It's summer travel season! Often all of the prep and packing for a trip falls on Mom's shoulders. Why not save yourself some time and effort and make master lists for your trips? Chances are you bring pretty much the same thing for each trip. Your winter trips might be different than what you need to pack for your beach vacation, but if these are regular trips you make you may find list making an invaluable timesaver. You can make your lists in Excel or Word and type it once and save it forever! Each trip you take you can just quickly print it out or make any additions or deletions based on your destination.
We make the 20 hr drive to my in-laws twice a year usually--summer and Christmas. The more times we make the trip, the less I realize we really need to bring. I've got a summer list that covers van or plane travel or regular family visit or a trip to the beach (but our list might be considered a minimalist approach compared to some others.) Here's our list to get you started with your own Master list for your family.
Summer List |
Toiletries |
toothbrushes |
toothpaste |
deodorant |
razors |
shaving cream |
after shave |
moisturizer |
sunscreen |
shampoo/conditioner |
body wash |
lotion |
make-up |
medication/vitamins |
glasses/contact stuff |
hair brushes |
ponytail holders/headbands |
Clothing |
2 sets church clothes |
shorts |
t-shirts |
underwear |
socks |
bathing suits |
belt |
church shoes |
sandals |
sneakers |
Technology |
Ipod |
cell phone and charger |
cameras |
video camera |
For Van |
GPS |
Portable DVD |
DVDs |
CDs |
MP3/ipod/itouch |
mini cooler |
bottled water |
snacks |
bookbags with books and coloring supplies |
diapers/wipes/changing pad |
portable potty |
For plane |
bookbags with books and coloring supplies |
snacks |
gum |
MP3/ipod/itouch |
umbrella stroller |
For beach |
cooler full of dinners |
towels |
beach toys |
swim toys |
shade canopy |
umbrella stroller |
air mattress |
pancake griddle |
beach chair non-perishable groceries |
Hopefully that list can help you get started. A quick search of the itunes App Store also showed at least a couple of apps that you could download to your itouch or iphone to make travel preparations easier.