When I was in my twenties, I set off with my then boyfriend to explore Southeast Asia. We went for a month. We had two regular-sized backpacks.
In my thirties, with one child, I set off for a day visit with my parents. The car was so packed full of things that the baby “would need, might need, would look cute in, might throw up on and should keep him entertained” that once the car was packed it was iffy as to whether my husband would also fit. I believe I did that trip with an exersaucer in my lap.
Over the years, things have improved, but the notion of packing light still takes some effort. Here’s what I’ve gleaned after 8 years of trips domestic and international with kids:
1. Make a list: Have you worked out your trip itinerary? Use it as a guide. If the hotel has no pool and you have no plans to visit a water park, you’re probably safe to leave the three swimsuits at home. Make sure you have lists for each of the kids and bring the lists with you (I tuck mine into their suitcases) so that you can make sure everything you left with comes home again. Travel to one place often? Keep the list in excel or try an app like Packing Pro for the iPhone so that the next time you’re going to Grandma’s or the cottage you won’t have to reinvent the wheel.
2. Take your time: The time to start packing isn’t yesterday; it’s last week. Pull out everything you think you might need and then visit the pile daily until your trip and rethink it. Guarantee you’ll cut your luggage in half.
3. Share the load. You know those cutesy little luggage bags they make for kids? Find one your kid adores and give it to them…with rules. 1) They have to carry it and 2) If they can’t fit their toy in it, the toy stays behind. Check it for weight before heading out and then ignore airport whines that the bag is too heavy. Threaten to leave the bag behind and you’ll be amazed at how quickly their strength comes back. Mean? Maybe. Effective? Big time.
4. Get it there: I know you love the way Huggies fit your wee one and yes, you will need Vaseline to change the baby, but packing a case of each might be excessive. Make sure you have enough to get you through the first few days but remember people in other countries have babies too. Chances are you’ll be able to find diapers and lotion there. The caveat: If the princess nightgown is the only one she’ll sleep in, that’s not the one to leave behind.
5. Pay the bill: You really want a dozen shoes? I mean really, really? Then take them. It’s not worth the “I told you so” stares and “my night is ruined” tirade you’re going to point at your husband in the hotel room when your bikini doesn’t match your flip-flops. The goal of a getaway, near or far, is to have a good time and if that good time means forking out an extra $50 so be it.
Heather Greenwood Davis is the Globetrotting Mama. If there’s a travel dilemma, you want her to include here, let her know online @greenwooddavis or by email: heather@globetrottingmama.com