This week we went on an overnight trip. Just one night ... and yet you would think we were leaving for a week. It’s amazing what a family of five needs for one night. My husband kept asking as we packed the car: "Do we really need this much stuff?”
And yes, actually, we do.
I mean we could probably leave a little of it behind, but all the extra goodies are what make family travel easier, right? Add on the items you need for holiday trips (presents, party clothes, games, food...) and then it seems we barely have room in the vehicle for the kids.
But what if you could skip packing and just show up? Have everything you need already at your destination?
Recently a friend of mine skipped loading up on the groceries pre-trip and instead had Instacart deliver upon their arrival. All of us moms thought the idea was brilliant, and it led me to wonder what other tricks could make travel life easier. So I did some research and came up with seven hacks to make traveling easier:
1. Food delivery to your door
Take the convenience of home delivery on the road with you. Whether you plan to stay in a cabin, Airbnb, or hotel, instead of packing up all the snacks and goodies you think you need on your trip, hop online. In many locations, these days you can make your grocery list and have your milk, eggs, and snacks delivered right to your door.
Hotels are catching on to this service too. I recently got an email from the Residence Inn Boston Downtown/Southend offering a $25 Grocery Shopping Credit (for guests staying five nights or longer). You can create your shopping list for a local store, then they’ll do the shopping and deliver straight to your room!
2. Renting isn't just for cars anymore
Traveling used to mean renting a car. Now there's so much more available! You can rent strollers, car seats, pack ‘n plays -- just about any baby item you need. Skip the bulk and get the gear once you've arrived. National companies like BabyQuip and Baby's Away will often even install or set up your items.
3. Ship it
With the cost of baggage check fees on the rise, shipping is sometimes a more affordable option than carrying extra luggage. Companies like Luggage Free offer travelers the ability to ship luggage ahead to any destination worldwide, which means you avoid the inconvenience of carrying, checking, and claiming luggage (and even going through customs!). Every parent who has tried to maneuver through TSA with a toddler and suitcases and backpacks and stroller and .... well, we're all singing hallelujah right about now.
4. Presents are no hassle
Holiday shopping is stressful enough without having to worry about how to get your gifts to their destination. But why haul them along when you can have them delivered right to your destination from one of the big retailers? Or, if shopping local, stick them in a USPS Flat Rate box and send them on their way. If you do have to travel with gifts and are flying, wait to wrap! If airport security has to check your bags and packages, you could be wrapping them twice.
5. Pack smart
With high baggage fees, suitcase space is at a premium. You can save a ton of space in your suitcase by rolling clothes instead of folding them. For my kids, I roll up an entire outfit together (pants, shirt, socks, underwear, etc.), eliminating the whole, “I can’t find my socks” problem or wondering what shirt I had planned for them to wear with those pants. Bonus: less wrinkles in your clothes!
6. Know what you need
While we've talked here about ways to lessen the load, there are always items that will come in handy during travel -- no matter what age your kids are. My list of travel "must-haves" to keep close at hand:
- Wipes
- Snacks
- Water bottles (Remember to take empty ones to the airport!)
- Change of clothes
- Medications
7. Have a plan for a soft re-entry
There’s nothing worse than coming home, tired from vacation, to a messy house. I always find it's worthwhile to spend a little time as a family before you leave making the house clean and tidy so when you come home it feels good to be there. Also have snacks, milk, and an easy meal on the ready so you don’t have to rush out to the store as soon as you get home. Or better yet, have an Instacart list ready to go and hit "deliver" when you get close to home!
Traveling gives families amazing experiences, even though the "travel" part of the trip can sometimes be the most difficult part. Planning ahead can help make holiday travel memories even more special -- and guarantee that you'll even have room for the kids in the car.
Airport Bonus Tip from Macaroni Kid Long Beach Publisher and regular family traveler Erin Hurley: Do not board first. If you really do need the extra time or help down the runway, then go ahead and board when they call for families with young children. If not, stay put and wait until the end. Let your kids run around a little more, before boarding and asking them to sit still. Practice folding your stroller, so you can quickly fold it at the end of the jetway and hop right on board. |
