Travelling with kids can be fun, but comes with its challenges! What do you bring and what do you leave home? Follow our tips and you will have the ultimate packing list!
Check out the weather before travel
Be prepared for all kinds of weather you travel. A tropical location isn’t always what it’s cracked up. There can be wind, rain and much more. Think about where you are going. Is it very hot? Does it rain a lot? Are you going somewhere cold? So avoid leaving the house without the essentials, which we review in the next section.
Family trip essentials
Once you know the weather forecast, you will have a better idea of what to bring.
Wet Locations:
- Raincoats
- Boots
- Umbrellas
- Hats
- Extra Socks
- Plastic Toys
- Colouring Sheets
- Dolls
- Books
- Movies
Kids are different. Some of them like to play outside in the rain, while others prefer to stay dry indoors. So you should pack for both groups. Children who love the rain should be properly protected. The ones who aren’t a fan of getting wet should have some activities available to entertain them!
Hot Locations:
- Swimsuits (more than one)
- Sandals
- Hats
- Sunscreen
- Beach Toys (i.e. buckets and pails)
- Pool Toys (i.e. floaties, noddles, diving toys)
- Water to stay hydrated
If you are going anywhere hot, you are likely going for a dip somewhere. So being properly dressed is essential whether you are hitting the beach or diving into the pool. Also letting your kids pick out their favourite toys is sure to get them excited. Don’t forget the water!
Cold and Snowy Locations:
- Warm Coats
- Sweaters
- Socks
- Boots
- Hats
- Mittens
- Scarves
- Moisturizing Lotions
- Hot chocolate
Dress your kids for the weather. A getaway to the mountains is a wonderful idea for a ski trip. So bundle up if you are going to be outside for a long time. The cold can quickly dry out your skin. So bring a great lotion along. Then after putting the top hat on your snowman, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate!
If you head to an amusement park, remember to pack some water and snacks. Kids will get tired from running around in excitement. So don’t forget nourishment! A small first aid kit is essential to being prepared for anything. Safety first!
Road trip essentials
If you are going to spend lots of time in the car, bring some activities! A few of these essentials include:
- Dolls
- Stuffed Animals (don’t forget their favourite)
- Colouring Activities
- Tablet/DVD Player with Movies
- Pillows
- Blankets
Toys are sure to keep the little ones entertained during long car rides. While longer activities like colouring or watching a movie come in handy too. Know how long your route is before leaving. There might be time for a nap on the way!
Final tips for travelling with kids
The two most important things to remember when travelling with kids are entertainment and safety. Toys, books, movies and dolls are the main parts of any family packing list. Water and snacks will make sure kids are happy and full of energy. A first aid kit and life jacket for the pool and beach are not something to miss out on either. However, one thing you always remember is to HAVE FUN!
