Traveling alone is simple.  Traveling with kids is a production!  Here are my Top 10 Packing Tips for Traveling with Kids.  Here’s hoping they make your trip go a little bit smoother…

Family Travel 101: Top 10 Packing Tips for Traveling with Kids

1) Put everything essential in your carry-on bag.  Basically, NEVER EVER put jewelry, electronics, and chargers, loveys, or medicine in your checked luggage.  Also, if something is vital to your kid’s happiness and you can’t buy it at your travel destination, leave it home or pack it in your carry-on.  I’m talking must-have toothbrush, special headband, favorite stuffed animal, etc.

2) Dress everyone in comfy outfits and bring a change of clothes for everyone in your carry-on bag.  If your kids are close in age you can probably get by with an extra top and leggings but no matter what, bring extra undies and diapers/burp cloths.  Air sickness, spills, and other accidents are bound to happen and you’ll be super sorry if you have to walk around smelling like puke or pee.

3) Oversized plastic bags and Ziplocs are your best friend.  Pack pajamas in one air compression bag and socks/undies/diapers in another and squeeze till flat.  Depending on where we’re going, I usually use Ziplocs for my daughter’s individual outfits or like items (bathing suits, tops, bottoms, etc.).  For going home, you can use these bags to keep the dirty laundry away from the clean things.

4) Charge all phones and electronic devices before you get to the airport and bring extra batteries and backup power chargers for the plane.  Always pack chargers in your carry-on bag.

5) Keep toiletries to a minimum unless someone in your family has allergy issues.  Make use of the hotel bath amenities but do remember your favorite toothpastes and must-have essentials like detangling spray and sunscreen.  If you’re not checking luggage, check out 3FLOZ and All Travel Sizes for travel sized products, travel kits and squeezable travel tubes.

6) Bring any and all medicine you might need especially if you are traveling out of the country.  If your kids are in the middle of a prescription, take the entire dose with you in case your flight home gets canceled. If you’re traveling with little kids, always pack a thermometer, first aid kit and children’s fever reducer.

7) If kids are old enough, let them be in charge of packing their carry-on bag.  Make sure they bring toys, arts and crafts, snacks, electronics, headphones and anything else that will keep them happily entertained.  My four-year old loves to take her Trunki – Trixie Pink as a carry on because it doubles as a ride-on toy (shown above).

8) Bring along a LOT of healthy snacks and your child’s favorite water bottle.  Easy to pack snacks include nuts, cheese sticks, raisin boxes, granola bars, sliced fruit, sandwiches, pretzels for older kids and squeeze fruit pouches, baby food, yogurt bites and puffs for smaller kids. I’ve never been stopped from bringing a water bottle for my daughter through airport security but they do ask to test it.  Don’t forget bottles and extra formula and bibs for the babes if needed.

9) Bring along family friendly games.  Small travel-friendly games like Melissa & Doug Travel Memory Game, magic pen/books and coloring books/crayons and cards are good non-electronic options.  I always pack a surprise toy or two in my suitcase like Legos, Play Doh or bead necklace kits to keep my daughter busy in the hotel. If you’re going somewhere beachy, bring along beach toys which can double as bath toys.

10) Pack a list of all important information in case you lose your phone or wallet.  Make a xerox for a family member not traveling with you along with a copy of your itinerary/car/hotel details.  The list should include passport information (if traveling abroad), drivers license details, credit card information, important phone numbers and email addresses and any medical records you might need during your trip.

Bon voyage!