Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Town

Chris Phelan
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Traveling with children can be a magical experience. Traveling with children can also be downright insufferable. Every parent wishes for an easy travel experience, from packing light to navigating busy airports. Recently, parents of all ages met in an online discussion to reveal the best tips for packing light, saving money, and preserving all parents’ sanity!

Invest in Stroller/Suitcase Combos

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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Navigating a busy airport with kids in tow can be infinitely more manageable if you invest in a stroller/suitcase combo. “Luggage cases like Trunkies that combine the function of a suitcase with a stroller are great for airports,” explains one woman. “We got ours secondhand for a very affordable price, and the kids love them.” I don’t think there’s a more efficient method of transportation out there!

Always Be Early

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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Face it: Kids will slow you down. The worst thing that can happen is your tardiness can lead to a missed flight, so prepare for the worst and leave for the airport as early as possible. While being bored at the airport with your children isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, it’s preferable to the worst-case scenario — missing your flight entirely!

Use Vacuum Bags When Packing

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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Saving space is the name of the game when packing luggage. Thankfully, vacuum bags can help maximize space while ensuring you pack everything you and your family need. Use compression or vacuum bags to organize clothes in luggage to help save on space and reduce visual burnout from looking at the huge piles of sheer stuff you’re bringing,” advises one father.

Do Laundry at Your Destination

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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One of the most ingenious ways to get around overpacking for a trip with your family is by taking advantage of laundry services at your eventual destination. Many parents admit that they could stretch a few outfits for their kids for an entire week with a little creativity. Now, how impressive is that?

Take Advantage of Free Checked Car Seats at Airports

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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How’s this for a travel hack? Take advantage of complimentary checked car seats in airports! “Car seats are free to check for most airlines I know of,” reveals one man. Take advantage of this by stuffing diapers and other clothes in the car seat bag!” Talk about thinking outside the box — this dad knows all the travel tricks!

Bribe Your Kids To Walk More

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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Whether it’s through the airport or unfamiliar cities, any family vacation is easier when the kids walk themselves (as opposed to being carried or riding in a stroller). It’s vital to ensure your children walk as much as possible, and many parents have a sound strategy: Bribery! Small treats like candy can go a long way in persuading kids to stay out of the stroller and walk independently.

Check YouTube

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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In 2024, YouTube has become an essential resource for parenting advice, and there are countless experts and vloggers who know what you’re going through. These YouTube personalities can give you a different perspective to help you tackle travel issues with your family. Some YouTube channels even cater to children to help them better acclimate to family travel.

Adjust Your Mindset

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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Sometimes, it’s best to sit back and accept your situation. Traveling with kids is sometimes arduous, so you might as well grin and bear it. “They grow up fast, and you’ll never get those moments back,” confesses one mom. “Enjoy the trip by telling yourself that you’ve done all the work upfront so you can enjoy the trip with your kids. If you’re ever overwhelmed, know millions of others in your shoes are more than willing to lend a helping hand.”

Be Willing To Spend More

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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For many families, sometimes the best course of action is to throw money at the problem until it magically goes away. If the thought of packing light isn’t an option, then maybe the best plan is not to pack! A simple, quick shopping trip when you arrive at your destination allows you to buy whatever you need for as long as you need it. However, it will come at a price.

Reward Yourself Whenever You Can

Travel Light, Travel Right: 10 Expert Tips for Packing Light With Children in Tow
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Traveling with kids is challenging for even the most assertive parents, so don’t hesitate to give yourself little rewards whenever possible! Whether it’s a piece of candy or a well-deserved drink, do whatever you can to keep your sanity. However, don’t go overboard with rewarding yourself: Be sensible, and don’t put yourself in a position where you can’t look after your children.

Source: Reddit.

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