There’s nothing like long sunny days, the smell of sunscreen, pool parties and summer vacation trips! Now is the time is get the gang together and enjoy a true vacation. This blog is a “how to” on making your family trip as smooth as can be. Don’t trip about it ? Family trips are the best but let’s be honest—-they can be chaotic and overwhelming. There’s so much to think and plan for:

• Packing clothes and essentials (for you and the kids)
• Prepping food and snacks (for road trip and for your hotel stay)
• Getting the car’s oil check and tune up
• Planning all family activities…

It’s exhausting thinking about it! Your mind needs a vacation from planning your vacation. Creating a system and being organized not only gets the monkey off your back but allows you to enjoy your well-deserved family vaca!

1.) “NO SPILL”

A road trip is nothing without snacks. However, the key word  here is NO SPILL. The last thing we want is for our kids to make a huge spill in the car while we’re driving a busy highway. Prevent this by packing snacks like small crackers in a covered snack cup. Squeezable fruit pouches and fruit snacks are a plus!. I like calling it “low maintenance” and “anti-mess”.:) If they do drop their snacks, it’ll be way easier to pick up than cleaning a big spill. Same goes for drinks! Bring a spill proof cup! Tip: Keep their cups in the front seat and only hand it to them when they ask. This will reduce the amount of potty breaks.

2.) TOYS

Find these collapsible bins at any dollar store or local department store! Fill it with all your kid’s favorite books and toys so they can pull out whatever they want. Pack a variety of things so they’re always occupied! They fit just right in the back seat 🙂 If you’re on a plane then I suggest you downloading apps on your tablet or iPad to keep them entertained! Angry Birds, Tetris, there are  many free apps for kids! @momwithoutlabels

3) PACK LIKE A PRO!

• Save space and have young kids share a suitcase. Boom! Already one suitcase lighter!

• Pack one outfit per child per day, plus two spare outfits. Always be prepared and think ahead! Consider the weather of your vacation spot.

• Bring 2 pairs of underwear for each day of the trip and extra onesies for the baby. Underwear is already light in weight and having a back up pair never hurt anyone!

• Only pack two pairs of pajamas. This makes your luggage less bulky and creates more room!

• Bring a hooded sweatshirt for each child on summer trips. That summer heat is killer but those summer nights give off a chill–especially nights at the beach or lake!

• Bring two extra plastic bags for dirty clothes. I suggest a plastic bag bigger in size like a GLAD garbage bag. Less hassle than having several little plastic bags.

Need help getting all this started?

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