- Toiletries - I now keep a bag of toiletries including shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as hairbrush, make-up and other feminine products packed at all times. I refill as needed AFTER a trip and put it back into a suitcase (duffel bag actually).
- Luggage - all our luggage is easily accessible and often just sitting on the floor in the master bedroom or the closet. The toiletries bag is in our main one as soon as it is refilled after a trip. This ensures we never have to dig through attics or storage areas trying to find it all and stays in good condition.
- Swim Gear -we keep a bag of swimwear and swim gear and sunscreen packed at all times. Sometimes hotels surprise you with a nice pool you weren't expecting, having your swimming items makes your trip just a bit nicer. Not having to worry about packing all those items on the travel day means you can leave faster without missed items. Keep this bag with your luggage.
- Diaper bag - I have a packed diaper bag in the car at all times. There are enough diapers and wipes to last 3 days for all children that need them. I also keep small non-perishable food in the bag such as crackers, trail mix, and granola bars.
- Camera - we have a small digital camera that is carried in Mom's purse all the time. We also have a more expensive digital SLR camera for better quality photos. We keep this camera in a camera backpack along with a video camera, extra batteries, chargers and any other accessories. This bag is kept in the corner of our living room by our laptop bag. Just grab and go! Having a car charger for the battery helps just in case I forget to charge the battery or spare battery.
- Water bottles - We have enough stainless steel water bottles for all of us. I make sure they are clean and put into a bag on an easily accessible shelf. The bottles are filled with water and ice as soon as the decision is made and put into the car, so everyone stays hydrated. It also prevents from having to buy individual expensive plastic bottles, we simply refill them with a gallon of water we fill before we leave and take with us.
Having a supply of snack items in the house also makes it easy to just go quickly. There is no need to worry about where the next gas station is just because someone is hungry if you already have snacks with you. You can also make sure those snacks are healthy by having them ready!
Clothing is our biggest time consumer. After the decision is made as to how many days you are traveling, quickly choose the type of clothing you need. Then if possible, send everyone to get their own. Have the luggage in a central location and monitor what items are being put into the bag. I have the kids bring the clothes to my room while I grab the adult clothes so I can see what items they are bringing to make sure underwear and socks aren't forgotten! If not possible, take the luggage with you to each room, so you are only visiting each room once.
Having an atlas in your car as well as a GPS unit, if possible, really makes it easier to get up and go. Not having to spend time printing out directions to all of your destinations saves plenty of time and headache. After you start driving, the navigator - in our case, Mom - finds the best routes to the intended destinations. Once in the general area if you have a great GPS system you can have it search for the destinations you intend to visit and set it to take you there. You can also do a search for nearby hotels, shopping areas, gas stations, etc. The GPS unit was one of our best travel investments and we spent less than a tank of gas on it.
These tricks might or might not work for you. After several trips you will find your own ways to be ready at a moments notice if you are willing to try. Your first few trips might not be "successful" but as long as you are willing to allow mistakes to be made and just try to enjoy the ride you will learn what works best for your family. It takes practice! So don't give up if your first few tries aren't perfect. Just laugh it off and make note as to the problem so you can prepare for next time. You will never regret giving your family these bonding experiences unless you are too stressed and upset over things that don't really matter. What matters is being together and seeing new and different things.
