I am going on the family tour next month with my two girls (ages 14 and 11) and am looking for advice on anything that will make the trip run more smoothly. I have been making lists of things to bring, snacks, clothes... to be prepared for the trip. Is there anything that I may not even think of to add to my lists?
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16539 posts
What a fun adventure that will be, parachutegal! This:
Is there anything that I may not even think of to add to my lists?
It's actually more important to determine what you and the girls can do without than add more to the list! :O) Things like hairdryers (your hotels should have them), lots of makeup, more than 2 pairs of shoes (wear one; pack one), jewelry, any clothing item at ALL, outside of a jacket, maybe, that wouldn't be worn multiple times....That sort of thing. All tops should go with all bottoms. As you are 3 females traveling together, split some of the toiletries, OTC meds (we always travel with Advil and Imodium), bandaids and whatnot amongst you so you aren't duplicating items.
DO pack wet wipes and tissues, adapter plugs, paper copies of tickets you've ordered, a small assortment of different-sized plastic bags and, and....whatever other folks think you should have! :O)
Posted by
back in the Americas
723 posts
I am in the pack light category, one carry on size per person and a small personal backpack or bag and each girl should be able to handle her own bag. I realize not everyone travels like that but you would be surprised how easy it is to get by with just a few basic outfits, especially in summer. Bring a snack or two but not lots, because that is the kind of stuff you can easily buy on the trip. I travelled a lot with my kids when they were little and I always kept all the important documents with me. Back when I was travelling with them mobile phones were not yet so common and my kids didn't have them but nowadays it seems like kids have their own phones. I think that if your girls have their own phones, then you clearly need to explain about airplane mode and using wifi to communicate and what if any plan you all will have overseas so as not to return and a month later get a horrible cellular bill. Also if you are in a city where you use the tube or the metro, discuss what to do just in case you get separated, while getting on or off. Also make sure they know the name of the hotel /lodging in each city you visit. Can you all learn a few useful phrases in the language of the countries you will visit? Do either of the girls take a language in school that they can now have a chance to put into practice during the trip? Ask the girls for their preferences about what to see and do and let them have a voice in the daily plans and meal choices. Would your girls have any interest in making a trip scrapbook upon their return? If so, encourage them to save plane/train, museum, etc tickets or pamphlets or tourist maps from their travels that they can later combine with their photographs in the scrap or memory book.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14737 posts
Good suggestions and especially Pat's regarding getting separated. If they have phones do they have phone lanyards?
I'd also do a trial pack for everyone in the next few days. This can be revealing. I'd also plan to have the suitcases packed and zipped the day before you leave for the airport. I'd also pack a small empty spray bottle so you can spray and de-wrinkle clothes if needed!
Do they have some kind of personal item? Day pack or tote bag? I'd have them pack what they need in that as a trial run and then have it packed the day before.
What a fun and exciting trip!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2545 posts
A power bank for electronics (one for each child). Refillable water bottles. I agree with lanyards for phones. Well broken-in shoes. Fewer clothes. An extra pair of earphones in case someone loses theirs. Download movies to phones so you don’t have to use data.
Don’t bring too many snacks. That’s part of the fun of travel - trying cheeseburger flavored chips, etc!