Family Vacation Advice - Packing with the Kids. Stack or roll, that is the question? Taking a trip with children presents plenty of challenges. Center stage is the issue of what, how and where to pack their things and your things. There is not a perfect solution for every situation but I have listened to plenty of seasoned and well-tested techniques. There are two schools of thought on possession containment for travel. There is the "stack" theory and the "roll" technique. One of these two theories must be combined with yet two opposing philosophies, shared suitcases or individual bags. Variables such as age of travelers and compatibility mix, as well as type of travel and destination all make a difference in selecting the best approach.

Roll it. My favorite method from my backpacking days, before the twins. Basically the concept goes like this:

1. Select a day’s wearing apparel. Young children enjoy helping assemble clothing and making the rolls. Once you have teens forget it they must be left on their own with a list.

2. Create a clothes-roll with the pant or skirt on the outside, shirt or top next and socks and underwear in the middle. If jeans can do double duty then some rolls will be without the jeans component.

3. Sleep clothes become their own roll with the toothbrush case at the center. Double baggie soap or clothes needed for daily rituals.

4. Some secure the roll with a rubber band and still others also label the roll. It all depends on the needs of your family members. I have seen clothing contained by belts or kerchief.

5. With this system it is best to combine clothing of the same color all light or all dark. When this theory is combined with the shared suitcase philosophy parents with lots of sky miles have learned to color code. Example: Each child chooses a predominant color combination like green/gray or purple/red. All of their clothing rolls have one or both of their colors. Easy to spot in a shared bag.

6. At the end of each day, old clothes are re-rolled and placed in a plastic bag or spare duffel. If along the way laundry must be done then it is better to select colors that can be washed in the same load. It is also wise not to take shirts that have never been washed…for obvious reasons.

7. When it is laundry time the advantages are obvious. Kids can unroll and load just as easily as anyone, re-rolling when the drying is done.

8. Rolling works well for road travel because everyone can put their own roll in a group bag without fear of integration or keep their own clothes-roll in their backpack.

9. Maintaining this system will cut down on motel or cabin clutter and help your children stay in charge of their things. That doesn’t mean there isn’t roll swapping or pilfering.

10. Place spare underwear and socks inside of shoes.

Pack it flat. For traditionalists, the other way of doing it. The flat technique works best when you’re planning to unpack at your destination. It also works well if children aren’t involved in the process.

1. Set aside piles of the things needed by day (an outfit), a category (all shirts).

2. The monochromatic rule still applies.

3. Pack the largest items first laying pants lengthwise and opposite each other.

4. Placing socks in pockets is an option of they is not already in shoes.

5. Tops and sleeping garb next.

6. As always tuck shoes to the sides.

7. Keep toiletries in cases or double baggies.

8. Save a large piece of clothing or a lightweight towel to cover the contents, keeping zipper free and latches unencumbered.

9. If you must keep things on hangers place them on top - to avoid wrinkles keep them in bags from the dry cleaners. Note: We have travel packing lists on file.

10. Once all items are assembled decide will this trip be "shared" baggage or individual cases. Sharing makes most sense when there is a chance that luggage might not make a tight transfer. Trips that begin with plane/cruise combinations fit the category.

"Pack time" tips no matter the technique.

1. Pack one person’s belongings at a time. Involve your child only if they care…this is not an activity designed to practice your patience.

2. Pack toiletries for each person at the same time because some things can be shared and that way you will know who does not have their toothbrush. Then pack that spare toothbrush any way.

3. Most children 10 years or older are able to pack from a list but make sure and check the results.

4. If your vacation includes multiple plane transfers make sure that everyone has at least one change of clothing in a carry on.

5. If you’re on the road make a "carry-in" suitcase with changes for all members. This eliminates unloading the whole car each night.

6. Some moms advise packing two days early this technique allows one the luxury of taking extras out before departure.

7. Tips: Pack jeans - they’re good for two maybe three wearings … Patterned or textured fabrics don’t show spills… Avoid whites, linens and pleats...

8. The best wrinkle resistent fabrics are fine woolens, knits, parachute silks and any synthetic…Yes polyester! Not rayon unless wrinkles do not matter.

9. When in doubt leave it home. Pack less and you will have more time for fun… Managing suitcase contents can be drudgery… Pack so you don’t have to unpack

10. Take an extra duffel bag - vacation clothing expands even without souvenirs.

11. Take baggies you’ll know why when you get there.

12. Make sure everyone can manage their own carry on and one suitcase. Too heavy…then you do not need it.

Traveling to Europe on a budget?  Make sure that each child can carry his or her suitcase and other belongings at least two blocks and up and down least three flights of stairs. When on a budget public transportation is part of the experience and train stations have plenty platforms and stairways. The new  suitcases with smart "rollies" do not help much at mass transit stations or when it is necessary to climb three flights of stairs because the lift does not work.

Things other families always take on a trip. I am always surprised at the items families need on holidays. From our files I have selected the things that make most sense to me. But remember I am the mother of twins, not yet in school so my viewpoint may be slanted because I am always seeing double. Whether it is roll or stack, share or not everyone needs extra plastic bags and double sealing baggies. And,
Earplugs are a must and ear drops never hurt.
Handy wipes even when you no longer need diapers.
Toilet paper neatly folded in a baggy for each family member.
Electrical tape.
Glue in a plastic container.
Magnifying glass and tweezers.
Non aerosol spot remover.
Dental floss and safety pins.
A marker and labels.
E-mail access instructions.
Long distance dialing directions.

Vacation Time Line. If you have school-age children the timeline technique will be familiar. So your vacation time line will fit nicely on the refrigerator door next to the end-of-year projects most children must complete. The purpose is to establish an orderly way to accomplish whatever the task. Because vacations require plenty of pre departure activities the time line will serve to keep everyone on track. Your time line can be as long as you wish but the last two weeks - known as the crunch - will be of most value. The general idea is to avoid a 3 a.m. packing marathon. One entry on the time line will be pack but about a week before pack should be pre-pack. Pre-pack - this really means inventory what needs to be packed.

Vacation packing list. Before beginning make sure that the luggage zippers and clasps are in working condition. Place your name and address and contact phone number on the inside of each bag just in case the outside tag disappears. Do the same with each carry –on so if it does not get carried on you may still get it back.  

1. Have your kids try on out-of-season clothing.

2. Make an underwear inventory. This is the time to find out about failing elastic and toe holes. You’ll have time to replace items.

3. Make sure to wash any new clothing so that is semi-broken in before the holiday begins.

4. New, oh-so-cute clothing should not go on a vacation unless you expect that it will go unworn. Children in unfamiliar places need familiar things, like their own old standby jeans and sweatshirts.

5. Do not purchase new shoes just before leaving on vacation. Foot comfort is essential for a stress free vacatiuon.

6. Assemble vitamins - refill prescriptions - that will eliminate a trip to the all night pharmacy across town.

7. Relocate the vacation garb three days before departure so that it is not dirty on packing day.

8. Each child should make its own entertainment checklist. Guidelines vary by family however less is more. A good vacation rule to follow, the child must carry the selections. They must fit in a backpack or tote. This list should take some thought because on packing day if it is not on the list it doesn’t go along.

9. Find your own things so that when unplanned delays occur you’re prepared; a deck of cards; audio tapes; extra day glow markers and small note pads; age appropriate paperback books; extra batteries for tape players.

10. At least six weeks out order maps and destination guidebooks. 

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