Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love traveling with my spouse, friends and family. However, when traveling with kids, more patience, food, and organization is required. I’ve noticed when I am organized, then I feel more at peace and can have fun. There are a few tips I’ve learned while traveling with 4 young kids. Hopefully these will help you out as well.
- Each person carries their own items. If your kids are old enough to roll their own suitcase then let them do it! I feel like we try and carry or roll everything on our own and forget that kids are totally capable. We have a carry on suitcase for each kid in our family. That way we aren’t paying for extra luggage fees and it’s light enough that each kid can roll it on their own. We also have each person wear their own back pack. Inside are items they feel are important for the trip. They have to remember they will be the ones carrying it. So heavy and bulky items are usually out. We bought these Amazon Basic Carry on suitcases for each person in our family.
- Have one toiletry bag with essentials for the family. A good friend told me about this Personal Toiletry Bag and it’s amazing. There is room for all of your essentials like shampoo/conditioner, razors, nail clippers, band aids, makeup/face wash, toothbrushes and paste, brushes and hair clips, and so much more. It’s SO nice to have all of your toiletry items in one spot. Instead of saying, “Okay, go find your toothbrushes!” You know exactly where they are.
- Have one spot for electronics and chargers. Just like the toiletry bag, we have a small bag for electronics, cords, and chargers. It’s helpful to have them together when you have to go through security at the airport. They make you take out all of the electronics. If they are spread out in different bags, that would take a lot of time. This way it’s all in one spot.
- Color code bags and organizers for each person. I love having a color for each person. I know green will be for my youngest boy, and red is always my oldest. We color code our suitcases and water bottles. If you use organizational cubes, then choose different colors for those as well. That way you know just buy looking at something whose they belong to.
- Unpack when you reach your destination. If you are staying in a hotel or a place with a dresser, then use it! We like to unpack our clothing and stick our suitcases in the closet so we have room and know where our items are. Hang up the toiletry bag by the bathroom and you are set for your vacation. It’s so nice to know where things are and have a spot for everything to go. If everything is in disarray, you might get a little on edge.
- Pack Light. This might be obvious, but I hear people that pack huge packs of diapers, or full bottles of shampoo, when they really don’t need to. Pack as light as you can. Plan out your trip and plan outfits, shoes, and personal items you definitely need. If we are at a hotel for an extended period of time, we do a load of laundry. I love having less clothing and doing one load, instead of having so many clothes and items that clothes get everywhere in the hotel. Less is best when traveling. Most likely you will be by stores if you forget or absolutely need something.
