Vacations can be a time for families to reconnect and bond, but they can also be a nightmare if you don’t pack accordingly. With Spring Break and Easter quickly approaching, many of us will be voyaging off with our families. Whether you are getting away to soak up some sun or travelling to Grandma’s for the weekend, what you pack can make or break your trip.

In an attempt to spend more quality time as a family, we are voyaging out into the wild blue yonder on a family vacation for Spring Break. Anyone who knows me knows I cannot travel, or function, without making a list. Writing down what you need is a great way to plan for all that you are going to encounter on your trip.  While I typically stick to a simple piece of notebook paper, there are many simple and easy to use travel planners. It is a great place to store all the neccesarry documents, travel agendas, tickets and receipts.

Pack Activities For Your Children To Do

Bored and bickering children can make a blissful family vacation not so blissful, so be sure to pack them plenty of things to do to keep them entertained during plane and car rides. You can find mini-games and cards games at the dollar or drug store or you can download games to play in the car from the internet. My favorite lifesaver when flying is Play-Doh. It provides hours of  creative entertainment, just be sure to pack it in a clear ziplock for security. Also – don’t forget the snacks, especially if your child has food restrictions or allergies.

Travel As Light As Possible

There is nothing worse then carting five suitcases, three children, carseats, etc through an airport – let alone trying to stuff it all in a car! When packing, I pack things that can be worn more than once, such jeans. Don’t forget to pack a complete extra outfit because you just never know what you child might get into! I also make sure to pack a few plastic bags to bring home dirty or wet clothing.

Of course, the most important thing to pack is a sense of humor. If it is crazy and unexpected, it will probably happen on a family vacation. So relax and have fun!