Traveling with kids is a challenge in itself, but over the course of the next 30 days, we have not one but the 3 trips planned – a cruise, an international plane trip (without the kids) and a road trip for a wedding. Amongst all this traveling, we will also be hosting guests. And, that trip without kids is during a school week, so I not only have to pack for myself but also prepare for the kids to have a full week of school and after school activities while staying with my parents.
Luckily, we love traveling and my husband especially loves spontaneous weekend trips. I’ve pretty much gotten our packing down to a science. But, honestly, even with a lot of packing experience, the thought of the next 30 days is making my stomach turn and my head dizzy.
This week is all about getting ready for the cruise trip and packing for trip#2.
For my own sanity, my suitcases contain a few pre-labeled Ziplocs for some of the necessities: kids’ socks, underwear, adults socks, and adult HIS & HER undergarments.
I also have a pre-packed first aid kit, and a hanging toiletries’ bag complete with toothpaste, toothbrushes for all 5 of us, travel shampoo & conditioner, lotion, nail clipper, lip balm, hair brush and hair accessories for my girls, adult hair brush and small comb for the boys, scissors and my mini hair kit with various hair ties, hijab pins, safety pins, and a needle & white thread. I will post details of those in later post.
That leaves just my makeup, clothes, shoes and any additional items specific to the trip to be added in the suitcases.
The first thing I do when I start packing is to fill up those pre-labeled Ziplocs, add the toiletries’ bag and my First Aid Kit (pictured below), and finally print the checklist to help pack the remaining items. Click here for the printable checklist.
