Hints & Tips For Packing & Travel

[revral]

I thought it would be nice to if we shared those general packing & traveling hints & tips that we've learned over the years. It will help the unseasoned travelers among us & those of us that are well seasoned may pick up a new trick or two.

[revral]

Here are some of the things I've learned over many trips.

1) Ziploc bags are your friend. I put ANYTHING that can leak, spill, spray, or ooze in a Ziploc bag. Recently though I've started using the zipper bags that FoodSaver has come out with since they're designed to maintain a vacuum they're thicker & sturdier than your typical Ziploc.

2) All clothing is mix & match or EVERY top goes with EVERY bottom.

3) A small stash of basic office supplies can be a very handy thing to have. I have either mini or small versions of the basics (scissors, stapler, tape, hole punch) plus 2 black Sharpies (fine & ultra fine tip), small post - it notes, & a couple of highlighters. I keep these things in a smallish zippered cosmetics pouch & it lives in my must be checked suitcase.

I'll be back with more later.

[3Caballeros]

I thought it would be nice to if we shared those general packing & traveling hints & tips that we've learned over the years. It will help the unseasoned travelers among us & those of us that are well seasoned may pick up a new trick or two.

My favorite tip I read years ago is to purchase a hanging sweater and/ or shoe organizer to put in your closet at the resort. Do you know the kind I mean? They create little cubbies with shelves-they're made out of a heavy canvas-type material. Those have been lifesavers! As a family of 5, we have SO much stuff! They fold neatly away but open them up and you have TONS more storage for all your toiletries (shoe organizer) and for the clothes that won't fit in the drawer (sweater organizer). I bought the very sturdy velcro kind at a home improvement store in their closet organizer section. They can really hold a LOT of stuff. Not cheap but we've used them for 9 Disney trips and other vacation destinations. We store them in the suitcases when not traveling so they're always ready to go when we are.

[revral]

A kit for everything & everything in a kit. Toiletries are the obvious kit but I've put together a laundry kit (Purex 3 in 1 sheets, Shout color catcher sheets, small sewing kit, pop up hamper) and a swimming kit (swimsuit, cover up, goggles, watershoes). I also have a room kit (comfort/convenience items for the room) and an electronics kit. I use packing cubes in various sizes for most of my kits. The great thing about kits is that they keep things together that get used together & they eliminate thinking & rounding stuff up if they're kept assembled and ready to pack.

If you're buying new luggage spend the extra money for the kind with four spinning wheels especially if you have to deal with more one suitcase. Those four wheels make moving the suitcase so much easier.

Do NOT pack anything you're not willing to have lost or stolen in you checked bag(s).

Medications, electronics (laptop, camera, ipod etc.), travel documents etc. belong in your carry on or personal bag that you will be carrying with you on the plane.

Pack your sneakers in your carry on & wear shoes that are easy on easy off to the airport. Security will make you take your shoes & send them through the xray machine this is much simpler if you can simply step out of or kick off your shoes. I wear Crocs to the airport but flip flops, or clogs would work well too.

[revral]

My favorite tip I read years ago is to purchase a hanging sweater and/ or shoe organizer to put in your closet at the resort. Do you know the kind I mean? They create little cubbies with shelves-they're made out of a heavy canvas-type material. Those have been lifesavers! As a family of 5, we have SO much stuff! They fold neatly away but open them up and you have TONS more storage for all your toiletries (shoe organizer) and for the clothes that won't fit in the drawer (sweater organizer). I bought the very sturdy velcro kind at a home improvement store in their closet organizer section. They can really hold a LOT of stuff. Not cheap but we've used them for 9 Disney trips and other vacation destinations. We store them in the suitcases when not traveling so they're always ready to go when we are.

That's a great idea. I don't bring one but I do bring a few collapsible fabric drawer dividers for coraling & organizing the smaller stuff & a small always lives on the table or dresser to catch things like receipts, coke bottle caps (I do coke rewards), etc. They make a huge difference in keeping thing contained and organized.

[Rhonda]

That's a great idea. I don't bring one but I do bring a few collapsible fabric drawer dividers for coraling & organizing the smaller stuff & a small always lives on the table or dresser to catch things like receipts, coke bottle caps (I do coke rewards), etc. They make a huge difference in keeping thing contained and organized.


Oh I like that!!

If traveling with children by air: I always pack the power cord to the electronic of choice in case of a delayed layover. I also always gate check car/booster seats. Once we landed in San Francisco EARLY and couldn't leave the airport because they lost the carseat!!!

