Vacation Tool Kit

When traveling with kids, it’s best to think ahead. You want to make sure you have the essentials without over-packing. We’ve compiled a list of things that might help you pack a bag with all of the basics. Depending on how you are traveling (by car, train, boat, or air), you’ll want to pack to accommodate your needs. If you are traveling by air or boat, for example, you’ll want to consider taking no more suitcases than the adults can carry in case you are in a rush.

Research your destination’s climate and season to ensure comfortable travel and pack according to the season. Most likely, you will be able to do laundry, so don’t over-pack. Take something comfortable to travel in, comfortable shoes, a casual outfit, a dressy outfit, rain ponchos, and swimwear.

More important than clothes and the appropriate footwear is your travel documents. Make sure you have your identification, passport and/or visa, copies of immunization records, copies of custody papers, parental permission forms, credit cards (just take two—each adult should have one), cash, and health insurance cards. Leave enough time to get your passports back after you apply for them. Any trip can turn sour if any of these important documents are lost or stolen, so consider investing in a document organizer and wear it under your shirt or belt to avoid being the victim of a pickpocket or thief.

Make sure all travelers have the vaccinations they need to travel. Don’t forget to pack your medicines, prescription and non-perscriptions (band-aids, Dramamine, benadryl, asprin, and other first-aid essentials).

Along with all of the essentials, make sure to bring things that will help you document your memories such as a digital camera, a journal to write in, sketch pads, and a video camera. Don’t forget the chargers for each digital device you pack.

When traveling with small children, it is best to allow them one comfort item to take with them. This could be a blanket or stuffed animal.

The basics: a checklist

• First aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Sun hats
• Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Water
• Activities (coloring, dvd player, iPod with kid playlists, puzzles, games)
• Hats
• Towels
• Swimsuits
• Lifejackets (if traveling to a destination with water)
• Insect repellant
• Medication
• Insurance cards
• Epi-Pen (if your child is allergic to stings)
• Small flashlights or headlamps
• Snacks (trail mix, crackers, power bars, dried fruit, cheese, baby carrots, granola bars)
• Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving items, shampoo, deodorant, a roll of toilet paper, and depending on the ages of the children: diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream