Family adventure holidays are great fun and are a chance to get out on your bikes together, go swimming, have picnics, and enjoy the great outdoors, all while spending valuable time together.
Unfortunately, family trips don’t come without their challenges. Arguably, one of the most stressful things about family trips is getting organized and packing. Have you thought of everything you need? Is there enough to keep everyone happy and entertained?
To help reduce the stress when packing for your trip, here are some top tips to get started.
#1 Plan your trip
It is important that you first plan your trip completely, as this will dictate everything you need to pack. Research the location and amenities, so you know what you need to bring with you, and what you can buy on site. Check the weather (and double-check it just before you leave as you know how unpredictable it can be at times!) to ensure you have the correct clothing. Lastly, plan all your activities, so you can bring all the correct equipment, perhaps you are going to take your electric bikes, or plan to head out for some watersports. Knowing what you are doing will make packing so much easier.
#2 Create a list
Once you know where you are going, and what adventures you will take part in, you should create a packing list. Sometimes it is the basic or the little things that are forgotten when going on a trip. It is easy to just think about the clothes and toiletries, but there are lots of other things you may need. Perhaps you need cash, medication, or particular equipment for your activities. It can be helpful in this case to run through what you will do day-to-day and write down all the items associated with each task. This will help you to create one big inventory list for the trip, and ensure you don’t forget anything (or as little as possible!) For example:
- If you are heading to the beach, make sure you have swimming costumes, towels, and sunscreen.
- If you are heading out on electric bikes, make sure you have a tire pump, a 42V e-bike charger, and helmets.
#3 Find a balance
When traveling with children, it is easy to go overboard and pack too many items. It is important to pack the necessities, but you don’t want to sting yourself and be left with lots of weight to lug around for the entire trip. If you have young children, perhaps research the accommodation, location, and local amenities to see what entertainment, parks, and even diapers can be utilized when you get there. Just a few toys and books should be a great start. The same goes for food, you may not need to take too much, if you are traveling near a store where you can purchase food when you get there.
#4 Give everyone their own backpack
When you assign everyone their own backpack, you not only provide your young ones with a sense of responsibility, but it can also help limit the number of items you take with you, as they will have to carry them themselves. This also ensures that everyone’s items are packed, and remain individual responsibility.
Packing for a family trip can be a challenge, but with sufficient planning in advance, you can be sure to pack everything you need and have an excellent trip.