Your vacation is approaching and the moment you have been worrying about is here: it is time to pack. Striking the right balance between overpacking and forgetting essentials like swimsuits can be challenging, particularly when traveling with children. To ensure your family vacation runs smoothly, here are some helpful tips:

1. Create a detailed checklist and follow it diligently. Visualize the activities of each day step  by step to identify all the items you will need for the trip. Add anything that comes to mind immediately to the list so you avoid forgetting it later.
2. Children can be messy, so remember to pack extra clothes, diapers, wipes, diaper ointment, pacifiers, and blankets. Changing your newborn or toddler at a train station or airport can be difficult, so bring a clean changing pad or a toilet seat for children, depending on how old they are.
3. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as children often eat and drink more frequently than adults. To avoid hunger-induced stress or if you have a picky eater child, bring "safe foods" that they will surely enjoy.
4. Pack essential medicines and toiletries. Along with your regular prescription medications, include a thermometer and basic remedies for colds, motion sickness, and stomach aches. Children often get minor injuries, so bring disinfectant, tissues, and Band-Aids. Sunscreen is crucial, especially for summer trips!
5. Traveling can be stressful, so it is important to keep your children entertained. Bring a few amusing things such as books, toys, and electronics. For older kids on car trips, pack playing cards and board games., while for the younger ones on planes or trains, a portable DVD player with headphones, crayons, and a coloring book work well. Do not forget the favorite toy or stuffed animal of your child, as these can provide comfort in unfamiliar settings.
6. Certain items on our checklist, like the beloved toy of your child or the stroller, are last-minute additions that should be packed just before departure. Consider keeping a separate list specifically for these things.

Finally, we recommend involving your children in the packing process (in a way that suits their age). This helps alleviate their stress about the upcoming changes in routine and promotes a smoother, more enjoyable experience for the entire family. Have a wonderful holiday together!