Summer means it’s time to pack up the kids and head out on all kinds of adventures. A summer adventure or trip can lead you to all different parts of the country or across the world, and how you get there is half the fun. Planes, trains, boats, and automobiles are the most likely means of transportation for summer adventures, but traveling with young kids can make all this summer travel not so fun if you don’t have the essentials. Flight delays, road trip traffic, and illnesses can sour a summer trip real quick. Make sure you’re ready for whatever may happen on your adventure; here is what to pack for your summer vacation:
8 Must-Pack Items for Your Summer Vacation
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Mini Journals
Since I'm a writer, I love jotting down story ideas or capturing memories by writing everything down in a notebook. Before our summer starts I give each of my kids a journal to draw and doodle in or write stories in about our summer adventures. It keeps them occupied, and we love reading or seeing what creations they have made at the end of the summer to remember our adventures. Mini Ice Pop Journals, $9.95 for a set of 3, at paper-source.com.
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Bug Repellent
Did you know that bugs like summer weather as much as you do? Make sure you are well prepared for the bugs to find you on your summer vacation by spraying yourself and the kids with bug repellent. There's nothing like itching your way through a trip to make it miserable for all involved. California Baby Bug Repellent, $13.59, at target.com and Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin, $6 for 2 oz. spray bottle (perfect for carry-on travel), at avon.com.
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Travel Blankets
You never know when a delay may come your way. It could be a cancelled flight or an unexpected late night drive to the next camping site. Make sure the kids and you both have blankets to keep warm for chilly nights and days because no sleep means a cranky day for both of you. You can also use them for impromptu picnics or park play. For the kids: Skip Hop Travel Blanket, $20, at skiphop.com (has a carrying handle and doubles as a pillow too). For you: REI Travel Blanket, $25.50, at rei.com (comes in a small mesh sack and doubles as a towel).
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Travel Board Games
Playing on electronics like iPads will only get you so far on your vacation. Have the kids take some time away from the screen and play out any delays with good old-fashioned board games. They're also great for camping trips when there's no TV or internet access. Hasbro Travel Games, $5.99 each, at hasbrotoyshop.com.
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Wet Bags
Between wet bathing suits for a last minute dip in the pool before we head to the airport or true "accidents" that leave one of us soaking wet, I always have a wet bag with me to dispose of the wet and dirty items until we get to our next destination. Even if your kids aren't young anymore, you still get wet, and this bag will get lots of use. Itzy Ritzy Wet Happened? Wet Storage Bag, $17.99, at bedbathandbeyond.com.
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Hats for the Family
A chic hat for you and the kids is essential to enjoying your summer vacation sans sunburn. There's nothing like having your eyeballs sunburned (yes, they really can get burned) to derail your summer vacation plans. While sunscreen is key, a hat is even better and makes you look stylish too. For you: Open Weave Embroidered Fedora, $18, at nordstrom.com. For the kids: Colorblocked Fedora, $5.99, at gymboree.com and Crochet Sun Hat, $11.01, at childrensplace.com.
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Digital Camera (NOT attached to your phone!)
If you're truly looking to unplug this summer vacation, put away the phone and try taking pictures the old-fashioned way...with a non-phone-related digital camera. You still press, point, and shoot, but you won't be tempted to Facebook, Instagram, and check your emails as you're documenting precious moments of your summer vacation. Samsung ST150F Digital Camera, $99.99, at bestbuy.com.
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Emergency Supplies
No trip is complete without stocking up your bag with all the essentials that you think you'll never need; if you don't pack them, you'll most definitely need them on your adventures this summer. Think Band-Aids, Wet Wipes (potty supplies optional), Kleenex, snacks and more snacks, and Chapstick. Pack up a cosmetic case with these essentials, and your trip will go off without a hitch. Sonia Kashuk Snake Print Everything Organizer, $14.99, at target.com. In the bag: Band-Aids, $2.99, Wet Wipes, $2.19, EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere, $2.99, and Annie's Homegrown Organic Cheddar Cracker and Pretzel Bunnies Snack Mix, $2.79, all at target.com.