The tip about making sure clothes can be washed together is GREAT! DD loves pink which cant be washed with anything!

[revral]

Oh I like that!!

If traveling with children by air: I always pack the power cord to the electronic of choice in case of a delayed layover. I also always gate check car/booster seats. Once we landed in San Francisco EARLY and couldn't leave the airport because they lost the carseat!!!

The tip about making sure clothes can be washed together is GREAT! DD loves pink which cant be washed with anything!

Good suggestion to gate check the booster seat(s). I would also gate the stroller(s) so that I could use them all the to the gate. I too pack all chargers in my carry on since my phone, kindle, etc. isn't going to do me any good if battery is dead.

[annethomas]

Are the outlets very hard to reach, will I need a side order of extension cord with my power cord:confused:


anne:couch2:

[Janine]

Collapsable/pop-up laundry basket. The mesh kind, with the hard plastic trim, that folds into itself and makes a tiny flat disk. Or any kind of collapsable laundry basket, I guess.

[Rhonda]

Are the outlets very hard to reach, will I need a side order of extension cord with my power cord:confused:


anne:couch2:

Funny- and funnier that I cant answer because I have never needed to use them!! I see that as assurance. If I dont have it, I will need it, so I just bring it:RpS_tongue: Actually, I have eyed some areas just in case and if we were in that situation, I think I would find a gate area that was not being used and I think there were just normal wall outlets around.

[Rhonda]

Collapsable/pop-up laundry basket. The mesh kind, with the hard plastic trim, that folds into itself and makes a tiny flat disk. Or any kind of collapsable laundry basket, I guess.

.......now goes on EVERY vacation!

[George]

My only rule: if it won't fit into one carry-on for a week-long trip, it doesn't get to go with me. I always bring less than I think I'll need, and I still end up with stuff I didn't use.

And I always bring my dime-store shower head (minus the water saver) and the less-than-six-inches adjustable wrench. I can't abide low shower pressure. I'd rather stay home.

[jilly7896]

I pack the kids clothes in large ziplock bags. One for each day. It will contain shirt, shorts, underwear, socks. Each one is labeled with a day. It makes getting ready in the morning a breeze! I also pack the over the door shoe holder and the pop-up laundry baskets. I love the idea of packing the little collapsible drawers! Our tv stand in the room is always covered in room keys, reciepts, change, etc. I'm definitely doing that! I love threads like these!

[charcharg]

My favorite tip I read years ago is to purchase a hanging sweater and/ or shoe organizer to put in your closet at the resort. Do you know the kind I mean? They create little cubbies with shelves-they're made out of a heavy canvas-type material. Those have been lifesavers! As a family of 5, we have SO much stuff! They fold neatly away but open them up and you have TONS more storage for all your toiletries (shoe organizer) and for the clothes that won't fit in the drawer (sweater organizer). I bought the very sturdy velcro kind at a home improvement store in their closet organizer section. They can really hold a LOT of stuff. Not cheap but we've used them for 9 Disney trips and other vacation destinations. We store them in the suitcases when not traveling so they're always ready to go when we are.

I just saw these in the $1 section at our local Target!! Must get those when I am there today.

[MaddiesMom]

I pack the kids clothes in large ziplock bags. One for each day. It will contain shirt, shorts, underwear, socks. Each one is labeled with a day. It makes the getting ready in the morning a breeze!

Here's your "second" on that tip. I can't tell you how EASY this makes travel!

Here are my other tips:

1 - find a park bag that works for you. I carry a Baggalini Messenger, but YMMV.

2 - Get one or two of these. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Red-Cross-R-Johnson-Johnson-First-Aid-to-Go-R-Mini-First-Aid-Kit-First-Aid-Kits-1-ct/10801432 They are AWESOME for carrying around small first aid items.

3 - Blister band-aids. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Band-Aid-Advanced-Healing-Blister-Adhesive-Bandages-6-ct/10316209 If you get a hot-spot, put it on your foot immediately. If you already have a blister, this is one of the few things that will make walking in the parks bearable.

[jilly7896]

Here's your "second" on that tip. I can't tell you how EASY this makes travel!

3 - Blister band-aids. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Band-Aid-Advanced-Healing-Blister-Adhesive-Bandages-6-ct/10316209 If you get a hot-spot, put it on your foot immediately. If you already have a blister, this is one of the few things that will make walking in the parks bearable.


I love these things! I keep them in my purse at all times and double up for Disney!

