How to Pack for a Family Vacation

by Ellen Garcia 07/21/2019

A family vacation is great! It's an ideal way for parents and their kids to feel fresh and have fun after the daily grind at the office and the school. A family vacation also creates beautiful memories and strengthens the bond of a family. However, before parents plan out a family vacation, some essential things must tag along with them and failing to pack these things can potentially ruin the whole holiday. Apart from the clothes, do you think you know any other essential things? Take a look below: 

The Basics

- Driving license or tickets for bus, train or plane

- Camera to capture the moments as well as its charger to power up the battery when it gets low

- Mobile phone and charger

- Toothbrushes and paste

- Cash

Medication

- First aid kit

- Painkillers

- Disinfectant

- Mosquito repellent

- Ice spray

- Band-aids

Going Abroad

- Passport and visa document

- EU adapters

- Proof of relationship in case your children have a different surname

- Insurance documents

Beach Items

- Sun hat

- Sunscreen lotion

- Sand toys

- Blanket

- Towel, and wipes

Do You Have a Toddler?

- A bag of snacks is always a great idea. As the saying goes, an apple a day will keep the doctor away. When going on a vacation with a toddler, it is advisable to bring the snacks because a bag full of snacks will keep your kid's boredom away. However, you need to be careful about the kind of meals you bring along. Avoid sugary snacks if you don't want them to have a stomach upset.

- Cartoons: While on vacation with kids, ensure you load up your smartphone with some kids’ cartoons like Dora the Explorer, Peppa Pig, Wonder pets, etc. Kids shows are a lifesaver and would give you some alone time to rest.

- Toys: Even if the vacation is just a couple of days, make sure you bring some toys if you don't want to hear any whining or see any displeased faces.

- Extra diapers: If your kid is still using diapers, ensure you take some extra with you. Just in case things get messy. Kids can get very cranky if their diapers get soiled.

- Extra wipes: It is second nature for babies and toddlers to drop spits. Get a rolled tissue for easy cleanup.

- Garbage bag: Kids are known for creating a mess. With that in mind, make sure you have a garbage bag with you to dispose of the mess your kids will make, for those moments you aren't close to one.

Think about your everyday needs and cross check that with your travel needs to ensure you have everything necessary.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION