Nothing brings down a trip faster than hauling around too much luggage, and the average kid's luggage-dragging tolerance is very low. Keep it light and everyone will have a better, happier trip.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 60 minutes
Here's How:
- Choose a soft-sided bag suitable for carry-on. Most airlines in Europe and in Greece allow just one carry-on bag per person.
- Have your child wear the bulkiest shoes and jacket as part of the travel outfit. If the child balks at wearing those shoes, make sure that they are comfortable enough to wear on the trip at all.
- Bring an extra strap in case you need to tie your child's bag to your own.
- Begin packing according to this list - it's what you need for spring-summer-fall travel in Greece:
- Bottoms - 1-2 pairs pants 1-2 pairs shorts
- Tops - 1 long-sleeved 3-5 T-shirts or short-sleeved tops 1 light sweater
- Swimwear - 2 pairs bathing trunks or bathing sets
- 3-5 pairs underwear 3-5 pairs socks
- 1 pair good walking shoes, already broken in.
- 1 pair sandals. Rubber-bottomed, strap-on, 'swimmable' types are best to avoid sea anemones and jellyfish. Smaller sizes can be hard to find in Greece - get them at home.
- 1 windbreaker or other light, waterproof jacket, preferably hooded. 1 hat -or, buy it in Greece as a souvenir. 1 small daypack, purse, or fanny pack
- Toiletries - toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush
- Necessary medications in original bottles, including any items that you might normally buy at a drugstore - cold medicine, sore throat lozenges, and so on - should be in Mom or Dad's care.
- While over-the-counter medications are readily available in Greece, your particular brand may not be, and 'readily available' is not the same as 'instantly available' as we all know!
Tips:
- Allow one "irrational" clothing choice per child. Travel can scare kids, and letting them exert some control during the packing process can help them feel that they won't be powerless away from home, either.
- Tuck in some new small toys in your carry-on - the novelty will keep your child's attention longer than a familiar toy, important on long plane flights. And with fewer food options on many flights now, bring snacks.
- For school-age kids, provide a travel diary - blank pages allow for drawings.
