How To Pack for a Family Spring Break Trip
You’re getting ready to run out the door with the kids. You don’t want this to turn into an early ’90s family comedy about accidentally leaving your kid at home before a big trip, so we have all the tips and tricks to get you out the door faster. From cute kids’ backpacks to foldable jackets, we have all the helpful tips on how to pack for a family spring break trip.
Important Documents and Emergency Essentials
Let’s get the logistics of emergency essentials out of the way first. If you’re traveling to another country, in addition to packing physical copies, make sure you have electronic backups along with photocopies of everyone’s passports. One family member can be in charge of everyone’s passports if your kids are on the younger side. For international travel, make sure you also have a debit or credit card that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. Put any prescription medications, along with emergency over-the-counter medications, in your carry-on if you’re flying. And have a bag clearly labeled for all of them. Channel your inner dad and wear a fanny pack because they’re functional and actually stylish now.
Pack Travel-Size Bottles
If you’re thinking about bringing that giant bottle of wholesale membership club shampoo, put that bottle down. All toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, should be in travel-size bottles. You and the family can share bottles as well, especially if you’ll be going to hotels that normally already have the essentials in the room. In general, think “travel size,” including toothbrushes and hairbrushes. Keep a separate designated bag just for toiletries and makeup.
Stay Safe With Sunscreen
In addition to having everyone in the family wear sunscreen for the spring break trip, you’ll also want to get clothes that have UPF clothing. There are plenty of options for UPF activewear, including shirts, pants, and swimwear. Also, consider bringing hats for everyone. The brim will help cover your face and shield your eyes. While we’re at it, don’t forget about your sunglasses!
Layer it Up
You never know which way the weather is going to go. Whether you’re hitting the open road or flying on a plane, it’s best to prepare for any kind of weather. It’s easy to layer with cashmere sweaters and breathable women’s Supima® cotton sweaters . Women’s cotton turtlenecks are a fashionable option that will keep you warm if you want to blast the AC in the car yet breathable enough when it’s hot outside.
Coordinate Outfits
While you may want to pack extra underwear and socks for you and the little ones, you don’t need to overload on items that can be worn more than once, such as sweaters or jeans. Also, consider simplifying the color palette of clothes that are packed. You don’t need to pack a rainbow of colors. Simplify your packing woes by reaching for neutral colors like black, white, brown, and gray. Packing these neutral colors will make it easy to make statement colors like red and orange pop.
Portable Chargers
You don’t need the 10ft charging cable. You just need to pack enough chargers for all the devices for your family. That includes phones, tablets, and laptops. If you’re going to be using your phone’s GPS to navigate during your family spring break trip, you’ll want to make sure you have car chargers as well.
International Adapters
You and the family may be taking a big international trip over spring break. If you’re not sure what kind of outlets or plugs to expect in other countries, especially if you’re headed to multiple countries, then get a universal power adapter.
Phone and Device Cases
Be prepared for you and the little ones to drop electronics. Whether you’re rushing out the door or dealing with inclement weather, you don’t want your electronics to be bare and exposed to the elements or accidentally dropped. Get a waterproof phone case, and ensure your other devices, such as laptops and tablets, are protected.
Big and Little Backpacks
Make sure that each member of your family has their own bag. Get into the spirit of the trip by getting each family member their own monogrammed tote. They should each have their own portable backpack. If you need to bring bigger luggage for clothes or outdoor gear for activities, consider sharing larger luggage with another family member. For quick weekend spring break trips, a weekender duffle bag is an easy-to-transport size for one or two people. For longer trips, opt for rolling luggage bags. You don’t want to be hauling heavy bags or carrying excess weight on your back when rolling a larger or mid-size bag would make more sense. If anyone is bringing their work or personal computer for the spring break trip, don’t forget about a laptop backpack .
Packing Cubes
When it comes to transportation with a family, every inch of space matters. Packing cubes will help you and your family pack neatly and save space. Also, consider getting vacuum bags to save even more space by compressing clothes in an airtight bag.
With all of these essential spring break packing tips in mind, all you need to do is hop in the car and hit the open road. Be safe out there and have fun!