Overpacking means big business for airlines: Many airlines, including JetBlue, American Airlines, and United Airlines, have increased their baggage fees for 2024. While there's a financial incentive to pack less these days, experts want to make sure travelers can bring the essentials.
In an effort to thin out their packing, travelers often forget about items that will have a huge impact on their comfort and ease during their vacation. From comfortable clothing to necessary tech accessories, these items rank high on the list of things you shouldn't forget when heading away from home with your family for a week.
No matter how light a family packs, some key items are always important: whether your getaway is for two nights or two weeks, packing items like comfortable walking shoes and a portable power bank is a must.
Pack Comfortable Clothes
While some parents may be tempted to Instagram their picture-perfect, coordinated family vacation outfits, experts advise travelers to prioritize comfort. Popular family destinations like Disney World typically require long distances of walking. Amusement parks are crowded in the summer, and visitors often wait in line in direct sunlight with little shade. A week at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot is not the best time to let your kids try out their new shoes.
For Mickey Visit founder and bestselling author Gavin Doyle, Disneyland SecretsThat means packing comfortable shoes for the whole family. He points out, “Especially on a theme park vacation, you'll walk thousands of steps each day at Disney, so having the right walking shoes is essential.” Travelers can find a happy medium with stylish yet functional clothing, according to Doyle: “Consider outfits that are not only appropriate for walking and traveling, but also look good in photos.”
Travelers need to be prepared, but that doesn't mean bringing everything in your closet. Travel journalist Megan DuBois assures guests struggling to pack that a few favorite outfits are enough. She continues, “Whatever trip you're going on, bring a swimsuit. I've been on a few trips where I had no intention of swimming, and ended up being mad at myself because I had the opportunity to get in the water and wasn't dressed appropriately.”
Don't forget the basics of technology
Packing the right tech travel gear is just as important as packing footwear and sunscreen. In modern travel, most travelers need more than just a smartphone and a wall charger. Travelers need to consider all the gadgets they'll need, including cameras, smart accessories, battery packs, tablets, and more.
Monica Fish, a frequent traveler and founder of Planner at Heart, has a method she follows when preparing for long flights. She says, “Electronic entertainment is a part of traveling as a family and can be a lifesaver on long flights or when you're stuck at the airport for long periods of time due to flight delays.” She points out that power outlets aren't available on all flights, and they can be hard to find at some airports. Because of this shortage, Fish says her family “always packs multiple battery packs in our carry-on luggage so our devices are charged and ready to play.”
In addition to portable batteries and spare cables, Sometimes Home editor Mikkel Woodruff stresses the importance of AirTags and other Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices: “It's not mainstream yet, but I can't wait for the day when it is. I put an AirTag in every bag, whether I'm checking it or taking it in my carry-on, so I can find it if I lose it.” Since luggage can get lost in transit, adding an AirTag in a hidden pouch or pocket can save packers the trouble of tracking down missing luggage.
Regardless of the mode of transportation or destination, getting sleep while traveling can be a challenge for many. Alex Caspero, a freelance travel and food writer for Delish Knowledge, offers a simple solution for vacationers: “I always keep a portable white noise machine in my travel bag. It keeps me from having to worry about noisy hotel neighbors, outdoor construction, or a room close to the elevator or lobby,” he says.
Sarah Gilliland, founder of On The Road With Sarah and travel editor at Wealth of Geeks, stresses the importance of having an extension cord. She explains, “Everyone has devices these days so you need chargers, but if you don't have a lot of outlets, you also need an extension cord to fit everyone's chargers. This is especially helpful in small hotel rooms or on cruise ships.”
Spark Nomad founder Marjolein Dilven urges anyone planning a trip to have a backup plan in case they can't find an outlet. Dilven adds, “When outlets are scarce, a portable power bank is a lifesaver. It allows you to keep your phone and devices charged on the go.” Portable power banks are useful in hotel rooms and on day-long trips. These devices are usually about the size of a smartphone and take up very little space in your backpack. Having a spare battery on hand can keep your phone fully charged all day while hunting or hiking.
This article was produced by Media Decision and distributed by Wealth of Geeks.
