Packing for vacation with two little ones doesn’t have to be stressful. I’ve taken my girls on two round trip plane trips this past year, and will be taking them on two more before the holiday season. In between that, we will also be squeezing in a cruise, which will be an exciting adventure for our whole family since none of us has had that experience yet.
Packing depends on your lifestyles, activities, and of course, the weather. I’ve always lived by the “pack only what you need” rule, but with two kids under 5, it’s hard to gauge what you really need and might need while vacationing.
Some of my favorite travel pieces are listed below.
Whether traveling by car or plane, the baggallini transport carryall is a great piece of luggage to have. With a roomy interior, lots of pockets, and two comfortable ways to hold it, this bag is perfect to for carryon items. Stash some diapers, change of clothing, anti nausea wristbands, and activities for your kids. You can even fit your iPad in the tablet storage area. I love the color options and opted for the grey with hot pink interior (charcoal/fuchsia.) Such a pretty color combination! I was most impressed that this bag was MADE for air travel- with a special pocket just for tossing it over your bigger luggage handles makes it easy to keep everything in one place. The interior pockets include card slots, a zippered compartment, a padded compartment (for your tablet) a detachable coin purse, and two bottle holders on either end inside the bag. I think this would also make an awesome diaper bag!
Speaking of tablets, have you seen the wireless keyboard for your iPad from Belkin? This convenient keyboard helps you stay on top of work, even while you are traveling. I know, I know- vacation should be about relaxation, not work. Fortunately I have the opportunity to work from home, even if that means sometimes my work has to come with me when I travel. The belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad easily connects to the iPad so I can answer emails, write up blog posts, enter information in spreadsheets- you get the idea. It also serves as an iPad stand so you can view your iPad as a laptop while you are typing. belkin has so many products out there that help stay connected and makes your life easier, and this is one of the top items I would recommendthe QODE Slim Keyboard for iPad case from belkin if you have an iPad.
It wasn’t until I flew with just my 2 girls on an airline that had televisions in each seat that I realized why headphones are important. No, it’s not to drown out screaming kids (earplugs are for that) but it’s to be able to listen to music or movies during your flight. I personally do not like ear buds that go inside the ear because I think they may have the potential to cause ear damage. I see a lot of people may be following this trend, because now the bigger, external headphones are everywhere. The Replay Audio High-Performance Bluetooth 3.0 Folding Stereo Headphones With Mic (White) seem like the perfect solution, with the option to use wireless Bluetooth technology and connect with your phone or other mobile devices, or you can use the included wire to connect. What more can you ask for? Comfortable fit, great sound, so far, I like Replay Audio for our travels.
Do you remember the Trunki? It was the perfect way to keep kids involved in the task of packing, and also provided a fun element to travel since your little one can sit on their luggage and ride on it. How fun! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of these when they came out, and to this day, my daughters still use their Trunkis. The makers of Trunki know how important it is to keep kids involved in toting items around and created their newest item: the Trunki PaddlePak. This fun aquatic-themed backpack is water resistant and big enough to carry a beach towel, swimwear, and a bottled drink or sunglasses. The PaddlePak is a hit in our home and we have used it for trips to the sprinkler park and will be using it for pool/beach trips. It comes in 9 fun styles including a clown fish, a blue or pink fish, whale, shark, frog, blowfish, lobster and my personal fave- octopus. You can find out more by visiting Trunki, PaddlePak, and be sure to check out the PaddlePak Video. The PaddlePak retails for $25-$30 and is a great way to keep your contents dry this summer!
When you pack for your summer travels, don’t forget about YOURSELF, mama! I’m typically a “no makeup on vacation” chick, but a little sparkly eyeshadow never hurt anyone! I love the new Smashbox Full Exposure Palette in neutral shades is perfect for everyday, a night on the town, and everything in between. I especially love it for vacation because it has all you need in one palette, whether you are going for a day time look or a night time look. The shimmers accentuate the mattes and combined they provide a gorgeous look. 14 neutral colors, plus a Full Exposure Deluxe Mascara (included) and you are on your way!
Have you even gone a few thousand miles away from home only to realize you forgot your hairbrush? I’ve done it more times than I would ever admit, and with myself plus two little girls with long hair, it’s definitely not a great time to forget our most used styling tool. The new Conair Infinity Pro Argan Oil Treatment Strip Finishing Brush keeps frizzies at bay and keeps your hair looking healthy despite what summer sun, salt water, and chlorine can do to it. Natural boar bristles are soft and Argan oil smoothes, making the Conair Infinity brush all you need to style your hair this summer.
What are some of your travel Must Haves this summer?