Planning a trip with kids and babies is equivalent to designing blueprints for the NASA space shuttle. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids and traveling with them is a lot of fun once we arrive. However when it comes to packing, I’m the worst. And hopefully I’m not alone.
I wish I were one of those women who used vacuum packing bags so I can pack for eight and still have room for my vcr. I’m more of a passionate packer that flings my clothing into the suitcase. I always forget something. One time at a hotel, I had to use a washcloth to brush my teeth.
I do tend to get stressed out before a trip. And I know why. Every time I travel, I always need to rewrite my packing list, never smart enough to print a template off the computer. See Part II for a packing list.
Even the list can be daunting. You know the routine, traveling with children means suitcases full of diapers, wipes, toys, formula, first aid, medicine and don’t forget the clothing… Like I said, I love traveling but packing gives me the blues. However, I think it’s worth it in the end. My philosophy is similar to that bumper sticker that says, A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.
Lists aside, for such a worrier you would think I’d be packed, waiting by the door like a Labrador puppy. Instead, the night before a big trip I wonder why the suitcase zipper didn’t miraculously repair itself and panic sets in. The later it gets, I wonder why I’m not thinner, have better clothes or at the very least, have the skills to turn 96 outfits out of a black skirt and white tank top.
Inevitably it’s Harry’s fault that I can’t find any pants to wear after all, he still can fit into his blue jeans from high school. It’s hard to feel nice to a man who kisses me and then turns back to his bag of Utz sour cream and onion potato chips.
Now his packing skills are just as lame. Technically, it’s not how he packs but what. I’m guaranteed to see the same old Navy sweatshirt and polar bear pajama bottoms I’ve seen many, many nights at home.
Back when Harry and I were dating I read a magazine article about a man who whisked his girlfriend away to a Bed and Breakfast. He packed her suitcase and surprised her with wrapped gifts all weekend long. Very romantic. Guess what I ended up with when Harry agreed to plan our whole weekend? Skimpy underwear from the back of my undie drawer. I only keep them around to torture myself with. And he packed one earring. ONE. He told me the gift was the trip. And the Bed and Breakfast was actually inside a person’s home. I didn’t find it romantic as we moved into Grandma and Grandpa’s house, with them literally across the hallway. Needless to say, I don’t let Harry pack for us anymore.
Each time packing amnesia occurs, I swear I’ll never do it again…that is until the next trip. How about you?
Here’s some ideas if you’re traveling with a baby besides diapers and wipes:
– diaper cream
– changing pad
– Ziploc bag for dirty diapers
-soft, new toys for the plane ride
– blankets and lovies
– car seat
– stroller
– bottles, bottle brush and liquid soap to wash it with
– snacks in a Tupperware
– bibs (disposables are great for travel)
– baby food, spoons, bowl with lid
-And of course, don’t forget the baby!