by: Teresa Bell Kindred

I learned an important lesson about packing the hard way. When our five children were young packing for them was a nightmare. There was never enough time (or energy) to get everything done. One year we arrived at our destination only to find that one son’s suitcase had been left at home. Another year we unpacked and only two of the four boys had underwear. With five children we were always on a budget and having to go buy new clothes and underwear was not part of the plan.

Here are some tips to help prevent packing problems and assure you that you are ready for your perfect vacation:

1. Think like a Boy Scout…be prepared. Start making lists and packing several days (even a week) before you are ready to leave. Then have someone else double check your lists.

2. Be sure and take medicines and prescriptions with you. I learned this the hard way too. One of our sons had severe asthma and one year the nebulizer (a machine that aids with breathing) got left at home.

3. Remember the weather can change. Take jackets and umbrellas just in case.

4. Roll clothes in a suitcase instead of folding. It saves space and prevents wrinkles.

5. If you are traveling by air label all suitcases carefully. You never know whether or not your luggage will end up at the same place you do.

6. If you are on a budget take sunscreen, sunglasses, lotion with you. It’s usually more expensive at resorts or hotels.

7. If you are taking lots of sporting equipment with you why not Fedex it ahead to your vacation destination? It’s just less stuff you have to worry with!

8. If you don’t have luggage with wheels, get some. If you have to beg, borrow or steal it (just kidding!) it’s worth the trouble.

9. If you are an avid reader (like me) consider getting a Kindle or something like it. It’s much easier than carting a sack of books around with you.

10. Before you leave home have everyone double check their own list. If one son forgets an I-pod or your daughter forgets her cell phone, it can make for a very long travel time!

Have fun and remember and remember, a little planning goes a long way towards creating a perfect vacation.