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There are easy tricks to employ before leaving home — and while on the road — to make arriving at your destination a breeze. Check them out now, and thank us later.
The night before departure, check that all devices are juiced up and ready to go. Pack plenty of chargers for everyone’s devices and consider investing in a portable power bank in case an outlet is hard to find.
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Book Ahead
Be sure to pre-book seat assignments and request any special meals for flights at the time of booking. If you wait until you’re at the airport, you may have to deal with the headache of scrambling to seat your group together.
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Take Your Time
Going through security, and just traveling with kids in general, can add a lot of time to the itinerary, so be sure to pad travel times. It’s better to be stuck sitting in waiting areas a few more minutes than forced to pay extra money to rebook tickets.
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Get a To-Go Cup
Bring empty water bottles to fill up once you’re past security checks. Everyone will stay hydrated, and the money that would have been spent on overpriced bottled water can go for something more fun.
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Travel With a Small Piece of Home
Family vacations, while fun, take kids out of their normal routines and surroundings. Be prepared to soothe jangled nerves on occasion by bringing along a few creature comforts to have at the ready, whether it be a favorite small stuffed animal, a toy or a blanket.
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Make Kids Carry Their Own Weight
Parents can give their older kids some responsibility and take a load off by having them pack and tote their own belongings in rolling suitcases.
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Keep It Light
It’s easy to shoot past weight and space limitations when packing for a family vacation. One solution is to preorder and send bulkier items, like diapers, ahead to your destination so they’re waiting when you arrive.
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Snack and Go
Hunger, or even just boredom, can make everyone cranky. Always pack snacks to pull out during the inevitable late or missed meal.
