Travel is always a joyous occasion–and often something exciting, especially since the pandemic occurred.Alas, prepping for a trip/vacation can be a bit stressful or tricky, unless you are a child and just need to grab your teddy bear.

I don’t have children myself, so these tips are stemming from a traveling American adult but I am guessing, watching my siblings whom do have children, that many of these tips apply to families as well.

1. Once a destination and dates have been decided, make a budget for your trip/vacation and how you would like to pay for the trip. Some prefer to use services like “Afterpay” to make payments for airfare, accomodations, etc–others prefer to save up for it and pay in cash, some pay with credit cards–
2. Submit time-off or PTO from job, if required
3. Book listings like accommodations, tours, airfare, etc.Make sure to print off confirmation/reservations and itineraries-paper copies help keep a visual reminder and proof of dates, times, locations and important contact information and reservation numbers, etc. A file folder or packet will help keep everything tidy and in one location (I also keep the budget sheet in there, too!)
4. Make a packing list–especially helpful if the travel event is for something like a wedding or something of that nature–don’t want to show up as a bridesmaid or groomsmen without the required matching shoes or special tiaras or anything else (or the wedding gift or speech notes you delicately prepared.)I made the oopsy of not making a packing return list and accidentley donated all my panties and socks–I needed to lighten my suitcase after 6 months abroad to be able to get all my goodies home–and was thinning my wardrobe. I had a donation bag at hand and didn’t make a list or double check myself so when i had a 3 day layover in London, I had to purchase socks and panties because of my error.
5. Unless traveling for a very specific occasion, pack simply, especially if going on an extended vacation. Why? the more you have to look after, the more you have to lug around and keep track off-mix and match outfits, items you can wash together in one load (no special washing care needed, etc) is super helpful. A friend wears one pair of earrings and a bracelet the entire time and selects a set that will go with everything–she wants to feel and look nice but without all the hassle and she chooses pieces that if happen to break or get lost, she won’t be heartbroken or out of quite a chunk of money or deep into an insurance claim.
6. Pack lightly, in suitcase and in carry-on/backpack/purse. Why? Who wants to lug lots of stuff around? Depending on where you travel to and where your accomodations are located, not all places have elevators or bellhops. While I like to think I am the incredible Hulk and being a capable lady, limitations do exist. My hang up? Rough cobbled streets and narrow, pokey stair cases–short legs, chunky luggage, and still used historically old buildings don’t get along.
7. Even if you plan on paying everything in cash, take an emergency bank or credit card with you–
8. Tell someone of your plans and where you are going–and when you are expected to return. While it’s rare that something will occur, being stuck somewhere stinks without a bit of assistance.
9. Send yourself a postcard–it’s a cheap souvenir to remember your events and time. Something simple but fun!
10. Carry a few coins in your pocket and/or a few small bills. Vending machines are sometimes the only thing in operation late night at airports or other venues–also a great way to tip a street musician/performer that has caught your attention.
11. Make sure you have adequate amounts of your medication/supplements to last through your entire trip, plus a few days, “just in case”, include a list of your medications and dosage with any allegergies in your wallet/pocket book. Putting your medications on your packing list is recommended. Have prescriptions contacts or glasses? Don’t forget the cases, eye wash solution or wipes or spares.
12. If traveling by bus, plane, boat, cruise (and to some extent by vehicle), check your baggage limitations and restrictions, especially if you purchase a budget ticket..even carry-ons and personal items have limitations and you don’t want to face overweight or surcharges unexpectedly. If traveling by vehicle, unless traveling strictly alone, check with fellow travelers to make sure everyone’s luggage will fit in the vehicle (i.e. camping trips will have other items like camping gear, tents, fishing poles or other items that will require trunk space and limit luggage/bags.)
13. Traveling abroad? Double check to see if you need any special vaccines or if certain items are not allowed in or out of the country. On a special note–also make sure you are allowed to travel to that country. For example, if you are convicted of certain things, you aren’t allowed into Canada as an American, even if you have a valid passport. When traveling to Dominican Republic? You are required to submit a migration and exit visa application online before traveling. Also, if you are going on an extending vacation, make sure to check to see how long you are allowed to stay on a generic tourist visa-i.e. it’s 90 days in Germany if you are staying there all at once.
14. Unless you are a professional that requires gadgets, like a professional photographer, etc, try to travel with as little tech gadgets as possible, especially abroad. It’s just more to keep up with, you are there to see and do, and getting items charged and connnected and so forth is a huge pain in the rear end and not often conducive, even in first world countries. Activate your cell phone for international use if you desire and desire to pay the extra fees for services, otherwise have the roaming and such shut off. A simple book or such will be just fine for entertainment if needed.
15. Pack use things that you can share and/or donate if you need to make extra room for your treats and souvenirs upon returning. I like to send myself postcards and pick up things I can use or wear, like a coffee mug or a scarf or a pretty pair of unique earrings versus the standard shot glass or snow globe or the like. One year, I bought everyone one in my family a woolen plaid scarf in Inverness Scotland as their christmas gifts–made in the highlands and a sweet gift and souvenir for them all. I also use those hotel shampoos and such in my hygiene kit and can toss the bottles/tubes when they are empty, also freeing up more space in my small suitcase