What NOT To Pack: COTTAGE

With 30+ years of experience backpacking, canoeing and travelling and 14 years of cottaging and road-tripping with my family and kids, I’m often being asked what and how to pack when going to the cottage. Whether you’re getting your family ready to go or packing your teen to join the group of friends, it’s good to know what to expect and what you should bring to stay comfortable.

When I think about packing to go anywhere, the first thing I do is make a mental note of what it is I’m planning on doing at the place I’m going to and, in addition, what I need to get there and back. The idea is to make it both practical and functional.

For example, if you’re a go-go-go person (you want to see everything, experience everything and try everything that the destination has to offer), your gear needs to be comfortable (preferably tried and true) and suitable for your activities and the weather conditions.

If you’re planning on a lot of hiking, comfortable non-slip hiking shoes or boots in addition to a backpack with necessities, a hat and comfortable clothes (and in some cases preferably long sleeves and pants) are a must. If you don’t have those, running shoes may do, but make sure they are non-slippery and sturdy to withstand stepping on the rocks and tree roots while keeping your feet protected. Who wants to twist an ankle on a first hike and spend the rest of the trip sitting in front of the cottage?!

If, on the other hand, you’re a more relaxed traveller and plan to spend most of your stay on the beach of the lake or river, think of something comfortable to sit on, an umbrella to stay in shade and a good set of books in addition to a swimsuit and a towel.

And, of course, there are things that you need no matter where you go such as a water bottle, sunscreen and bug repellent for your summer trip.

The tricky part is NOT to bring everything you own while bringing just enough so that you can enjoy your cottage stay trouble-free without thinking about things you “could have brought”.

So, without further due let’s get to it.

1. Cottage staying necessities

• Bedsheets, pillowcases and bath towels may or may not be provided by your cottage or Airbnb host. Confirm with your host before deciding NOT to bring these. Another alternative is to bring a sleeping bag for each member of your travel party that can serve as bedding and the blanket two-in-one. The sleeping bag that is un-zipping into a blanket is the best for this purpose. Here are some not-so-costly suggestions. For double-bed, one can serve as a bedsheet and another as a blanket. These are typically light and compact. You may also choose to bring your own pillow and an old blanket (space-in-the-car permitting). Now it feels like home!
• Water bottle, sunscreen and bug repellant. As mentioned above, these are a must-have as you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors and don’t want sunburn or tiny mosquitoes to spoil your party!
• 1 water bottle (durable)
• 1 sunscreen
• 1 mosquito repellant
• Matches or lighter
• Emergency and/or survival kit
• A portable car starter needs to be in your car at all times

Nice-to-haves that are often forgotten:

• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 flashlight
• books & games

2. Swimming and beach gear

• Bathing suit (or better two to alternate and stay dry), beach towel and something to sit on. The easiest is to throw in the beach blanket or a couple of old yoga mats, while some prefer folding chairs to make standing up more gracious (it’s certainly not a necessity unless you have a specific mobility reason for using a chair).
• A life jacket is another thing to consider, especially if you’re planning on spending time on the water. You will need to have enough and the right size for each family/travel group member going on the water in a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, jet ski etc. All rentals are required to provide life jackets, but if you decide to bring your own, make sure to pick the government-approved one and follow instructions of use carefully to ensure everyone’s safety. This one is super important! If going with kids, life jackets do not replace parent’s supervision, so keep a close eye on kids near and in the water.
• Floaties, noodles and other floating devices: When considering other floating devices, be mindful of how light they are and how easy the wind might blow them as most producers of these items do not guarantee their safety in case of malfunction or high waves and wind. Some cottages have ones you can use, so a good one to skip.
• Snacks and food containers: the picnic on the beach sounds like a great idea! And it’s great to have a tasty bite after the refreshing swim! Bring reusable containers that help to portion your favourite snacks, take scraps back to the cottage for the proper disposal to help keep our beaches, lakes and environment clean for the wildlife to stay safe and for others to enjoy.
• Planning on canoeing or kayaking? Bring dry sacks of different sizes to hold your phone, camera, change of clothes and towels. For a half-day/day canoe trip, you may want to bring a 30–40 litre dry sack to keep your belongings dry. Also, never leave the shore without a Marine & Boat Safety kit.

