You might remember to pack the bathing suits, sunblock, and toiletries but there are a few other items you might not be thinking about packing. Here are a few tried-and-true items that can make your vacation with little ones go a little more smoothly.
- Ziplock bags in assorted sizes - great for snacks, wet clothes, and corralling toys with little, tiny pieces (LEGO anyone?).
- A plug in night-light so you don't have to keep the too bright bathroom light on for the kids.
- Reusable water bottle - eco-friendly and certainly less expensive than buying plastic water bottles every day.
- Lightweight blanket for the plane, train or automobile. Someone is always cold. In a pinch it serves as a pillow, too.
- Snacks! There is never a rest stop or restaurant when you really need it.
- An inflatable ball
- Power strip for plugging in multiple devices.
- Small, packable backpack for day trips.
- White noise app for your phone - for those hotel rooms that are really, really quiet.
- Earplugs for those hotels that are not so quiet.
- Pedialyte powder packs - my pediatrician always travels with these. They are great for everyone in the family who might need a little more than water to hydrate.
- iPad or tablet for those long car rides, flight delays, or long waits at restaurants
- Deck of cards, travel games, a new app - whatever it takes to keep the kids occupied.
- A mini medical kit to prevent - or deal with - unexpected illnesses - colds, fever, stomach aches, scrapes and bites.
- Packing cubes - they may seem unnecessary but keeping your kids bags organized is so much better than having them throw all of the clean, nicely folded clothes on the floor as they dig through their suitcases to find their favorite pair of shorts.