Essential Things to Pack for a Family Vacation

by Lisa Duguay, ABR, SRES 10/20/2019

A family vacation is great! It's an ideal way for parents and their kids to feel fresh and have fun after the daily grind at the office and the school. A family vacation also creates beautiful memories and strengthens the bond of a family. However, before parents plan out a family vacation, some essential things must tag along with them and failing to pack these things can potentially ruin the whole holiday. Apart from the clothes, do you think you know any other essential things? Take a look below: 

The Basics

- Driving license or tickets for bus, train or plane

- Camera to capture the moments as well as its charger to power up the battery when it gets low

- Mobile phone and charger

- Toothbrushes and paste

- Cash

Medication

- First aid kit

- Painkillers

- Disinfectant

- Mosquito repellent

- Ice spray

- Band-aids

Going Abroad

- Passport and visa document

- EU adapters

- Proof of relationship in case your children have a different surname

- Insurance documents

Beach Items

- Sun hat

- Sunscreen lotion

- Sand toys

- Blanket

- Towel, and wipes

Do You Have a Toddler?

- A bag of snacks is always a great idea. As the saying goes, an apple a day will keep the doctor away. When going on a vacation with a toddler, it is advisable to bring the snacks because a bag full of snacks will keep your kid's boredom away. However, you need to be careful about the kind of meals you bring along. Avoid sugary snacks if you don't want them to have a stomach upset.

- Cartoons: While on vacation with kids, ensure you load up your smartphone with some kids’ cartoons like Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig, Wonder pets, etc. Kids shows are a lifesaver and would give you some alone time to rest.

- Toys: Even if the vacation is just a couple of days, make sure you bring some toys if you don't want to hear any whining or see any displeased faces.

- Extra diapers: If your kid is still using diapers, ensure you take some extra with you. Just in case things get messy. Kids can get very cranky if their diapers get soiled.

- Extra wipes: It is second nature for babies and toddlers to drop spits. Get a rolled tissue for easy cleanup.

- Garbage bag: Kids are known for creating a mess. With that in mind, make sure you have a garbage bag with you to dispose of the mess your kids will make, for those moments you aren't close to one.

Think about your everyday needs and cross check that with your travel needs to ensure you have everything necessary.

About the Author
Author

Lisa Duguay, ABR, SRES

Lisa is a sales and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience representing buyers and sellers throughout Fairfield County. Her deep understanding of local residential markets and current trends along with the exceptional local and global networking resources of Berkshire Hathaway allow her to provide the highest level of personalized, professional and confidential services to her clients. An experienced listener and negotiator, she works with her clients to thoroughly understand and achieve the results they desire. Dedicated, discreet, ethical, honest and principled, Lisa has been consistently recognized as a top producing agent and is a trusted resource within her communities. * Certified Relocation Specialist *Accredited Real Estate Buyer’s Representative (ABR) *Accredited, Senior Real Estate Specialist Council (SRES) *Member, National Association of Realtors *Member, Connecticut Association of Realtors *Member, Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors * Member, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Lisa is a lifelong area resident who grew up in Westport and currently resides in Southport. She is actively involved as a volunteer for several local organizations including the CT Alzheimer’s Association.