceramic mug.
- BONUS – Enough Sunscreen– My kids’ skin typically turns red versus brown so sunscreen is a must for us. I always think I have enough but then after re-applying every couple of hours, I soon find how quickly it diminishes. I am a fan of sticks, lotions and spray. Sunscreen is expensive so whenever I see a coupon, I load up! If you think you have enough, pack one more bottle.
What are your must-haves to make vacation go smooth with kids?
