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Every December, we fly out to California to visit our relatives. Over the years, I’ve learned by trial and error some of the best ways to pack for a family trip, as well as what not to do. (For example, don’t let Anton’s milk spill on my laptop!) Here are a few favorite tricks, brought to you in partnership with Joe Fresh…
1. Bring along a pillowcase for storing dirty clothes during the trip. When you get home, just throw the clothes and pillowcase into the washing machine.
2. Consider packing travel-sized versions of games to play with relatives on the trip — we like Apples to Apples and Bananagrams and the very addictive Set.
3. On the flight, have kids wear the same shirt (or at least the same color palette). That way, when they’re running around the airport, or you’re juggling all the luggage after the cab ride, you can easily spot them and keep everyone together. (I’m putting the boys in these matching baseball tees, and these waffle stripes are sweet, too.)
4. Pack comfy, mix-and-match looks, plus something you’re excited to wear. (I remember my friend Abbey saying she bought a new dress for her honeymoon, which I thought was such a sweet idea.) Pictured above are shirts and sweaters from Joe Fresh. They have such lovely and affordable pieces. For example, this soft sweater has become one of my go-to tops, and I’ve been living in these waffle knit jogger pants, which feel like pajamas yet are tailored enough to wear out of the house. (I’ll definitely be wearing them on the flight!) Finally, this red dress would be so pretty for holiday gatherings.
5. Snap a photo of your luggage before checking it. That way, if it gets lost, you can show the airline exactly what it looks like instead of trying to describe it.
6. Bring slow foods for your children. And by that I mean food that takes forever to eat. A lollipop (no crunching!). Raisins. A day-old bagel. You want them sitting still and calming snacking for as long as possible during that six-hour flight. ;)
Do you have any packing tips you’d add? Anything you always bring on vacation?
P.S. How to pack without wrinkles, and how to entertain a toddler on a plane.
(Photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by Joe Fresh. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that help support Cup of Jo.)
