A trip away with the family can sometimes feel like even more like work rather than a vacation for us moms. But, good news, it doesn’t have to be! After years of traveling with my family of 5, there are a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way to help me prepare beforehand, and to pack smarter and lighter, so we can enjoy the quality time together that we intended to.
1. Bring some instant eats. To avoid yucky airplane food (re: fake stuff wrapped in plastic) bring your own. Get a dose of leafy greens, with a side of calcium, magnesium, iron and fiber, all with a delicious “chip” taste and crunch. Kids can polish off an entire bag - it’s that good.
2. Use your reusables. No matter where you’re off to, smart and reliable reusables will take you from A - B to C and back again. Pack your Klean Kanteen bottle in your carry-ons and fill at the airport (after going through security of course), and you’ll never have to worry about waiting in lines for a pricy, sugary soda. Plus, staying hydrated during air travel helps fight fatigue and helps fight the munchies too.
3. Multi-purpose care-to-go. Less is always more, but even more so when you’re traveling, and multi-purpose products make for lighter luggage and a lighter (travel) footprint. The worldTRIO comes with a shampoo, body wash, conditioner, moisturizer and all-purpose balm (all in 3 little bottles!) that are safe and effective for the entire fam. They can be used interchangeably on both skin and hair, and all three “travel” bottles are under 100ml so you can even pack them in your carry-on.
4. Smart takeoff toteables. Choosing the right luggage and travel accessories is just as important as choosing the right destination. I use Nau’s Lightbeam Tote because it can transform from a backpack, to a single strap shoulder bag, to an organizer bag inside a suitcase, making it the ultimate all-in-one travel bag for moms. This featherweight tote doesn’t weigh you down on your travels, and bonus, it’s made from 100% recycled polyester.
5. Clean lightweight luggables. You won’t have to worry about leaving this travel essential behind. Berryplus laundry soap is only 55mls (under airplane liquid standards), yet this highly concentrated small bottle (think the size of your cell phone) effectively cleans 20 loads of laundry. Small and lightweight, you can pack it in your carry on, and know that this tiny lifesaver will come in handy at some point during your travels.
Elbert Hubbard said “No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” I think he may have just needed a great travel guide to help him plan ahead.
Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.
(c) Lisa Borden 2013
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