From the editor: Our relaxation expert presents a series of tips for the upcoming spring break. Do you have vacation plans? Leave a comment – we’d love to know where you’re going!
Spring break marks the first time many of us will visit pools and beaches this year as we head south for a much-needed “latitude adjustment” after the cold winter months. The thing I hate about going on spring break is wondering what to pack. (That and having to come back home!) Following is help with the “what to pack” thing. (As far as the “coming back home” thing, maybe you can Google “faking a kidnapping?” You’re on your own there!) The really great thing is, since spring break often occurs over the Easter holiday, many of these things can double as Easter gifts kids can use on your trip! Following, a checklist of things that will take up minimum room in your suitcase and provide maximum fun on your trip near the water!
Check out the links below for Tracy’s series on spring break travel and packing tips!
From the editor: Sometimes packing for your escape can make or break your vacation. The most important part of preparing is often what you pack and don’t pack for your vacation. Read on to find out Tracy’s suggestions to optimize packing. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
In all the chaos of packing for a family trip, it’s easy to forget some essentials. (We can tell you’re way more together than the people in that “Home Alone” movie, so we won’t list “ALL of your children”.) Below is a checklist of things to pack to help ensure your family trip near the water goes swimmingly.
Sunscreen
Sure, the cute little gift shop at the resort or general store at the campground might carry it, but it’s likely to cost a lot more than you’d pay at home – that’s money you could spend on vacation beverages! If flying, be sure to pack sunscreen in checked luggage to comply with TSA guidelines and in a Ziploc bag to keep it from leaking onto your clothes. Don’t forget sunscreen for lips, too!
Sunglasses
Seems like a no-brainer, but this is something we can forget to add to our bags after a long, gray winter. You’ll want to have a pair for every member of the family. Added bonus: You can check out that cute cabana guy without anyone being the wiser.
Swim Goggles
Speaking of eyewear, you don’t want to forget swimming goggles for your swimmers! If you need a few new pairs for the kids, get them goggles they’ll want to wear with bright colors or featuring favorite characters. The Disney and Marvel character themed swim masks have a see through scrim, so kids can see out, while everyone else sees the character – great for children who love to play pretend!
Two Bathing Suits Per Person
Bathing suits don’t always dry completely overnight – especially in humid regions. Getting into a wet bathing suit is no fun. Packing two (or three) suits per person eliminates this problem. If traveling by plane, each person should have one suit packed in a carry-on bag in case the airline misplaces some luggage. I don’t know about you, but I have to go through about 73 bathing suits to find one that will adequately camouflage “things,” and don’t want to go through the torturous process of swimsuit shopping on vacation!
A Few Towels
Yes, many hotels provide beach and pool towels, but the service is not always reliable. Also, their towels might be kind of scratchy and not washed as often as you’d like, so pack a few of your own to be on the safe side.
Beach Bag
It’s easy to forget to pack a beach bag, and not so easy to carry all your gear to the pool and shore without one once you reach your destination. A nylon type bag that rolls up to the size of a pair of socks in your luggage is ideal. It can also double as a carryon bag filled with souvenirs on the trip home.
Underwater camera
Capture the water-full fun of your spring break trip on a waterproof camera. If you don’t own one, borrow a friend’s or get a few disposable ones,like these ones from Walmart that will keep the kids happily occupied.
Carry-On Essentials
Finally, things you’ll want to have in carry-on luggage include:
ID, passports, copies of airline tickets and itinerary
Money, credit cards
Cell phone and charger
Distractions and entertainment for little ones (Including pacifiers or gum to help with ear discomfort that can come with changes in altitude on planes)
All prescription and over-the-counter meds for each family member
Contact lenses, spare eyeglasses
Hand sanitizer (make sure it’s 3 oz. or less) and some sanitary wipes
One swimsuit and one change of clothing per person
Snacks
Tissues
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a photocopy of your complete itinerary, including your home address, all flight information, hotel addresses and travel dates in each piece of checked luggage. That way, if a bag gets lost in transit, airline staff will know where to find you.
Real Simple Magazine has a great travel checklist for young families. You can access it here.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a water-full vacation! Remember to bring me something back! I’ll take a cute cabana boy!
Check out the links below for more of Tracy’s series on spring break travel and packing tips!
From the editor: What do you pack so the kids have fun in the water on you next vacation? Be it for spring break or your annual summer holiday, our relaxation blogger Tracy Kunzler has suggestions for all ages.
For Baby
Why not introduce the smallest family members to the water in a fun way! A baby float with an adjustable canopy helps keep baby from getting sunburned, buy one with a play area for toys and splashing like the Baby Spring Float. Don’t forget to choose a float that folds up quickly and easily for storage, so it takes up very little space in your suitcase!
For Toddlers and Preschoolers
For little kids, around 2-4 years old, who are ready to explore the water with a little more confidence a swim vest or swim sweater will help them get started! The best flotation vests keep kids stable and their faces a comfortable distance from the water, some even offer sun sleeves for add extra sun protection. The SwimWays Swim Sweater has nothing between the legs to pinch and bind or get in the way of potty-training. Deflated, it takes up very little room in your suitcase. Inflated, it can help protect treasured souvenirs in your suitcase on the trip back home!
For Older Kids
The Power Swimr System, dubbed “training wheels for the pool,” gives kids freedom of movement while keeping them in proper swimming position as they gain the skills and confidence needed to swim unaided. When choosing a swim training vest for your child, look for one that offers internal flotation pads you can remove one at a time as your child progresses at his or her pace. The Power Swimr has 9 flotation pads that can be removed one at a time as your child gains confidence in the water.
Check out the links below for more of Tracy’s series on spring break travel and packing tips!
