Travel Tips for the Whole Family

For children of all ages, travel can be a thrilling, enlightening and even eye-opening experience: there are new foods, experiences, and sights, as well as quality family time. Despite these advantages, traveling with children can also be challenging - trying to fit in unpredictable schedules, packing long lists, and dealing with cranky children are just a few of the challenges you'll face. Traveling with the whole family can be a little bit stressful, but there are a few things you can do to make things a little easier. The journey should be enjoyed by you and your children, and you should make memories that will last a lifetime.

We've refined our family packing system over 13+ years of traveling with children, particularly as the kids get older, they're a little more self-sustaining than when they were little, but it's still a challenge!


Priority number one,  make a list and check it twice! We have found that family travel packing lists for adults, kids, and babies are really helpful in ensuring that we do not forget anything essential, AND it prevents overpacking.



Well worth the time and money to get TSA approved ✔️: About a year ago I signed up for the TSA program. It has definitely been the best perk/bonus to traveling solo and with children. The lines are shorter and more exclusive. Not having to open my bags for electronics and removing shoes etc makes traveling more of a breeze. My TSA covers my children as well. So, huge bonus! 


Rental car: recently I traveled back to visit my family in Minnesota. The kids, a few friends of theirs, and myself. A lovely lake life for the 4th of July. My brother suggested I take advantage of Costco travel. I got the travel app and boom, I rented an SUV the same day. I saved almost $1,000.00. Huge savings. I was so proud. Happy I took his advice. 


Luggage: Years ago I invested in new luggage for our family. Bloomingdales has a home sale once a year. I stocked up on some sets. I got the boy's Tumi carry-ons, Sailor the checked bag size by Tumi, and now recently a carry-on. These pieces have really put some miles on them. I love how lightweight they are and durable at the same time. I have a set by Brics, which I do like the look of it (cream and brown leather) looks great with LV never full. 

What to Pack (luggage): 


Stock up on minis, travel-sized versions of your favorite products (Hotel bathroom products aren’t usually that great and the shampoos and conditioners are really drying to your hair!)Pack eye masks + melatonin in the case where you’re staying somewhere bright or you have a problem sleeping when you’re not in your own bed

Pack your shoes in shoe bags to keep the rest of your luggage clean

Luggage organizers (Beis has really great travel organizer pieces and is also very trendy: Beis Travel


Electronics/Chargers: Laptop chargers, phone chargers, portable chargers


Carry-On:(Carry-on totes with a slit in the back to slide onto big luggage are the best, Beis also has this feature on their carry-on bags!)

  • Airpods/Headphones

  • Book you’re reading/Magazines/Notepad

  • Travel Pillow

  • Small Blanket

  • Snack Bars

  • Laptop + Charger

  • Sanitizer Wipes + Hand Sanitizer

  • An empty water bottle you can fill up after TSA instead of paying for overpriced airport water

**Protip: Download your music and streaming shows to your phone hours before taking off, so you can continue watching them / listening without wifi


Tips:

  • Before you leave your house, do a passport, ID check

  • Make sure you have a small carry-on sized luggage and a large tote since you can have a “personal item” and a stowaway luggage

  • Eat a big lunch before getting on a long flight because airplane food isn’t that good

  • Add a unique colored ribbon to your luggage so you can spot it on the carousel easily

  •  Always put your valuables in your carry-on in case anything happens to your checked-in luggage. It’s safer that way.

  •  Put your valuables and identification items in the safe at every hotel you go to. Always better safe than sorry.


What to pack in your carry-on when traveling with Kids:

  • Charged portable chargers (Get a backup)

  • Fully charged Ipad with headphones. Make sure they are fully stocked up with downloaded movies that they love.

  • If you don’t want to give them electronics, get a drawing pad. There are some great ones that you can erase and reuse over and over again. 

  • Also, games. Card games like Uno, Tic Tac Toe, crosswords, etc. 

  • Those blow-up portable beds if they are in the early stages. Here’s one you can get on amazon that takes up little room.

  • Snacks on snacks. Incentives like candy, I know. (Back up) 

  • If they have a favorite cozy, bring it! It’s worth the packing space.

  • A change of clothes, diapers, wipes, and medicine if necessary. 

  • Noise-canceling headphones are KEY - don’t forget it. 


Hope this helps - safe travels XO


TravelChantelle MalarkeyTavel, #chantellemalarkey, #chantellestyle