10 things to pack for a trip
This post on 10 things to pack for a trip covers you for the most important part of any travel plans – Packing. It becomes the most important part of any travel especially when with kids. Packed well is half done. Needless to say, it should be according to the itinerary as well as the weather.
Here goes my few tips on things to pack for a vacation and a toddler travel packing list:
1. Blanket substitute:
Carry 1 shawl/ pashmina or a largish stole or scarf in the hand bag. It comes in very handy in flights which don’t provide blankets. Its also useful to cover the kids up if they need that little warmth when sleeping. so its right on top on my toddler travel packing list.
2. Pair of clothes in hand bags:
Preferably carry one pair of clothes and inner wear (for all family) in the cabin baggage or hand bags. Important one in the things to pack for a vacation. Especially useful if the checked in luggage gets delayed or misplaced. Also useful for kids if they spill something on their clothes or otherwise mess them.
3. Comfortable Footwear:
I carry bare minimum footwear but ensure they are super comfortable. Goes without saying, I wear my sneakers on the flight to save some luggage space. For travel trips that include beach and water bodies, a pair of comfortable slippers should help.
4. Packing cubes:
Comes in handy especially for longer vacations and holidays involving multiple destinations. I use these Amazon basic packing cubes.
AmazonBasics Packing Cubes/Travel Pouch/Travel Organizer – 2 Medium and 2 Large, Black (4-Piece Set)
5. Laundry Bags:
For odourless and clean travel, I recommend packing a few laundry bags or just large polybags. Use these to keep the used or dirty clothes so they don’t get mixed up with the fresh and unused ones. I usually keep 2 different ones: one for inner wear and second for all the rest. If beach is going to be one of the destinations too, I prefer to keep the sandy clothes either in a third one or just dry them and get the sand off before putting them in my laundry bags. It is a de-facto in a toddler travel packing list.
6. Passport and ticket copies:
For a no hassle airport check in, keep multiple copies of your tickets and passports even if you have it all in your phone. Imagine a scenario of losing your phone or not access to emails for some reason. Keep one copy in each piece of luggage. Just precautionary.
7. Travel size accessories, extra ziplocks and a bunch of tissues:
Travel size perfumes, body wash, moisturizers, face wash and a roll on deodorant are must haves in the hand bag. Not only do they come in handy when you are getting a security check done but they are also useful in case of long journeys, long layovers, long day trips and flight delays. Extra ziplocks (sandwich sized ones) and a bunch of tissues are a must have (for airport security checks, for packing snacks for kids on the go and tissues for spills on the go).
8. Electronics Kit:
Put all the electronics in one kit: battery bank, chargers, head phones et al. Easier to find when you are in a hurry. One of the most important things to pack for a vacation, in this day and age. Battery banks are not allowed in the checked in bags so make sure to carry this kit in your hand bag.
In addition to your regular list, carry a multi socket charger (the USB charging hub). Helps to charge multiple devices together. I carry this one: Aukey Quick Charge 5 Ports USB Charging Station
Considering the # of things you would need in a hand bag, you may consider carrying a backpack like the Amazon Basics backpack below
9. Medicine Kit:
This is definitely one of the top 10 things to pack for a trip. I would avoid visiting a doctor or a hospital for basic ailments like cough, fever, upset tummy, dehydration and minor skin concerns. For children my medical kit contains a cough syrup, crocin syrup and 2 packs of electrolyte. If you’re traveling with infants <1yr old, I suggest including a tiny pack (2 teaspoons full) of heeng (asfoetida powder; the one we use at home). If the babies have a gassy tummy, applying a teaspoon of warm water with a pinch of heeng powder on their belly buttons helps. Diaper rash cream (I use Rashfree) for babies is a must – should be part of the diaper bag itself.
For itchy skin or minor rashes et al, carry a suitable skin cream (best recommended by your physician).
If you have a history of travel or motion sickness then pick an appropriate medication as suggested by your family doctor.
10. Food and Snacks:
Another one of the top 10 things to pack for a trip, especially if you’re traveling with children or elderly. Pack up something fresh or something that lasts depending on when you expect to make use of it the most. For more ideas on food for travel, check out the post on Travel food ideas for kids
Few more helpful tips:
- If you do plan to lock your luggage, use a TSA Lock. This way customs of any country will not have to break your lock to check the luggage in case its being checked.
- If you have forgotten your dental kit, many hotels may be able to provide you a complimentary kit if you request
- Most of the hotels will also sterilize baby bottles on request. I usually also carry some food for the journey, and hence get the snack boxes also washed and ready in case i need to pack something again in them during the trip.
Happy packing and traveling!!
Need help with planning your trip. Feel free to reach me on theglobetrotmom@gmail.com and you can expect a reply within 24hrs.
