Travel Article:

Holiday Preparation: Making a Packing List with Categories

By: Laine Yates

Especially with small ones, making a packing list with categories is an absolute must!  I make a list for each of my boys about 2 weeks before hand and keep it on the kitchen counter, so I can easily add to it when I think of something new.  I tend to group my list into 6 different categories... Eat, Sleep, Play, Clothes, Miscellaneous and Car/Plane.  This way, I picture in my head everything each child needs for each of the categories.  Generally speaking, I do not tend to forget anything important! 

Here are some things you can include in your categories:

* Eat

• cutlery,
• plastic bowls,
• bibs,
• snacks for the trip and for the destination,
• baby jar foods,
• travel high chair,
• sippy cups,
• milk bottles etc.

* Sleep

• pyjamas,
• grobags,
• bed sheets,
• travel cot,
• their favourite comforter or soft toy,
• music box,
• dummy etc.

* Play - depending on where we are going, I like to pack:

• inside toys - brain teaser games, puzzle books, travel board games, and
• outside toys - fold up frisbees, soft balls, buckets, spades etc.

* Clothes

• To ensure I do not pack too much I limit my clothes for the kids.  I can either wash them or buy more if I am desperate!
• Rolling them up in bags also save on room.
• Do not forget to put little toys, socks or undies in their shoes to use up more space!

* Miscellaneous

• medicine,
• thermometer,
• first aid kit,
• anti-bacterial gel (perfect for cleaning hands after changing dirty nappies or if public toilets do not have soap... been there too many times!),
• nappies etc.

* Car/Plane

• I keep a separate bag which is easily accessible in the car or plane with activities to keep the kids entertained (check out our travel toys and activity packs),
• snacks for travelling,
• water bottles,
• change of clothes for the kids and us. Especially if you are flying, this is a must as I have some friends who flew to the States and did not pack this and their poor child was sick all over them!
• maps,
• music and story cds etc.

Planning in advance with a categorised list will help you remember pretty much everything you need and if you have forgotten anything, do not worry... you can always buy it (unless you are stuck in the middle of nowhere!).

Happy Travels!

ickle Kids specialises in educational kid’s activity packs and travel toys. As a mum of two active young boys, I understand how challenging it can be to entertain your ickle ones when you are out and about. Our activity packs and travel toys are perfect to entertain your kids when you are travelling, dining out at restaurants, waiting at the doctor’s surgery, busy feeding your ickle bubba, visiting Granny’s house or for a rainy day at home. Our travel toys are educational, unique and fun which cannot be found in commercial stores. Visit our online shop today www.icklekids.com.au.

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