I love some good vacation packing tips! And what better time to give advice than when you’re fresh off a trip.
Our first family vacation was with our {then} 4 1/2 year old twins to Disney World and IT. WAS. MAGICAL. Now that we are a family of 5 we rolled the dice and went even further and with an even younger child. I seriously questioned that decision within the first 24 hours of landing in Grand Cayman (and upon leaving – more about that later). I guess ocean air does NOT mature a 3 1/2 year old over night. Who knew?!?
If you read my last post, you know I put in some serious trip prep and packing planning. Some of what we brought was amazing, a few items should have made the list, and others we could do without.
Loved
Fanny Pack. Belt bags for all you hip kids – fanny packs are back and I bought one especially for the trip. It held all of our passports, boarding passes, and a small wallet (I left the big gal at home and only took an ID, health card, one credit card, and some cash). This made navigating the airport with 5 travelers so much EASIER.
Sun Bum 3 in 1 Leave In. This stuff was awesome at conditioning and working out the tangled beach hair each day for my 3 girls and I. I initially picked it up for it’s small size, but the scent and results have won me over for using it all the time.
Toddler Pillows. For 99% of the trip I thought this was overkill, but when our already late-night return flight was delayed 3 hours, followed by sitting on the tarmac for an additional 3 hours, I was slow clapping myself for some amazing forward thinking. The size of the pillow was not only perfect for my kids but for storing in our carry-ons bags as well. (I found ours on Amazon)
Needed
Overall we were really well prepared, but there are a few more items that should have made it into the suitcase.
Light Jacket or Sweatshirt. Everyone needed an extra layer during our late night travel ‘adventure’. I nearly brought one for each of the kids but at the last minute decided to save on the space instead. Planes get cold, especially at 4 in the morning.
Umbrella. Another thing I thought about bringing but just didn’t since I couldn’t find our smaller ones. It rained several times during the trip, and not unexpectedly since it is the beginning of rainy season. I should have known better.
Tampons. Sorry for the TMI, but if I can save some other unlucky lady the trouble then I will. Just go ahead and bring a few.
Leave at Home
Lotion. Unless you have a special skin condition or need an abundance, just go with whatever is offered by your lodgings and save the space. Some other toiletry items I could have left at home included shaving cream, make up, and wet wipes.
Magazine/Book. I normally read on planes or during down time, but with 3 young kids along just forget it.
Expectations. Technically not a ‘thing’, but expectations weigh down mental baggage so we’re going with it. Lighten the load by leaving your expectations at home. Everyone will be happier for it.
Did you find these vacation packing tips helpful? Check out our pre-vacation blog post with tips for packing light – even with kids!
