Packing List for Travel with Kids

A good packing list can mean the difference between a relaxed family vacation and a stressful one. If you have traveled with kids before, then you probably understand the importance of packing carefully. Even if you are only embarking on an overnight trip, taking the time to bring anything your children might need will allow you to avoid last minute shopping trips in unfamiliar locations and spend more time enjoying being with your family.Bring durable, stain-resistant clothing that's easy to clean. Frommer's recommends avoiding light-colored fabric, which can easily be stained, and packing lots of denim, which can be spot-cleaned. It also recommend packing lighter to leave room for souvenirs for your children. Don't forget bibs, a diaper kit and baby bath towels for young ones, and swimsuits and beach towels for all your kids.Pack all the health supplies your kids will need. Bring prescriptions, vitamins, pain killers and a first aid kit to treat minor scrapes. Pack over-the-counter medicine for colds and fevers, as well as allergy pills. That way, you will be prepared in case your children come down with a minor illness.Packing enough food for your kids will make things easier for both you and them. Bring sandwiches, bagged carrots and celery sticks, snacks and juice boxes, along with baby food for the younger ones. Bring a durable canteen or water bottle, especially if you are going somewhere hot.Bring a variety of entertainment for the kids. If your children have favorite books, bring one for each child. Puzzle books, crayons, paper and other portable art supplies such as pipe cleaners are also a good diversion, particularly for younger kids. A pack of cards or some travel games can keep both adults and children entertained. For older kids, pack an MP3 player or portable game system.Bring equipment for any recreational activities your children will enjoy on the trip. For a beach vacation, bring a Frisbee, beach ball or portable badminton set and inner tubes or water wings. For a hiking trip, bring hiking shoes for the kids and binoculars to enjoy the wildlife. No matter where you are going, bring a camera. If your kids like taking pictures too, buy them disposable cameras. That way, if the cameras get lost or broken, it won't be too big a deal.Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.