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Who is taking a getaway trip this winter? Or a summer road trip? Yes?! How’s your packing game? My family has done our share of both road trips and airline travel. There’s no magic wand, and there are certainly elements that are outside of our control. But, there are things we can do to make travel go more smoothly and efficiently, while saving a buck in the process. Here are my top travel tips and tricks:
1. Wear Your Bulkiest Items. If you’re flying, wear your heaviest items (coat, sweater, shoes, etc.) to leave more room in your bags. Also, it’s cold on those flights, so you’ll be prepared if you layer up!
2. Avoid Checking Luggage. If possible (it’s not easy!), bring carry on luggage only. It will be faster at your destination not to have to wait at the baggage carousel. And it’s no fun being away from home without your belongings in the case of missing luggage. A capsule wardrobe helps with packing light. See this post for more information. If you do check bags, include any must have items (contact solution, etc) in your carry on bag.
3. Think Beyond Hotels. There are so many lodging options now, with airbnb and other rentals. It’s worth exploring other options and space configurations to find what works best for you. There’s often a better scenario than your standard 1 room hotel room – particularly with kids. My husband and I have spent plenty of nights in hotel rooms whispering in the dark at 8 pm because the kids are asleep.
It’s great to have access to a small kitchen to give you the option of eating in and simple snack or meal prep. You save money and gain flexibility with your schedule and your meals. It’s helpful to have cereal or other kid’s breakfast food on hand, so if the kiddos are up early, they can go ahead and eat.
4. Use Packing Cubes. These lightweight, multi-colored, multi-sized zipper cases make packing, unpacking, and staying organized at your destination so much easier! They keep like items together and visible. Use them however you like – a cube for workout clothes, shorts, or pajamas. These are the ones I own (*affiliate link). 
5. Read Up on Baggage Policies. Look up checked baggage policies ahead of time. If you have to pay for each bag, consider checking a larger suitcase that includes 2 people’s things. This is totally doable – particularly if you use packing cubes (above). Get different color packing cubes for each family member so you can easily separate everything out at your destination.
6. Make a List. And, yep. Check it twice. Include everything you need to bring – even things that seem obvious. It’s best to rely on a list rather than on memory or even habit, as sometimes unusual schedules throw us off our game (early morning flight, anyone?) Do a double check before you leave to make sure you have all the essentials (boarding passes, license, passport, wallet, etc). Subscribe at the bottom of this post to get a free (warm weather!) packing list delivered right to your inbox.
7. Set a Check in Reminder. As soon as you book a flight, add a reminder on your phone for 24 hours prior to your flight time to check in and print boarding passes. Checking in as soon as you can really makes a difference if you’re flying on an airline like Southwest, who determines their boarding queue (and opportunity for prime seat selection!) according to when you checked in.
8. Introduce Something New for Kids. Before a trip that will include long travel days, I like to individually wrap some fun little items for the kids to gradually unwrap while on the road. No need to break the bank. The dollar store or even shopping your own pantry for a treat that the kids don’t often get works well. When the kids get restless on a long car trip, they could unwrap something like an activity book, stickers, or snack. Be sure to pace yourself and distribute them one at a time and when they’re needed most.
9. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle. Airport beverages are pricey, so bringing a reusable water bottle from home saves you money and ensures you’ll always have access to water on those dry airplanes. Make sure it’s empty when you go through security!
10. Rent Bulky Items. This works especially well with all the baby stuff. We did this several year ago when we traveled to Florida. We found it to be surprisingly affordable (particularly because you’re often avoiding the cost to check these things at the airport). And, it’s soooo much easier than schlepping stuff through the airport and in and out of rental cars.
Many places have companies that provide this service, particularly touristy destinations. They really focus on convenience, typically offering free delivery to wherever you’re staying.
11. Use Travel Programs. Miles, points, and freebies can really add up. Take advantage of hotel programs and credit card airline miles. We’ve been able to use miles for many air trips over the years. There’s lots of good programs out there. Just do a little research.
12. Download Before You Go. WiFi can be unreliable, slow, and expensive when you’re traveling. Plan ahead and download some ebooks, music and movies before you leave.
13. Keep Toiletries Packed. Consider keeping travel size hair and body products packed and ready to go at all times. You’ll still add some items last minute, but at least you’ll know you’re 1/2 way there.
14. Pack an Entertainment Bag for Each Child. I like to have my kids carry their own bags of things that will keep them entertained – always including books, paper and pencil, then whatever else they want, within reason. That way, everything isn’t in mama’s purse!
Kids as young as 2 can carry a small backpack (I know – for two seconds, until they’re over it). But, even for that short amount of time, they’re getting used to being responsible for their own things. So, when they’re older and more capable, they’ll be accustomed to it. I have my kids help pack these bags – of course, guiding them so the bags don’t end up with 1,000 individual legos or the heaviest hardback book they own and nothing else.
15. Avoid Jetlag. If you’re traveling to another time zone or perhaps across the world, try to adjust right away to the destination’s time zone. Even if you’re tired at 6pm, try to stay up a few more hours.
16. Charge Your Electronics. Fully charge those electronics before you leave home. If you need some more juice while traveling, bring a backup battery pack like this one. 
