A Teen’s Guide To Packing For A Family Vacation - My Family Travels
This kids has overpacked.
This kids has overpacked.

Your family has announced that you are all going on vacation this year. You are filled with excitement and the first thing you want to do is throw some clothes into a suitcase and just go already. However, being unprepared will only stress you out and ruin your vacation experience. Before you depart, read these steps in preparation for your trip.

Here are some tips from a fellow teen traveler.
 

Get Prepared for Your Trip

Even before you start packing, you have to be prepared to be gone for a while.

Who doesn’t want to make money during the summer? I know I do, but summer also tends to be the primary vacation season. If you have a job, tell your boss of your family’s travel plans as soon as possible. Let family and friends know about your trip so they don’t get worried if they don’t hear from you.

Have pets? If you’re not taking them with you on vacation, leave them with a friend or family member. If that’s not possible, contact a pet care center or even a local pet shop to look after your pet while you’re away.

Don’t start the vacation with any negative thoughts. Remember, the vacation is only as good as what you make of it; make the best of the situation when things don’t go exactly as planned.
 

How to Pack for Your Vacation

Cover the essentials.  Think about what you do everyday: brush your teeth, wash your face, take vitamins, etc. Pack those things first. Making a list or reading online packing lists is helpful. Here is the link to a great one: Vacation Packing List

Check the weather forecast for the place you’re going to and pack your clothes accordingly. If you are travelling by plane, wear comfortable clothes and bring a sweater because the A/C tends to make it chilly.

Next, pack any miscellaneous items or things that you may useto pass the time while travelling. You might want to bring your favorite book, a camera, or a journal so you canwrite about your experiences. Don’t bring too many electronics, though, because you want to have fun with your family and enjoy your vacation, not tweet about it.

If you need something you don’t have, buy it ahead of time because purchasing items at major tourist locations is a lot more expensive. If you intend on buying souvenirs, saving your allowance beforehand is a smart idea.

Being prepared is great, but don’t pack too much that you don’t remember what you’ve brought.  Stay organized and bring as little as possible. Think to yourself: “Will I really use this?”
 

Avoid Last Minute Stress

This last tip will save you a lot of stress and hassle: Don’t wait till the last minute to have your luggage packed!! Procrastination is your worst enemy, and you’re only hurting yourself.

Now that you’re all set, the hardest part is over. The only thing left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.