Getting organized with kids for a long flight or quick trip will really help reduce stress for everyone. Teaching kids about traveling light with creative carry-ons is a skill they will use for a lifetime. Family meltdowns can be avoided and everyone can arrive safely and sanely, here's how. Share

  1. The Personal Bag
    Sacks and suitcases individually packed will be easy to locate in a hurry. A mini Pullman is ideal for the younger set who really enjoy toting them around. Individualize the bag using different colors for different kids in the family.
  2. One Kit Fits All.
    The one bag that can be made to fit all is the toiletry bag. Having just the one family bag with soaps and shampoos or other spillables including beauty products and a hair dryer saves you time and saves you grief when you arrive at your destination. Enjoy easy unpacking as the one kit fits goes right into the bathroom.
  3. Each child gets a packing list.
    List each item as it's packed, and stow the complete itemization in the suitcase. The arrangement will help you repack at the end of the trip and give you the peace of mind of knowing everything that came is going back home.
  4. What about a family carry-on?
    A bag with a few essentials in the case of lost baggage is essential when traveling as a family. This should include one outfit or at least change of shirt, underwear and socks for everyone as well as any prescription medicines. Pj's and other must-haves. Travel toiletries can be included as well as the stuffed bear for the littlest one. The family carry on can simplify your giving quick access to overnight necessities for midway stops instead of unpacking everything
  5. Creative carry-ons.
    Soft coolers make great carry-on luggage. Roomy and crushable, they're perfect for nonbreakable items (such as those extra outfits) and help you cut your food bill by becoming picnic baskets for takeout meals.
  6. Think plastic.
    Plastic bags protect delicate items from spills inside your suitcase. They'll also be invaluable at trip's end for dirty laundry and any wet clothes coming home.
  7. BACKUP
    I'd say keep a few toys you can loose in an outside pocket to pull out during waiting periods, along with snacks

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