Coming Home Magazine

PACK LIKE A PRO Tap into your ninja senses and be methodical about your packing approach. Think: efficiency, practicality, and usability. Here's how to make the most out of your suitcase space: • Separate kids' clothing by day, and store each outfit in a labeled zip-top bag. Flatten out the air and roll the bags tightly to prevent wrinkles and maximize space. • Large families can benefit from over-the-door shoe organizers. Use one per person, treating the pockets like mini packing cubes for outfits, socks, and underwear. • Reserve the insides of shoes for smaller items like belts, bathing suits, and hosiery. PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED Let's face it: things happen. And they'll undoubtedly occur when you least expect. Get ahead of oh-no moments by planning for them. Our top tips include: Buy travel insurance. Kids often experience sudden illnesses and injuries. Getting travel insurance is a good idea to ensure you're reimbursed for hotel and airline purchases if itineraries change. Pack a lot of diapers. If you're flying, stuff an extra two days' worth of diapers in your carry-on. Because flights get delayed or rescheduled regularly, it's worth it to carry extras. Bring all the snacks. Snacks like pretzels, crackers, cheese, fruit, seed butters, cookies, and applesauce are all travel-friendly and hearty enough to calm growling tummies until mealtime. Prepare for takeoff and landing. Kids' ears are affected by plane cabin pressure changes, too. Nurse or bottle-feed babies during takeoff and landing, and give older kids a lollipop to ease pain. Track your child. Secure a tracking device on your child before you go to an airport, festival, amusement park, or mall in case you get separated. Pack a first-aid kit. With a digital thermometer, band-aids, disinfectant spray, alcohol wipes, ibuprofen, wet wipes, and tweezers, you can swoop in like a superhero when trouble strikes. CONSIDER ALL FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT Simply looking out the window will no longer cut it. Kids are energetic little tykes who enjoy doing activities and staying occupied. These hacks are guaranteed to please: Use airport play areas. Some airports, like San Francisco International Airport and Miami International Airport, have play areas for kids to run, jump, and roll around. Have lunch at playgrounds. On a road trip, map out the nearest playground for a picnic lunch. This allows everyone to stretch their legs, get fresh air, and power up for the rest of the drive. Grant screen time during flights. Download a movie, show, or game onto an electronic device to keep kids busy. Don't forget to pack headphones for peaceful flying. Surprise them with toys. Visit a discount store for cheap, no-mess toys. Sticker books, crayons, and invisible markers are all fun options for a flight or long car ride. Keep these things hidden until showtime to crank up the wow factor. Encourage adventure documentation. Journaling or taking photos will empower your kids to capture their own memories. Learn about your destination. Pick up travel guides, books, and magazines about where you're going. Spark wonder by asking which attractions they'd like to see or explore. THINK COMFORT ABOVE ALL ELSE If the kids aren't happy, nobody's happy. Try to make your children comfortable for relaxed vibes from takeoff to touchdown. To set a laissez-faire tone: • Dress children in lightweight, stretchy layers. Have extra outfits handy for spills or accidents. • Bring a soft pillow, cuddly blanket, and their favorite stuffed animal to support impromptu napping and quiet time. • Stick to a routine. Kids are accustomed to routines and thrive in predictable situations. Keep up with their daily feeding and nap schedules as much as possible. • Take your child to the bathroom immediately before boarding a flight or getting into the car to decrease the chance of an emergency pit stop. • Make sure everyone is properly hydrated and fed. Pack a reusable water bottle and fill it often, and maintain happy spirits by breaking for meals and snacks. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 7

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