[revral]

Keep all of your travel gear together in one place. I have a cabinet that I got years ago at WalMart that I use as travel central it holds all my travel gear. Being able to open that cabinet up pull out whatever items I need for trip except for paperwork/tickets, clothing & suitcase(s)/bags has been a huge time & sanity saver.

[revral]

Here's your "second" on that tip. I can't tell you how EASY this makes travel!

Here are my other tips:

1 - find a park bag that works for you. I carry a Baggalini Messenger, but YMMV.

I agree a good bag that works for you is critical when traveling. My personal bag when traveling is actually a diaper bag from Kmart. It's a plain dark gray & black bag with a lot of pockets & nothing about it says diaper bag. I say this because I don't have kids & if I hadn't thought outside of the box I wouldn't have found a great bag.

[3Caballeros]

3 - Blister band-aids. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Band-Aid-Advanced-Healing-Blister-Adhesive-Bandages-6-ct/10316209 If you get a hot-spot, put it on your foot immediately. If you already have a blister, this is one of the few things that will make walking in the parks bearable.

Preventing the blisters calls for the most wonderful product called "Body Glide" - it's sold online at places like drugstore.com or you can also get it at cycle shops or Dick's sporting goods. It looks like a deodorant solid but is scent-free. You put it on your feet (works best when wearing socks and shoes vs. crocs) or other areas of your body that may chafe (you know the ones!) and you'll be so glad you did!

[marlaine]

For those of you that pack each outfit in a Ziplock--don't they get all wrinkly? I'm an ironing fanatic--iron everything before I pack and then a quick re-iron in the morning before we leave for the parks. I realize I don't have to do this, but I just love the way clothes look when they're crisp and pressed!

[3Caballeros]

Martha Stewart says to roll your clothes up when you pack them to prevent wrinkling. Like a cylinder. So, when we packed our clothes in the zip locks, I rolled them as much as I could and, although I admit that I rarely touch an iron, the clothes looked fine and not wrinkly, IMO.

[Janine]

Ironing? What's that? :noidea:

[loribell]

Ironing? What's that? :noidea:

You got me! :RpS_scared:

[marlaine]

I know, I know! Not many people iron anymore--I'm a sick-o. I've done it for so many years, that I just can't break the habit.:RpS_blushing:

[Brandie]

find a park bag that works for you. I carry a Baggalini Messenger, but YMMV.



I've got two of these. Love 'em! But, they cause pilling. After a day at the park I've got pills in the outline of a sash across the front and back of my shirt.

Hilary, do you have this problem, too?

[jilly7896]

Martha Stewart says to roll your clothes up when you pack them to prevent wrinkling. Like a cylinder. So, when we packed our clothes in the zip locks, I rolled them as much as I could and, although I admit that I rarely touch an iron, the clothes looked fine and not wrinkly, IMO.

I roll mine too. And I don't iron at home, let alone on vacation. I think the clothes look fine.

[jilly7896]

I've got two of these. Love 'em! But, they cause pilling. After a day at the park I've got pills in the outline of a sash across the front and back of my shirt.

Hilary, do you have this problem, too?

I almost bought a bagalini until I came across the Overland equipment donner. I think this is the best park bag EVER! I love that it fits 2 water bottles on the side and has so many pockets to keep everything organized.

[loribell]

I hate to carry a bag in the parks so I usually just don't!

[Rhonda]

I always thought the Florida humidity was just as good as an iron:RpS_biggrin:

I sold my baggalini. Just didnt like it. This year I am bringing DH to carry stuff :RpS_lol:

Just wanted to say I just went and bought 2 of those folding box thingys at the dollar store and an over the door compartment thing too!! I am SO excited!

[loribell]

I sold my baggalini. Just didnt like it. This year I am bringing DH to carry stuff :RpS_lol:

:RpS_thumbsup:

[Lovemyblt]

I liked my Baggalini but I can't find it!!!! LOL A month ago I saw it and said "Oh i need to remember where this is" Yeah I should have grabbed it then!!
I am so getting some of those "Folding Box Thingys" ( Love it Rhonda!!) Our bureau is always such a mess!!!
Idid the ziploc bag thing when Logan was younger, now her close don't fit :(

[Lisa]

I had a Baggllini messenger bag and it was a great bag, except for one flaw that caused me to get rid of it: I'm a lefty and it can't be worn the way I want to - and it was very awkward for me to wear it the "righty" way.

