How you pack for your next vacation could literally make the difference between a stress-free vacation or a complete nightmare. However, just making one major mistake could make a trip extremely difficult, especially when you don’t have a plan B. In this article, we’re going to give you a few essential packing tips when traveling with children.
Cross Pack
Even though that is something most of us dread and hope never happens, luggage gets lost sometimes. And the only way to be prepared for this kind of situation is to plan properly. If you’re packing essentials, make sure that you pack multiple sets of the same items across various bags. The best luggage sets will give you enough space to do that. Make sure that you put at least an extra set of clothes for your children across two or more bags, in case of emergency.
Keep the Cords and Chargers in the Same Place
If you’ve ever traveled with children, you’ll know how much of a godsend electronic devices can be during a long trip. However, losing or forgetting cords and chargers can be a sure fun-killer. The best thing you could do is buy a small pouch that will be used to store chargers and cords. You’ll find tons of these pouches on the market and they’re usually waterproof, which will keep your electronics safe as well.
Find Apps your Children will be Able to Use Without an Internet Connection
But what good are electronic devices if you cannot find a good Wi-Fi connection? Most apps nowadays require that you have some sort of steady connection you can rely on, but if you’re prepared correctly, you can look for apps ahead of time that you’ll be able to use wherever you are. Games like Angry Birds, Bejeweled, Tetris or Starfall can all be used offline and will keep your kids occupied for hours.
Get yourself a Headphone Splitter
If you don’t want to annoy everybody on the plane by playing your music or videos out loud on your phone or iPad, you can buy a headphone splitter, so you can share the audio. Some splitters allow up to five headphones to be connected, so even if you’re traveling with a small army, you’ll be able to make sure nobody is left out.
Pack a few non-Tech Toys
While electronic devices will go a long way in keeping your children busy, it doesn’t mean that you should be completely reliant on them. Sometimes, the best way to bond on a trip is to disconnect and go for some old fashion family fun. Games like Clue, for instance, are great for the family and they can be enjoyed on the road too. Games and toys like Wikki Stix, Crocodile or coloring books with markers are great alternatives as well.
Conclusion
Now that you have your packing down, you can focus on having a good time with your family. Just remember to use these few simple tips to prevent any issues and make sure everyone enjoys their trip to the fullest.