Aviva’s Top 10 Packing Tips For Kids (and anyone else really!)
The family trip to Ixtapa is just days away. We all have our passports. I’ve printed the e-tickets and Club Med reservation confirmation. I’ve taken care of the house, the dogs, the mail, the milk and the newspaper. All that’s left now is… the packing!I should probably get an early start. It’s winter here in Colorado so it isn’t like we’re running around in shorts and bikinis. Packing some things early means we won’t forget them. But you know what? That’s not really my problem is it? I’ve done a lot of the prep work, but packing? It’s every family member for themselves, well – the teens anyway. Our kids are 8, 14, and 16 and for this vacation I’ll let them know how long we’ll be away, the things we can expect to do and provide them with what they need to make informed decisions on what they want to lug in their luggage. Not only will it make my few days before leaving a little less hectic, it may also cut back on me being blamed for forgetting a favorite shirt that isn’t MY favorite. Besides, kids who pack for themselves learn how to be responsible for their stuff. These suggestions are by no means the Law Of The Vacation Land, but they should help you and your family be tough enough not to overstuff your bags (and possibly save you $50 at the airport check- in counter).What packing tips do you have for your family? We’d love to hear them!
Take a look at the resort’s website so you can check out where you're going and what it looks like. Make sure to check the weather report! Got questions about what to pack? Ask now before you're 30,000 feet in the air and thousands of miles from home.
Pack enough underwear for the number of days you will be gone + 2 extra pair. Why? I can tell you in one word, “Tradition.” If however, you want to begin a new tradition of washing out underwear on vacation, totally your call.
Plan for days on the beach and warm evenings in casual restaurants. Try to incorporate the theme nights into your regular clothes and avoid over-packing. If you know there is pink and black night, bring a pink top, which then can be mixed with jeans on a different day.
You may take a little excursion off the resort, consider bringing actual shoes, not just flip flops.
Throw in a sweater, sweatshirt or hoodie, just in case. There are millions in your closet, I know it will be tough to pick, but you can do it!
You won’t be vacationing from oral hygiene while there. Got toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss? Toss in some sunscreen while you’re digging through the bathroom cabinets. Please double seal these things in plastic bags because sunscreen soaked clothing doesn’t count as being” S.P.F. Protected” when you wear it.
Got your cell phone and computer? Unpack them. You will be vacationing from those. Bring a camera to capture every amazing, and yes possibly embarrassing, moment of your vacation. Bring a journal to write down everything fun, or possibly foolish, your family says while on vacation.
Swimsuit! Swimsuit! Did you pack your swimsuit?
Sunglasses, ones you don’t mind losing in case you, well, lose them.
Determine an amount of money you see yourself spending for souvenirs, t-shirts, etc. It’s best to give yourself a budget, but let me warn you now; we’re not spending our vacation in a shopping mall loaded with stores we can shop at when we are home.
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