Banish the Travel Headaches: Advice on Packing for Long Distance Travel with Children

While we often look forward to family trips, there is usually also an inkling of anxiety. The thought of traveling with children is enough to make many of us volunteer to work rather than to face the family trip. It’s not that the trip, itself, will necessarily be so difficult; it’s the packing and the worry about what to bring that gives many mothers sleepless nights. Here is some sound advice on packing for long distance travel, so that you can actually approach a family vacation with the enthusiasm and anticipation that it deserves.

1. One great piece of advice on packing for long distance travel with children is a “to-do” list. This isn’t an ordinary to-do list, however, it’s more of a diary. About a week before the trip, put aside some time and write down all the miscellaneous items you use for your child throughout the day. This includes toothbrush, tissues, special toys, creams or lotions as well as items that are unique to your child. You'd be surprised how many things we overlook because they are simply a part of our daily routine. You probably won’t be able to pack these items early, as they are used so often. Make sure, therefore, to check your list on the day that you leave to see that you’ve packed everything and are ready to go.
2. Pack daily medicines, and, if possible, get an extra prescription from your doctor in case the original is lost or dropped. Bring plenty of over the counter remedies as well. Children's Tylenol, cough syrup, hydrocortisone, benadryl, and Dramamine will save you a lot of heartache during your days away. With this advice on packing for long distance travel, you won’t have to go searching for a CVS at 2:00am when your child develops a fever on the trip.
3. Pack an extra pair of glasses for children who wear them in your carry on. Bring the glasses prescription as well so that you don’t have to start from scratch, should you need to get new glasses while away. This also applies to inhalers, hearing aids, and epinephrine pens, as applicable.
4. No matter what the item is, however many you use a day, double it. Just because you use five diapers on a normal day, your baby will be sure to need seven on vacation. Murphy's Law states it, and kids are only too willing to comply. Bring extra clothes, diapers, wipes, toys, and books just in case.
5. If flying, make sure to have gum, sucking candies or a pacifier accessible to help soothe the pressure of take off and landing. This can also serve to distract children when necessary.
6. One great piece of advice on packing for long distance travel is the element of surprise. Bring some extra special items that you don’t usually offer to your children during the routine at home. These don’t have to be candy or expensive toys. Purchase a grab bag of items that you can give to your children when they get cranky or need to wait quietly in a line or in the car. These can serve as a great distraction. This works better with little children than it does with older ones, of course; but maybe there are still things that will interest and excite your older children. They will grow to anticipate these grab bag surprises as part of their trip.
7. If going by car, plan regular bathroom stops into your time schedule. Getting to your destination two hours later is worth it if everyone makes it there dry and happy.
8. Even if you don't have a baby, keep a package of clean wipes available. They're good for sticky fingers and faces, and general clean up.
9. A final piece of advice on packing for long distance travel is to bring travel games. It’s important to plan activities for the travel time. Mad libs provide hours of fun for older children. Easy-to-do crafts projects, “I-Spy” and other travel games are an important part of family travel. Purchase a few new activities and games so that your children are engaged and interested along the way.

Armed with this advice on packing for long distance travel, and a good dose of patience, you should be able to enjoy your family vacation. Remember that your trip doesn’t have to be perfect to create a wonderful family experience. Being prepared should allow you to take your journey slowly, to enjoy the ride, and to make lasting memories.

The Packing Check-List: Advice on packing for long distance travel with kids

Beyond your luggage and obvious items, here is a list of a few items that we often forget when we travel. These items can be the difference between a fun trip with kids, and a crazy one! Planning can prevent so much chaos…

1. Medicines – Pack all of your regular medicines, and pack extra doses of Tylenol, Advil, and other medicines you might need in a pinch for the kids. Always pack sunscreen – you never know how much sun exposure you will have and you should make sure to cover yourself and the kids if you are outside.
2. Needed Daily Items – Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses for everyone who wears them and bring each prescription in print with you. Pack your inhaler, hearing aids, epinephrine pens and any other necessary items of this sort.
3. Baby Items – Remember diapers, wipes, a change of clothes (at least one!), favorite books, important blankets, pacifiers, etc. Bring much more than you think you need.
4. Distractions – This includes gum, candy, toys, new games, and the like to keep your kids occupied and distracted. This also includes grab bag and surprise items.
5. If it’s summertime, pack swim suits and swimming supplies (goggles, towels, etc). Even if you don’t have plans to swim, it’s a shame to be in a place with water with no supplies.
6. Extra clothes for the parents – Particularly if you are flying, pack something extra in your carry-on. There is nothing worse than flying for eight hours with a shirt that’s been spit up on.
7. Travel Games – Mad-libs and other travel games can distract children and give them hours of entertainment.