Nothing brings down a trip faster than hauling around too much luggage, and the average kid's luggage-dragging tolerance is very low...you'll end up carrying it if you're not careful. Keep it light and everyone will have a better, happier trip. These guidelines apply for toilet-trained toddlers to teens.
Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 60
Here's How:
- Choose a soft-sided bag suitable for carry-on. Pull-out handle luggage with wheels is refused as carryon by some airlines now, regardless of whether it makes the size requirements, though kid's versions are more likely to pass. Unsure? Get an expandable bag made out of light foldable fabric - pop in the entire wheeled bag, then take it on as carryon. You can always use the bag later for hauling souvenirs back home.
- Decide what your child will wear to travel in. Deduct those items from the list below.
- Begin packing according to this list - it's what you need for spring-summer-fall travel in Greece:
- 2 pairs pants
- 1 light sweater
- 1-2 pairs shorts
- Tops - 1 long-sleeved, 3-5 T-shirts or short-sleeved tops
- 1 - 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. Smaller sizes can be hard to find in Greece - get them at home.
- 1 windbreaker or other light, waterproof jacket
- 1 hat -or, buy it in Greece as a souvenir.
- Toiletries - you can carry a little extra shampoo, etc. in your own luggage; 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 these things 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!
- If your child is determined to take one totally irrational item, let them if at all possible. Travel can scare kids, and being able to exert control during the packing process can help them feel that they won't be powerless away from home, either.
- 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...what works at home may not for long walks through airports, on rough pavements, etc.
- Tuck in some new small toys - the novelty will keep your child's attention longer than a familiar toy, important on long plane flights. For school-age kids, provide a travel diary - blank pages allow for drawings.
Related Features:
- Packing tips for Men and Women
- More Packing Tips
- How to Pack Light for Greece - Women
- Teresa Plowright's How to Pack for A Family Vacation
- Travel with Kids - Greece
