After finishing the unpacking last night I thought of some more tips to share. I think I may have shared some of these before, but it never hurts to be reminded.

1. When packing for vacation, always pack an extra bag or duffel for the items that will be purchased while you are there. We always have more when we come back from vacation, then we did when we went. On this trip I should have taken a couple of empty boxes! Ha, ha, ha!

2. If you are going someplace and are at liberty to stay as long as you want. Plan ahead, just in case you do. This is where the extras in the car come in handy!

3. Prepaid Debit Cards! These are the handiest little inventions, much easier to keep up with than Travelers Checks and less hassle as well. I had purchased one for Cassidy to take on her day trip with her cousins so she had money as well. She felt the big shot and I didn’t have to worry about her spending more than she should. I am definitely going to use these on our next vacation.

4. Remember you are on vacation. When visiting family especially, we sometimes forget to relax. It’s still a vacation! Treat everyone to dinner or a movie. Have fun!

I am off to restock the car and start breakfast!

We finally have made it home. I think I will be unpacking all day. Ha-ha! So I have some tips on the return packing. Have you ever noticed that there is always more in your suitcases when you get home than when you left? I have found that if I unpack in the laundry room things go much smoothly. I sort the clothes as I unpack and that makes washing easier. Unless of course we stayed someplace that had a washer and dryer in the room, then I only unpack the dirty clothes suitcases in the laundry room. I also make sure that when we pack to return home things like the hair dryer, curling iron, deodorants and such all are packed separate from clothes. We have a special bag for medications including vitamins and that always goes straight to my bedroom where I have a special dresser drawer with a lock. Better get going!

I can’t believe I have never mentioned this before! Toilet Paper is a must to keep in your vehicle, especially when traveling. I don’t think I can count how many times we have stopped for potty breaks and found no T.P. in the stalls. I know you have been there. LOL I buy the single rolls whenever they are on sale so that I can always have one in the car. It can be a butt saver!

I know in previous posts I have given some tips on packing for your trip. Today I want to give you some tips on your return trip.

1. Pack all your new purchases separately, this makes it much easier to keep up with.

2. Pack clothes first, then shoes, then things like hair dryers and brushes.

3. On your way out the door go room to rom. Look under beds in drawers and check any closet areas.

Hope these quick tips are helpful!

I love a family road trip. Even with six people in our family, I can’t resist the lure of loading the whole family up and going on a road trip. Since we live in Colorado, we’re pretty centrally located for a lot of great attractions and have a bunch of family road trip experience. Here are some of the things we have learned. (more…)