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Family Travel Tips

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-460 -- More Projects »
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Load a covered cake pan with crayons, coloring books, small toys and books to keep children amused while traveling by train, plane or automobile. The top of the cake pan can be placed in a child's lap and used as a work surface for coloring. The whole unit fits neatly into a backpack, which in turn can be used as the child's carry-on luggage.
Organizational expert Louise Kurzeka provides ideas for getting family members ready for a trip.

  • Take photos of luggage before the trip to help with identification in the event of a baggage mishandling. Also count the luggage at each stop.

  • If there will be several stops during a trip, pack a couple of suitcases with a couple of changes of clothes for the entire family. This is more efficient than packing each family member's clothes in a dedicated suitcase, as it cuts down on the amount of luggage that has to be carried into hotel rooms during each stop.

  • Put luggage in the trunk or otherwise out of sight if it is to be left in the car overnight.

  • Pack blow dryers, first-aid kits and other health and personal-care items in a separate suitcase so that they are easily accessible.

  • Here's a few common items can be a great help while traveling: A simple bandana can double as a head cover or a bench cover in public parks. A lightweight rain poncho can provide protection for yourself and luggage in the event of a sudden downpours. In addition, it can also serve as a drop cloth for an outdoor travel picnic. Dental floss doubles as strong string or thread when needed.

  • Instead of packing along hardcover books for travel reading, choose magazines or paperbacks that have been purchased at half-price bookstores. The materials can be left behind if desired.

  • Make sure at least one adult has some healthy, neat snacks packed in their carry-on luggage. Juice boxes, dried fruits and trail mix can all be used to satisfy the unpredictable appetites of children with a minimum of messy hands and faces.

  • Essential items to pack for air travelers include moisturizer, saline nasal spray and eyedrops. All counteract the effects of high-altitude dryness. Also remember to drink plenty of water.

  • If traveling overseas, always take single rolls of toilet tissue and hand sanitizer. Remove the center cardboard tube of the toilet tissue roll to conserve space.
Guests
Louise Kurzeka
Organization Expert, Everything's Together Organizing Services
Minnetonka, MN
Phone: 952-939-8080
Website: www.everythingstogether.com
Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-460
•Family Travel Tips
•Cooking with Garlic
•Garage Workshop
•Tip of the Day
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