Tips for summer travel with family
By Doreen Nagle
Gannett News Service
Make this year's family vacation less stressful by organizing — before you get out of town.
- Be uber organized by putting all vacation and travel materials, notes, resources, contacts, downloads, itineraries, reservation numbers, etc., in a file folder or pocket file. Keep it portable so it can become something you take with you on your trip.
- Go over a list of instructions with a neighbor or friend. Include a list of emergency contacts, including the family's cell phone numbers. (Leaving the country? Check with your cell phone provider to see how to receive and make calls while on vacation). Also, leave a copy of your itinerary, complete with necessary contact info.
- Stop newspaper delivery or ask your newspaper's office to hold the papers for you until you return. Who else needs to be informed that you'll be out of town — gardener, lawyer, babysitter?
- Make a packing list by thinking through your day: First thing in the morning, what does your family need? You'll probably be able to buy supplies such as diapers if you run out, so no need to pack enough to last until New Year's Eve.
- Buy each family member a "fanny" pack to wear around their waists for a hands free vacation. Keep passports (see below) and other ID in one zippered pocket, plus a list of the other family member's cell phone numbers, "mad" money and any daily necessities, such as tissues or sunblock. e. It'll make it easier to replace if necessary.
- Inform your credit card company that you'll be traveling to different regions or countries so they will be aware of unusual activity on your card.
- Pack food — healthy snacks, sandwiches, fruit — that can be carried on board (airlines have cut way back on meal and snack service) or eaten as you drive. Stop occasionally for special treats — you are on vacation, after all.
- If you are flying, get the latest info on flights by signing up for alerts at your airlines' Web site. Also check with the airline to see what security regulations you will need to abide by, i.e. packing liquids and gels in a transparent plastic bag or removing your laptop from its bag so it can be scanned.
