Hi Reader!

Spring travels are in full swing, and summer is just around the corner! As a busy mom of four boys, I know how stressful it can be to get everyone packed and ready for a trip.

Over the years, I’ve found the essentials that make packing smoother and faster—and I’m sharing them with you today so you can feel confident and stress-free when it’s time to hit the road or the skies! 🧳 🚗 ✈️

What’s in My Travel Bag (and Why You’ll Want These Too!):

• A Mini First Aid Kit: I can’t tell you how many times one of my boys has tripped, scraped a knee, or needed a bandaid right when I least expected it. I always pack a small kit with bandaids, antiseptic wipes, medicine, and a thermometer. You never know when you’ll need it!
• Kid-Friendly Snacks: Avoid the “I’m hungry!” complaints by packing their favorites—popcorn, fruit snacks, crackers, and water bottles. Pro tip: Go for individually wrapped snacks so it’s easier to grab and go during travel.
• Ziploc Bags for Everything: Wet clothes? Snacks? Small toys? I always pack a few Ziplocs for easy cleanup and organization. They’re also great for separating dirty clothes or holding things you want to keep together in your bag.
• Extra Set of Clothes in My Carry-On: Trust me, you’ll want to have a change of clothes on hand. Between spills, bathroom accidents, and the inevitable messy adventures, it's better to be prepared. (We have used this more times than I can count!🤣)
• A Laundry Bag: This keeps all the dirty laundry separate without taking up too much space in your suitcase. Plus, it’s super handy when you get home, so you don’t mix clean and dirty clothes together.
• Pre-packed Toiletry Bag: I keep a toiletry bag that’s always ready to go. It has travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, and deodorant. I don’t have to pack toiletries last-minute—this bag is ready to go as soon as we are.

Packing Hacks You’ll Love (That Actually Save Time!):

• Pack by Day, Not by Person: This tip is a total game-changer. I like to lay out outfits for each day of the trip and then pack them in one section of the suitcase. That way, I can grab the outfit for the day, and I don’t need to dig through everyone’s stuff.
• Organize with Packing Cubes: If you haven’t tried packing cubes yet, you’re missing out! They keep everything organized, from clothes to toiletries to electronics. Bonus: They make it super easy to find what you need in a hurry!
• Let the Kids Pack Their Own Carry-Ons: If your kids are old enough, let them pack their own carry-ons! Guide them on the essentials—snacks, a book, a toy, and headphones. It’ll give them a sense of responsibility and free you up to focus on the grown-up stuff.
• Make Use of Dead Space in Luggage: Shoes can be a pain to pack, but here’s a hack: stuff socks or smaller items inside shoes to maximize space! It helps keep shoes from getting squished too.

A Special Gift for You:

I’ve also created a free downloadable Packing List to make your spring (and summer) packing a breeze! Whether you’re heading to the beach, a theme park, or visiting family, this list will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget the essentials.

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✨Download your free packing list here 👉 Packing Tips Freebie new.pdf​

I hope these tips help you feel ready for your next adventure!

Stay tuned for more packing tips, behind-the-scenes travel hacks, and inspiration to make your trips stress-free and fun. I’m all about helping you make family travel as smooth as possible, so you can create memories without the headache.

Thanks for being part of the Travel Tuesday community, and I can’t wait to connect again soon!💕

✨ Want to make planning even easier?

Grab our complimentary travel itinerary planner and start mapping out your next adventure.

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May you LOVE your adventure!

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