Anytime that you are traveling it requires you to be organized so that you can get from point A to point B with the least amount of
stress.  However, when you add kids into the mix… being organized in your travels is IMPARATIVE.  An organized trip or family vacation will allow to save time, money, and energy on your journey and allow you to enjoy the experience together more. Here are six quick tips for organizing your family trip this summer:

 

1.  Plan Ahead!  The more you plan ahead the less that you have to do on the road.  On our website we have a document called the Trip Organizer Sheet that you can download and use to help you plan ahead.  It allows you to list the details of your flight, rental car, and hotel.  As well as list out attractions that you want to visit and restaurants that you want to try.  If you plan these stops out ahead of time you can often find coupons, deals, or discover the best times to visit and plan accordingly.  

 

2.  Pack Wisely.  If you are going to stop for one quick night at a hotel before getting to where you are going, pack a smaller easy to remove bag that has your essentials for that night only.  Pack your clothes in the order that you will need them so you do not have to dig through luggage and waste time repacking.  Check the weather before you leave so that you are packing appropriately for the weather on your trip.  

 

3.  Organize Entertainment.  I suggest using a special bag that is filled with entertainment for kids on the road.  Coloring books with colored pencils, magnet toys, video games, dvds, puzzle books, etc… are all great on the road.  Here is the key though… do not give them the entire bag at once!  Instead bring out a new item at regular intervals on the trip to keep the entertainment fresh and effective.  This will help cut down on fighting and requests to buy something at each and every stop along the way. 

4. Snack Smart.  Especially if you are driving on your vacation this year… pack a snack box from home.  Include healthy items that will save you time going through drive-thrus and allow your snacking to be much healthier.  If you are flying… stock up on healthy snacks when you make it to your destination at a local grocery store.  

5.  Consider Special Travel Concerns of Family Members.  If you have a family member that needs medicine at a specific time each day- make sure that it is easy to access.  If you have a child that is potty training be sure to plan for that so you do not hinder their progress in this area on your trip.  You may have to plan extra stops and plan to pack a potty seat to use in an emergency on the side of the road.  If you have a family member that is allergic to things be sure to check how that will effect them on the trip and prepare accordingly.  

 

6. Plan for the Worst, expect the best.  I encourage families that are traveling to make sure that you have copies of vital documents with you just in case.  Keeping a medical information sheet filled out for each family member can save you time if someone was to get hurt or sick on your trip.  Having a copy of household contact numbers can be useful if something were to go wrong at home that you need to address before getting  back. 

 

The bottom line to remember is that with careful planning and organization you can help ensure that you are able to save yourself a great deal of stress and frustration on your families vacation this summer.  

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