Although you want everyone to help get ready for the vacation, it’s okay for you to be the master planner. Give everybody an outline of what their roles are for preparing for the trip. Give each person their own ‘execution plan’  that details what items they need to pack and a quantity of each. It may take you some extra time up front but will save you from packing each family member’s bag individually. This also gives young kids a sense of importance in the preparation process. Have older kids help young ones get everything in line. And don’t forget to make a plan for hubby – just because he’s not a child doesn’t mean he couldn’t use some packing tips.
Here are a couple great checklists:
Kids Travel Checklist
Kids Packing List - also check out the women's and men's packing checklists
Another great way to involve the family is to ask everyone for a couple of ideas that they would like to do on the vacation. Try to fit in at least one of everyone’s vacation requests. Just make sure everyone has realistic expectations as far as what’s possible and what isn’t.
Packing a bag of fun extras can’t hurt either. Include travel games, snacks, any comforts from home that can easily be taken on the road. Sometimes kids can get homesick and having that favorite stuffed animal or CD can make you Super Mom in an instant.
Lastly, don’t lose sight of what a vacation is. It should be a time to relax and enjoy time with those important to you. While it’s great to have a schedule filled with activities, it’s okay to let that schedule go by the wayside on some days. Let your surroundings plan your day and enjoy living in the moment!
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