Many parents assume that you have to pack for everything on a weekend away. Many more don't even attempt a weekend trip with children. Packing for the weekend is simpler than you think, and you can pack everything you need in an overnight bag and/or backpack for every four people. Impossible you say? Well, it does take a little finesse, trial and error, but it is very possible.
This probably should go without saying, but think of your typical day, and multiply it by two for babies. Does your baby/toddler always have a blow-out or two? Does your school age child always spill their drink, still? What is the bare minimum of things you need to get through a day? This is your range, bare minimum to everything times two. We will strive to put the pack closer to the bare minimum. Kids really don't need as much as you think, remember the boxes they play with during the holidays? They will stay happy with a little preparation.
Some questions you need to ask before you go include:
Will you have access to a laundry in an emergency? On any trip, you will always need one bag with a change of clothes for everyone, basic toiletries and overnight essentials (pull-ups and formula anyone?).
Is there a kitchen?
Where do I eat?
What is the bathroom like?
Are there decent restrooms along the way?
Some small kids still need a tub-is the hotel full of showers only?
Think about what a typical week is like, all your regular habits and ask, and prepare, accordingly.
This list is for the WHOLE family, divide as necessary between day pack and overnight carry on or kid pack and carry on. When you are traveling for just a weekend, you only need these things!
1. New toy/coloring book/game or activity, electronic device and ear buds. Kids love a new activity to keep them busy during travel. Keep them busy with anything from dollar store finds to electronic gadgets. Keep this in the middle of two kids, or under their seat in a van, within reach of a kiddo or parent, depending on the age of you kids. Kids' meal toys have also been a salvation for us, we eat and they get something new. If you lose it, no big deal, you'll probably see one again at your next meal stop.
2. One change of night clothes with underwear/diapers that can double as day clothes if needed. Also, pack one change of day clothes with underwear/diapers and spare (matches everything) shoes. Try to make sure all the clothing coordinates so you can wear everything in different configurations and layers, depending on weather, more than once, and you will have nearly a weeks worth of clothing, let alone three days worth. If there is an accident, and there almost certainly will be with kids, you will probably need to wash clothes in the sink or a washing machine.
3. Baby Wipes You never outgrow them! In the diaper bag or kid pack, or both. These also work great on spills and hands. I also keep a roll of paper towels handy in the car.
4. Favorite snacks (one or two) for travel and extreme bribery. Throw a couple in for you too, parents, in the kid pack. Let the kids pick them out and you have added suspense. Kids always love picking out their own 'treats' for a trip. Sometimes we do this along the way at bathroom and fuel stops as well. I allow just one item at a time, however, and not at every stop. Also, allow them to get what you can put up with--not the noise maker that you will chuck out the window at mile 300.
5. Basic first aid supplies in a zip closure quart size bag. Bandages, anti bacterial cream, hand sanitizer and little bottle of baby liquid soap, sunblock, pain reliever and fever reducer for kids and parents, a stomach medicine for indigestion for kids and parents, required medications for all family members, and a hand towel that can double as a compress. Make this accessible, on the end of the suitcase or outside pocket.
6. Favorite toy/blankie or pillow for sleeping for each kid. Bringing a bit of home with them goes a long way to ease sleeping in a new place. This can be stored in either packs or on the seat in reach of the kiddo. In our car, we always have a pillow and blanket for each kid. They can fold up and stack between them, but they are definitely well used. A pillow or snuggle toy and blanket are the magic combo for us. Your combination depends on what you want to keep track of, carry, and/or temperament of kids and parents.
7. Formula for babies and three bottles. I also liked to bring a small something to clean the bottles. I suggest a smaller sealed container of formula to start and enough for at least 3 days in case you cannot find an adequate substitute. Store this close, in the day pack (diaper bag). You can put a second container in your overnight bag.
8. Basic Toiletries for all; also in a zip closure plastic bag. This includes a body wash or bar, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes and paste, comb/brush, hair ties for long hair, sponge or wash cloth, contact lens supplies, whatever the minimum (and I mean MINIMUM) is for survival. Half the time we just pack some no tears kid soap for the bodies and hair with a pouf, tooth cleaning supplies, deodorant, a hairbrush, and I wear my glasses. The baby soap can also wash clothing in a pinch, and dab on food spills to keep out stains. Most items can be supplied by the hotel if you lose luggage and you can buy what they cannot. I still like to use the 3-4 oz air travel rule for liquids. You really can be clean, gorgeous, and get by on less than you think. If going to more formal gatherings, you might need your makeup, favorite curling iron or flat iron, and other essentials, but keep it down to the minimum. Blow dryers can be borrowed or supplied by the hotel. Just be cautious using one you aren't familiar with. Put this away for later, in the overnight bag.
9. Water bottle or sippy cup for each child and parent. Think green, no bottles to throw away. Or, get everyone a bottled water and keep refilling it; that way if you lose it, you won't ruin your day. I hope your day pack or car has a water bottle/cup holder.
10. Electronics and chargers. I keep all my valuables close, and this is just good sense. Only once have I left something behind. A little vigilance keeps things from being stolen, generally, but take precautions. Put them in whichever bag you need. Overnight if you won't use them until you get there, and day pack if you need them along the way. If you can't lose it, put it in your neck wallet or money belt, or leave it locked up in your hotel or bedroom.
A new game or movie on a DVD player, tablet or smart phone will help alleviate a lot of boredom for the kids. Use these judiciously. We have a rule in our family, only when travel is longer than an hour and if we've played all our car/brain/book games first. Usually, this can be avoided with a little practice and positive attitude. Make the car games fun for your kids, and you might have a new story to tell when you get to your destination!
Good luck on the open road, stay safe, and have a ball!
(This article contains travel suggestions, the author makes no warranty or imply treatment of any kind)
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