{This post was sponsored by @GBChildUsa as part of a Blog Blast Activation for Influence Central.}
I remember the decision to make the 700+ mile road trip from Nashville, Tennessee to Hershey, Pennsylvania via Washington DC. Even if we drove straight, a thought we didn’t even consider with a 1 year old and a 3 year old, the trip would take nearly 11 hours. The reality is it probably took double that amount of time with all of the stops for meals, breaks and other necessities. Did I mention it was the middle of winter?
The thought of taking any trip with kids can be daunting for many families. Add in weather, cost, and the presumed difficulties associated with traveling with kids, and the result is a nation of families who often prolong vacations, resulting in missed opportunities to connect, bond, learn and dream together.
When I sat down and really thought about what intimidated me about traveling with my kids, I realized that it came down to situations that in theory are out of my control. Some of those include missed or delayed flights, illness, inclement weather and road trip mishaps like getting lost or incurring a flat tire. I’ve found that preparation is the best antidote to travel-related anxiety, so today I’m sharing 7 Family Travel Essentials For Every Vacation.
- A few of their favorite things. Books, coloring essentials, toys, and my kids’ favorite stuffed animals always helped alleviate wait times at the airport or long car rides. I also recommend having a few new toys and activities on-hand to surprise them with.
- Wipes. Clean everything from faces and hands to airline seat trays and restaurant tables with. Try The Honest Company’s Travel Wipes which are durable and free from all of the chemicals you can never decipher in conventional wipes.
- First aid essentials. Put together a small bag filled with essentials such as band-aids, children’s Tylenol, sunscreen, Pedialyte, and other essential medications. Be sure this bag contains 4 ounce containers (or less) so that you can carry it with you on a plane.
- Plastic bags. Simple, yet often overlooked, you’ll be thankful you packed these when your child’s clothes, shoes or other belongings get wet, dirty or otherwise messy.
- Snacks. I’ve staved off many a meltdown by having my kids’ favorite snacks on-hand. Be sure to pack non-perishable items and a sippy cup/bottle for drinks.
- A portable stroller. I still use a stroller with my youngest daughter when we travel anywhere that requires a sufficient amount of walking. I also appreciate the convenience of having a place to put their items. If you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to travel with, the gb Pockit is the world’s smallest folding stroller. And at just under 10 pounds, it is the ideal stroller to travel with.
- Clothes for all climates. I know…it’s going to be 80 degrees in Hawaii with zero chance of rain. Bring a sweater and some warm clothes anyway. Weather is one of life’s most unpredictable phenomena so do yourself a favor and pack an umbrella for desert climates (those Arizona thunderstorms in August are intense…and beautiful) and a jacket for summer in San Francisco (remember Mark Twain’s quote?).
Want to glean additional trips on family travel? Join us this Thursday, April 28th, 2016 for a Twitter Party with gb Pockit. we’ll be talking about family adventures and how the world’s smallest folding stroller can help make your weekend getaway or cross-country vacation just a little bit more manageable.
#gbPockit Twitter Party
When: Thursday, April 28, 2016, 1 – 2 PM ET
Who to Follow: @MomCentral, @GBChildUSA
Hashtag: #gbPockit
Prizes: 2 pre-party winners and 6 party winners will receive $50 Amex gift cards and 1 grand prize winner will receive the gb Pockit Stroller
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