If you are like me, there are regularly at least 15 thoughts going through my mind. And the holiday season just adds to that. Add travel to the mix and my brain is fried.
After all, if you’re a mom, you’re not packing for just yourself. There’s your stuff, your kids’ things and stuff for the whole family like snacks and entertainment.
I’m telling you, if it weren’t for my list-making obsession, I would leave half the things we needed behind. Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile (couldn’t resist), a packing list makes the process so much easier, both when packing to leave home and when re-packing to come back. I’m sharing my packing template with you today as a starting point for you to customize.
It features a column for you, a column for a toddler (cause that’s my life right now), column for an older child and a column for overall family items. Add or delete columns, or do whatever you need to do to make it work best for you.
And a few other tips that make our travels easier:
- Use the right travel accessories.
I use this toiletry organizer, this makeup bag and a curling iron holder like this. - Think about comfort.
My hubby swears by this pillow on long flights. I was not crazy about the price until we took an international flight, and I changed my mind. On road trips, I pack a couple of throws in case someone gets cold. - Download the best apps in advance.
Use Waze app for navigation. It tells you about construction delays, cars on the shoulder of the road, police speed traps and rest areas. In other words, awesome. Use Gas Buddy to find out where the least expensive gas is in the area you’re traveling. - Make sure everyone has entertainment.
Load up on good music, podcasts and cartoons for the kids. When you are traveling along through country areas, you won’t have any reception for calls or Internet. - Stock up on great snacks.
I start out with a stash of healthy snacks but always make sure to include a couple of treats and some caffeine in case the driver starts getting sleepy. Besides, road trippers can save money by packing great snacks and drinks and only buying a sandwich or burger while on the road.
What other tips am I missing that make your travels easier? Although, honestly, I’d just rather skip the traveling and have the superpower of teleportation.