Going on vacation is fantastic.
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Getting ready to go on vacation is not.
You have tons of things to worry about, but the worst of all is packing your bags. When you have a family, the situation is even worse as you have to pack bags for your kids as well. Ironically, when they're really little, it's easier because you are in charge. It's when they get a bit older and want to pack for themselves that it gets tougher.
Bearing that in mind, here are three ways you can take the stress out of packing:
Don't pack your bags the night before you go on holiday. This is a recipe for disaster and you are likely to feel really stressed. As a result, there's a high chance you will forget to pack something or you'll pack something you can't bring with you.
Start packing a week before - put everything in your bag that you don't need to use right now. Obviously, things like toiletries and chargers will be put in last. But, this is a good time to pack clothes, sunscreen, passports, travel documents, etc. You're giving yourself an entire week to see if you have forgotten something, and it means the night before you travel should be more relaxing.
Go on your computer and create a packing checklist. Better yet, create one for every member of your family. Make use of some free poster templates to turn into a big vibrant checklist that you can hang in everyone's room in the house. You know what, stick one on the front door as well, so you can see it just before you leave.
With these checklists, you make your way down the list, crossing off everything that you've packed. It should guarantee that you don't forget to bring anything. If you see things have been unchecked on the list, it shows you haven't packed them!
Depending on how you're traveling, there will be restrictions on what you can pack in your bags. For example, there are limits on the liquids you can bring in hand luggage when flying. Check the information given to you by the company you're traveling with. See what you can bring and what you can't.
From here, you will avoid situations when someone brings something they're not allowed to take through airport security. As such, you don't have to deal with awkward security searches that might make you late for your flight!
Okay, how about one final bonus tip as we round things off? Always go through what your children have packed in their bags. Double-check that they followed your checklist, and be sure they don't have things in their bags that are illegal. After going through all of these steps, you're packed and ready to go on vacation. Remember to start early, and don't forget the checklist as this really takes the stress out of packing.