Having international family means we’ve traveled a lot. With and without our kids. So now we’re sharing some frequent traveler tips that might work for you, too.
The first thing we’ll say is don’t unpack. Before you think we live out of suitcases, what we mean is don’t unpack the things you need to take along on every trip.
You should have a dedicated bag of toiletries – and refill that after a trip, not before – and never have to remember all the little things you’d need to fill it up.
Chargers, adapters, converters, portable battery packs – these should all be set aside for travel only. (Don’t forget a watch charger!) When you get home from your trip, recharge those battery packs. Don’t put away your luggage until you’ve returned all these things to their proper place.
A small packing cube that has the bare basic clothing you’d need if stuck overnight unexpectedly can also be a good idea. (Underwear, socks, maxi skirt, tshirt and a head covering. These can double as pajamas if needed.)
We also covered some other items you should be leaving in your suitcase. And also some tips on how to pack your carry-on luggage.
If your kids travel frequently, too, they should have dedicated travel backpacks. You don’t want to have to empty their school backpack right before flying and then have to wash it and replace the school stuff before they can go back to school after the trip. If they have devices that need chargers, consider having dedicated travel ones and keep them in that backpack.
Each child should have their own backpack, but only above approximately age 5. Otherwise you’re just schlepping an extra thing. Rather pack their stuff in a canvas tote type bag that can be in your carry-on luggage and just give it to them after settling into your seats.
If you usually listen to streaming music, make sure to download your favorites onto your device. We like to create playlists specifically for travel ahead of time. If your kids use a 24six Solo, make sure it’s synced to wifi right before you travel and you’ll be good for a month without wifi access. That’s a lot simpler than having to sync up through a new network at your destination. (ElAl flights now have 24Six music channels – how cool is that?!)
We love these headphones for kids – no need to wait for headsets, they stay on their ears better and you can limit the volume. If they won’t use them regularly at home, just leave them in their travel bags.
Pack your carry-on luggage conservatively. Nothing more than what can fit in a single backpack for a child, and a wheeled suitcase plus tote/backpack for a teen/adult. Figure out those hat boxes and tallis bags because you don’t want to be keeping track of tons of pieces of luggage.
Consider investing in Clear to skip the ID verification line before security. Your kids under 18 can join you, but all adults need to have an account. Your credit card might even cover the fee! And speaking of IDs, make sure to label everyone’s passports ahead of time.
Always pack in packing cubes. You’ll never regret the few extra minutes it takes when packing, because it saves much more time when unpacking. Eventually the packing becomes faster in cubes, too. And when you’re all packed up, make sure you can identify your suitcases on the luggage carousel.
If you tend to get motion sickness, make sure to have something bland and dry to snack on. Some pretzels or saltines can help you make it through when real food makes you queasy. You don’t want to travel on an empty stomach.
As we come up with more tips, we’ll try to keep this post updated. But in the meantime, please share your tips in the comments!
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A says
Any luggage recommendations? I can see it as an investment for frequent travelers and worth the price associated with that task. I’m hoping to find something sturdy for an infrequent traveler. (I’ve read some hard sided bags waste space with the handles & on others that the zipper breaks quickly.)
ECP says
I invested in travelpro hardsided luggage about 5 years ago and they are great! Now that I live in Israel, I use the samsonite tote a ton for my trips back and forth to the U.S.; they weigh nothing and are easy to store.
Sarah says
Dress your kids in bright matching clothing so you can spot them.
Make Ziploc bags with activities for each hour or time when needed.
Bring a double stroller even for 4-7 year olds so if they’re tired they don’t have to do lots of walking in the airport
Gittel Painter says
I always leave plastic shopping bags in my suitcases for dirty laundry.