3. Hiking

The special section is dedicated to hiking (or walking around) not just because it’s the most common activity that doesn’t require any special equipment, but also one that needs to be thought through to make your experience enjoyable. Here are a few things to consider when getting ready to hike:

• Small backpack to hold your water, snacks, sweater, sunscreen & mosquito repellant (mosquitoes may get quite nasty in the woods even when it’s a bright sunny day on the lake), swiss army pocket knife, matches (in a small plastic bag to stay dry) and emergency/survival kit. If you’re in the locations where spotting large wildlife is likely, invest in bear spray and always keep it handy (on your belt or in an easily reachable pocket) should an unwanted encounter happen. Learn what to do in this situation and be prepared to act accordingly. Though these encounters are not common and wildlife prefers to avoid contact with humans, it’s better to be over-prepared.
• Map and compass (your phone has both and you can pick up a paper version of the map at the park visitor’s centre) plus make a mental notice of the expected trail time, direction and whether the trail is a loop or one-way so that you can plan the time for the return trip. Most of the trails in the provincial and national parks are well marked, so follow the markers and stay on the trail. If wandered off, turn around and return back to the trail rather than guessing the direction in which it “should go”. Also, if you feel that “it’s been too long” without getting to the expected spot, it likely is, so stop and consider options on how to proceed or go back before wandering too far. It will save the rescue crew’s time and taxpayers' dollars if you don’t get lost :).
• Hiking shoes or boots: as you’re planning to spend quite a bit of time on your feet, it’s very important to have these not only comfortable but also sturdy enough to protect your feet. And please DO NOT go on a trail in slippers, flip-flops or sandals. Those are great for a nice wooden deck or the beach but will be a poor choice for the natural terrain. You will be able to take off your shoes and slip back into the sandals when you get back to the car.

4. Documents and Money

• Documents: Driver’s license for each designated driver, health cards for everyone coming with you and travel insurance (if you’re going to another province) are a must-have. Another important item you need is a reservation confirmation with the name and host contact info and preferably in paper format or easily accessible digitally (Internet connection may not be perfect depending on where you’re going, so don’t count on it).
• Cards and Cash: In addition to your electronic wallet bring physical debit/credit cards and some cash, so that you don’t need to scramble looking for an ATM or bank to buy fruit at the farmers market or get firewood. It’s good to have $60-$100 cash for the family at a given time to cover basics, so restock as needed.
• Permits and passes: If planning to explore national and provincial parks, check if it makes sense for you to get the permit/seasonal pass ahead of time (they are shipped to your home address, so leave sufficient time to get it). Check here for National Parks and here for Ontario provincial parks. Also, bring any permits you have for the activities you are planning for as fishing or boating permits.

5. Closing and personal use items

Typically planned for 7 days and assuming you will do laundry at least once if staying longer (in this case check with your host whether laundry service is offered on-site or available nearby). Personally, I’m not a big fan of doing laundry when away as it typically requires a half-a-day time investment unless the washer and dryer are available at the cottage for your personal use.

If you don’t want to do laundry, pack enough clothes to cover all days of stay with tops/bottoms set plus two extra sets for each daily used item. For example, if you’re going for 7 days, bring 9 pairs of pants/shorts and 9 t-shirts/shirt sets plus 9 pairs of socks and underwear. This should take care of most wet and dirty situations.

If you travel often and know how much you need, reduce the amount to what you usually pack instead and you can use the above for kids' clothes packing. And though you may think about that special last night outing in the nearby restaurant which requires a special something to look more dressed up, resist the temptation and leave one-night hills and dress home. Trust me, you won’t need it!

