Preparing for a Trip with the Family

Powered by Mom talks about preparing a trip with the family

I don’t know about you but I finding preparing for any type of travel with my family a bit stressful. I’m an organized person but my hubby and daughter are the exact opposite. I love them both of course but they are a couple of scattered free spirits who have gotten used to mom organizing everything. So for the second year in a row I’m headed off to a conference and will meet up with family afterwards for our family vacation.

What does this mean?

In my world that means I organize my schedule, arrange for people to take care of our two dogs and cat, our home, book flights, hotels, make sure passports are updated and then I work on my conference schedule. It’s really a two layered process, I take care of my conference travel booking air, hotel etc.. what I”m going to back for the conference and what I’m going to pack for the family vacation part. I don’t come home after the conference I meet up with my family at the vacation spot location.

This then means I pretty much pack for my daughter before I leave as she’s known forgetting half her stuff, print off their travel itinerary, take a copy for myself and the list goes on. I’m sure you’re getting the idea. It’s a bit a lot of work but for this type A personality it needs to be done. Yes I put it on myself to some degree but believe me I’ve tried to let them do their own organizing but it was far too chaotic.

Some of the tips I’d like to share on things I think are a must have in the suitcase or carry-on and how to help organize a family trip whether it’s by air, plane, train or automobile are as follows:

• Use a calendar or Excel spreadsheet to mark down dates and time so of flights, hotel info etc.. I personally love my iCloud calendar for this so I have it on my phone and can refer to it when needed. A google calendar or any that works for you is good too.
• Make sure to leave contact information with someone WHO is not travelling with you. Especially if you’re like us and have pets to be taken care of.
• Bring a portable wall adapter that has USB ports. Today everyone seems to have a smartphone, laptop or tablet, there’s never enough USB ports trust me.
• My hubby in particular gets the ear aches when flying and sometimes the upset stomach. I always pack some Gravol and I love the Gravol™ Natural Source™ Ginger Lozenges that require no water to take, and most importantly, are non-drowsy. They also have a liquid Gel version so whichever you prefer but for my daughter I give her the Gravol™ Quick Dissolve Chewables for kids.  They also come in handy after a day at theme parks where you’re running around, on topsy turvy rides and perhaps not eating the best quality food.

I find it helpful to prepare utilizing those tips and ensuring I have such necessities on hand as the Gravol, along with a few other things. Now those are just my tips for preparing for your travels don’t get me started on everything else you should pack LOL. What tips do you have to share for helping your family prepare for a trip?

Feel free to share!