[Claire]

In our carryons I pack an extraoutfit for everyone. I store it in a ziploc. I works great for soiled kids clothes because too often they smell ot are wet! The ziploc help contains the smell after I put the dirties back in. Secondly, I love shoes! So for my nonpractical shoes I try to pack as many outfits as possible that match them to limit packing. Lastly, I love my Vera Bradley hipster bag!

[PineapplePrincess]

I bring a travel size bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser. It works great & you don't have to iron!

[annethomas]

I bring a travel size bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser. It works great & you don't have to iron!

Wrinkle Release is my best friend:RpS_thumbsup: I use it everyday!

[BlountFam5]

In our carryons I pack an extraoutfit for everyone.

I agree with Claire. Saved me from dealing w/ DS5 meltdown last year on the plane. He spilled water all over himself.

I have also packed the kids clothes by day in Ziplocs. Each child has their clothes in a Ziploc for the day. Makes getting dressed quicker and then I don't mind throwing stuff in hotel drawers. Always carry children and adult Tylenol or Ibuprofen - just in case.

Someone once reccommended packing everyone's clothes mixed in different suitcases in case one bag is lost in transit from the airline. This way you at least have some clothes for each person. I've not had a problem w/ the airlines, but better to be safe than sorry.

[MaddiesMom]

I've got two of these. Love 'em! But, they cause pilling. After a day at the park I've got pills in the outline of a sash across the front and back of my shirt.

Hilary, do you have this problem, too?

You know, I've never really noticed this. I have it on and off so much (I'm kind of squirmy), so I don't know that it has time to cause fuzzies.

[DoctorK]

Some non-traditional things we always take:


power strip, for charging all of the phones, cameras, etc.
clothes pins, for hanging swim suits to dry, keeping drapes shut tight during nap time
small rolls of duct tape and painters tape. I used a business card and rolled off 10-20 feet of each onto it. Duct tape helped us when the wheel on our luggage was falling apart, and we used painters tape for something last time but I can't remember what that was...
small screwdriver in case we need to adjust fridge temperature
small scissors
directions for overriding the A/C in the room

[mdsd8700]

Well not exactly a tip, but I think going forward I am going to line to bottom and top of my suitcases with plastic garbage bags or something similar to that.

This last trip in June on our way home we were delayed by a heavy rain storm in Orlando. Weather delays don't happen all the time to us, but certainly have occurred in the past. However this time for whatever reason SW left all our luggage on the runway waiting for the plane. It did have some sort of tarps over the top but not the sides and even if it had it was a torential down pour and water was blowing/going everywhere. Well needless to say when I got home pretty much everything in our suite cases was soaked. Everything made of paper was useless or needed drying out. Since I am a serious overpacker I always have a suit case of clothes that didn't get worn. I pack those separate so I can put them away at home. The clothes were so wet and wrinkled everything had to be washed, so I had even more laundry then normal when we returned.

So has this ever happened to anyone else? Of course there are times and seasons depending on where we may travel that rain won't be an issue. However when I know there is a possibility I am thinking that I will line the bottom of the suit case with something water resistant and then place something over the top of the clothes as well. Hopefully that would at least prevent a complete soaking everthing in the event my luggage gets left out in the rain for hours again.

[dmandaro]

Great thread. We bring the duct tape to tape shut balcony doors so the kids can't open them without us knowing.

[3Caballeros]

I am thinking that I will line the bottom of the suit case with something water resistant and then place something over the top of the clothes as well. Hopefully that would at least prevent a complete soaking evertyhing in the event my luggage gets left out in the rain for hours again.

I would use a lawn sized black garbage bag, open it up completely in the bottom of the case, pack the clothes, pull the garbage bag up around it and tie it shut. If things were as wet as you said, I don't think that just lining it will be affective, IMO.

[mdsd8700]

I would use a lawn sized black garbage bag, open it up completely in the bottom of the case, pack the clothes, pull the garbage bag up around it and tie it shut. If things were as wet as you said, I don't think that just lining it will be affective, IMO.

Yes something like that might work. Thanks. Our things were so wet I couldn't beleive it. I was just glad it happened on the way home and not on the way there!

[annethomas]

Great thread. We bring the duct tape to tape shut balcony doors so the kids can't open them without us knowing.

Oh WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you I would have never thought of that!!!!!!!!

[annethomas]

Please keep the tips coming!!!!!! I have done alot of research and some of these tips I have never seen before.....you guys rock!

[dmandaro]

When the kids were potty training, I brought post it notes to cover the automatic flush on the toilets.

