Packing Tips

A few simple tips to help you and your family avoid that "uh, oh" feeling when unpacking at your destination.

Pick the Right Bags

Consider rolling suitcases, which are easier on your back. Kids (about age 4 and up) can pull their own small rolling suitcase.

Give kids a small knapsack to hold their toys and stuffed animals, so they're always at easy reach and there's no chance of them getting lost on airplane trips. Keep the knapsack light, though!

Keep one separate, small tote handy for a quick change of kids' clothes, underwear, pajamas, or swimwear--so you won't have to dig through larger cases.

More items can be squeezed into soft-sided suitcases than hard-sided cases, and soft bags can easily fit into tight spaces, such as a car trunk.

For a long car excursion, rent or borrow a roof carrier, which will create more space in the car and trunk.

Don't forget to tag all your bags! Kids can personalize and print luggage tags for your whole family.

For added security, rather than including your home address and phone number on luggage tags, consider writing in a work address and your cell phone number.

Make a List

Create a packing list for you and your spouse and another for your kids. Start with how many days and nights you'll be gone and what you'll likely be doing each day.

Keep in mind any special events that might require your family to dress up and any activities that require special clothes or equipment (bathing suits, water wings).

Get kids to help with the list, as it's a good way to talk with them about what you'll be doing on the trip and build some excitement. Kids can even make their own list, like Dora's Packing Checklist.

Remember to ask about on-site washers and dryers when making your reservations and you may be able to pack fewer clothes.

Dress Down

A family vacation isn't a fashion show. So--even for a big-city sojourn--jeans or khakis can work for several days in a row.

In addition to one sweater or jacket and comfy shoes, your children need only a daily fresh shirt, underwear, and socks.

Focus on versatility: Can a T-shirt double as pajamas?

Gather and lay out everything you think you'll need to bring before you start packing, and then force yourself to remove a few items. Does your daughter really need two dresses, even on a cruise-ship vacation?

Pack the Right Way

Because they're smaller, kids' clothes are great for filling in small spaces and corners.

Fill hollows of shoes with underwear and socks.

Roll T-shirts and sweaters to fill other spaces.

Don't be tempted to add bulky or heavy items to you bags, like hair dryers, irons, and alarm clocks, which are routinely provided by hotels. Just call-ahead to verify and leave those items at home.

You'll always find soaps, shampoos, conditioner, and sewing kits at your hotel so, unless you and your kids require a special shampoo or soap, rely on the hotel brand.

Pour large shampoos into smaller travel-sized bottles and consider investing in smaller travel-size versions of other toiletries (like deodorant) that can be exclusively for use when travelling.

To prevent toppling, place heavy items in the bag's bottom.

Remember, anything you forget to bring (short of your family members, money, credit cards, I.D., important phone numbers, prepaid tickets, and medicine) can be purchased at your destination if necessary.

Laura Manske is the editor of Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get.

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