On Vacation with Kids...the practical part

As a young mom, I had no idea how to put a vacation together...here are a few random tips that helped me survive the first few years of traveling:

Make a master list of the basic items you need everytime. Pack the list with your maps or camping gear or whatever else you reach for when you think of 'vacation'!

Make a master list of what YOU need to get you through a vacation. As a mom, you will find that you pack for yourself last and then forget important stuff...I suggest if you have a master list of what you need...you will survive! I always needed a small notebook to record my thoughts and write down our daily activities. I always had a pen, chapstick, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal items like tampons(always take a supply, you don't want to be surprised while you're traveling!) that wouldn't get packed unless I made a special point of it.

The computer can organize you and your family so much better than I did when I relied on paper and pencil, but you need to be the driving force to have it meet your needs. Do it months before your trip so you just check off the items as you pack them.

As your child grows, have them make a 'travel bag list' on the computer so they are ready to hit the road without forgetting the essentials. This works good for sleep overs as well.

One tip you may remember from your childhood is the potion for sunburn. Pack a small bottle of vinegar if you are going to the beach. Mix a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar and wipe on a bad sunburn. Works great for babies and toddlers...but better advice is to bring plenty of sunscreen to prevent the burns.

As always, preparation is key to the success. So start now and make your master lists. Adjust them as your children age and before you know it, you will be back to packing for just you and your husband again. So enjoy the hassle!