This year the children will be bringing Monopoly money which will correspond with how much they have earned by doing chores, helping, etc. If they see something they like we will exchange their Monopoly money for the real stuff so they can purchase something for themselves. Hoping to see some money management and generousity between the siblings.

Deb

DH, DD8, DS5, DS4

[MaddiesMom]

When the kids were potty training, I brought post it notes to cover the automatic flush on the toilets.
This year the children will be bringing Monopoly money which will correspond with how much they have earned by doing chores, helping, etc. If they see something they like we will exchange their Monopoly money for the real stuff so they can purchase something for themselves. Hoping to see some money management and generousity between the siblings.


On a similar note:

I give each kid $1 every day. It's theirs. As long as they meet their expectations, they keep it. They're to go to school, stay out of trouble, don't backtalk, finish homework, keep themselves clean (a challenge with an Aspie), and go to bed (and stay there) without a battle. They get one warning for not meeting expectations, then their $1 is mine. I start this at 60 days out, so realistically they can earn $60. Really, they earn about $50. LOL

Go to your local grocery store that has "fuelperks" or something similar. Most sell gift cards. Buy your gift cards there, get fuelperks. Win!

I also do that for spending money while at the world. I am spending money anyhow ... may as well get free gas for doing it.

[famouschinesecontroller]

Collapsable/pop-up laundry basket. The mesh kind, with the hard plastic trim, that folds into itself and makes a tiny flat disk. Or any kind of collapsable laundry basket, I guess.

Ditto, ditto, ditto. We even put ours up in the tent when we camp.


I know, I know! Not many people iron anymore--I'm a sick-o. I've done it for so many years, that I just can't break the habit.:RpS_blushing:

Step away from the iron.

[revral]

I tend to either read or sleep on planes and I have a Kindle that I LOVE. The only problem is that like all other portable electronics it has to be turned off for take of & landing so instead of bringing a book I bring a couple of magazines. I pack one in my personal bag for the flight to my destination & one in my checked bag to be put in my personal bag for the flight home. I read the magazine during the times that all portable electronics must be turned off. By the time the plane has reached the gate I've usually finished the magazine and either throw it away, put it in recycle or leave it in the pocket on the back of the seat in front of me for someone else to read.

I bring enough envelopes with me to have at least one for each day. I put one day's receipts in each envelope & put the day's date on the back of the envelope. This makes it easy to find a receipt if you need it for some reason keeps them contained and organized and since the date is on the back if I ever wanted or needed to I could mail the envelopes home to myself.

[jandeeah]

directions for overriding the A/C in the room
[/LIST]

Could I have a copy of that please?

[Janine]

I bring enough envelopes with me to have at least one for each day.

Along those same lines, I bring pre-stuffed Mousekeeping envelops for each day. That way I'm not scrambling for ones each morning.

[Micklessor]

Along those same lines, I bring pre-stuffed Mousekeeping envelops for each day. That way I'm not scrambling for ones each morning.

I do the same thing, in fact we took all our collected change, cashed it in and voila! tips for Mousekeeping...DONE!

[Rhonda]

On a similar note:

I give each kid $1 every day. It's theirs. As long as they meet their expectations, they keep it. They're to go to school, stay out of trouble, don't backtalk, finish homework, keep themselves clean (a challenge with an Aspie), and go to bed (and stay there) without a battle. They get one warning for not meeting expectations, then their $1 is mine. I start this at 60 days out, so realistically they can earn $60. Really, they earn about $50. LOL

Go to your local grocery store that has "fuelperks" or something similar. Most sell gift cards. Buy your gift cards there, get fuelperks. Win!

I also do that for spending money while at the world. I am spending money anyhow ... may as well get free gas for doing it.

I have loved watching my kids learn money management!! Last year Mason wanted SO bad to buy one of those mister fans. I knew he wouldnt want to carry it after awhile and I would end up with it, so I kept saying no. After a couple of days he called me out and said "it's my money mom, that's why I earned it" so I finally relented. He carried that thing every single day with zero complaint! It is already in the suitcase for our next trip :RpS_tongue:

[MaddiesMom]

Along those same lines, I bring pre-stuffed Mousekeeping envelops for each day. That way I'm not scrambling for ones each morning.

This is a fun "countdown" project. I actually assign the kids "jobs" to do to get ready for our trip, and making Mousekeeping envelopes is one of the "jobs".

[loribell]

I have one tip. For those of you that used to bag the kids clothes but can't due to size; stack the outfit together and then roll it to put in the suitcase. It cuts down on the amount of space taken up and does help with wrinkles some.