There’s no doubt that frequent family travelers have a list of must-haves. But you can’t squeeze everything into a suitcase, car, or carry-on bag. Below is a list of must-haves for families that are ‘seasoned’ travelers and those who are taking their first trip.

7 Frequent Family Travel Must-Haves

A first-aid kit is a must-have for your family travel and vacation. Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Healthy family

You probably already know that it’s important to get regular checkups. Your health is a MUST-HAVE for your family travel. Traveling when you’re sick is never a good idea. You won’t have any energy and you can make the people around you sick.

It’s never a good idea to travel with with sick children.

Make sure everyone sees the doctor before you leave on your family vacation. It’s important that your family is in good health to travel. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with sickness on your vacation, and you trip will be a short one.

Toys

Family road trips can be fun! However, it’s important to bring your children’s favorite toys. Allow kids to choose one or two ‘special’ toys to bring with them. This is a great way to keep your children entertained in the air or on the road.

Snacks

Bring plenty of snacks with you. Kids often say, “I’m hungry!” This isn’t something you want to hear while you’re traveling 30,000 feet in the air. Shop for and bring nutritious snacks that will satisfy and make your kids happy.

Comforts from home

Family travel can be a pleasant experience when you bring comforts from home with you. Bring your MP3 player, iPod, iPad, favorite robe, beauty products, etc. Don’t pack too much because you don’t want to be weighed down by your luggage. Bring the essentials that will make you travel more enjoyable.

Medicines

It’s important to bring your medicines with you. Before you take your family on vacation, see your doctor and get ALL medicines refilled. Bring your doctors’ contact information with you in case you need to call your children’s pediatrician or your heart doctor.

First-aid kit (pets too)

Accidents can happen on your family vacation. Bring a first-aid kit that includes the following:

• Band-aids
• Eye care
• Antiseptic
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinyl gloves
• Burn ointment
• Tapes, wraps, and dressings
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Cotton balls
• Styptic pencil
• Safety pins
• Thermometer
• Blankets
• Cold packs
• Splint
• Soap
• Calamine lotion
• Emergency phone numbers

Some families travel with their pets, it’s important to bring a ‘pet’ first-aid kit as well. Include the following in your ‘pet’ first-aid kit:

• Antiseptic
• Pet first-aid book
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls
• Vinyl gloves
• Styptic pencil
• Tapes, wraps, and dressings
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Safety pins
• Pet thermometer
• Blankets
• Cotton swabs
• Splint
• Soap
• Veterinarian phone number
• Pet alert card

Camera

Family travel wouldn’t be complete without a digital camera or video recorder to capture your travel memories. Keep your camera or video recorder and its accessories in a protective case. Bring enough memory cards. Of course, you can always purchase more as you need them.

Review these “7 frequent family travel must-haves” before you take your family vacation. Happy travels!

What is your number one family travel must-have? Share.

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