For 7 days trip

Everyday items

• 9 pairs of underpants
• 9 pairs of socks (if wear every day, 1–2 pairs of heavy socks)
• 2 pairs of pyjamas
• 2 pairs of running shoes (including an older pair for wet use and/or hiking shoes/boots)
• 2 hats (1 for sun & 1 for rain)
• 1 laundry bag (you can use plastic or another bag for the same purpose instead)

Warm weather items:

• 8 short-sleeves shirts or t-shirts
• 4–5 pairs of shorts
• 2 bathing suits
• 1 pair of sandals or flip flops

Evenings and cooler weather:

• 2 heavy warm sweatshirts or sweaters
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• 3–4 pairs of pants
• 1 rain suit or rain jacket

Toiletries and self-care:

• 1 toilet bag or case containing:
• toothpaste & toothbrushes for each traveller
• 2 washcloth
• 1 bar of soap
• 1 bottle of shampoo and 1 conditioner (if need one)
• 1 comb & brush
• 1 shaving cream and razor (if needed)
• 1 box of tissues (smaller packaged ones will do too)
• 1 bottle of sunscreen; you can also get a less oily version for your face (optional)
• 1 mosquito repellent
• 1 deodorant
• hairdryer (if needed)
• nail clippers
• just enough q-tips and/or cotton pads

If travelling with family or friends, you don’t need to bring one of each, so coordinate or bring just enough for your trip. Also, as some of these items are in frequent contact with the water, consider packing them in a sealable plastic bag to keep the rest of your things dry.

• I recommend picking a good after sun lotion to soothe your skin, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outside after being indoors for extended periods of time. Invest in a good one and your body will thank you!
• Another must-have is the after-bite ointment. They come in kids and grown-up versions and both are very effective against mosquito or other insect bites, taking care of irritating itching.

Additionally, consider the following optional items and pick ones that apply to you:

• prescription glasses and/or contact lenses case with solution and extra lenses
• your usual medications, vitamins or supplements
• eye drops
• 1 lip balm with SPF
• a quick dry towel can be handy when there is no time to dry the real one
• eyeshades and/or earplugs if you use them
• toilet paper roll (all cottages provide them, but I like to have one in the car)
• cosmetics and facial care
• feminine products: get a few extra just in case
• poo-pourri to avoid awkwardness, especially if staying with someone outside of your family. 2 drops before you go will take care of the bad smell.

6. Devices and Energy Supply

As the whole point of the cottage experience is to unplug, reconnect with nature and have a good time with your loved ones or friends, consider leaving some of these at home. If you need to bring your laptop to work or write, be ready to NOT get frustrated with slow Internet speed or frequent service interruptions. Consider storing your work files locally so that you’re not totally dependent on the strength of the signal. With this in mind, here is the list:

• Phones, their chargers and accessories (headphones are a great way to get alone with everyone in the car and a small wireless speaker can make that dancing around the campfire so much more enjoyable!)
• Laptop with charger and a mouse if you prefer one.
• Camera and/or video camera with charger and batteries
• Portable charger(s) for those day outings. There is a wide variety of these, pick ones that work for you and charge them as soon as you get back to the cottage.
• Set of spare batteries AA or AAA based on your needs (check your flashlight and other items for the type of batteries they use and keep extra in the car).
• Portable power bar with a long cord. Your cottage will likely have a lot of outlets, but you may bring one to be able to use your device where you want it while it’s charging.

7. Kitchen/cooking supplies

Here are the things that you need to have and some optional mentions to consider in the order of frustration when missing (at least for me!):

• Water: most cottages use the water from the well, lake or river. Though Canada has one of the cleanest water supply in the world, check with your host if the water is suitable for drinking. If not, bring your own. You can use tap water for cooking in most cases.
• Reusable water bottles for hot/cold beverages help to avoid buying individual bottles and good for the environment
• Wine and beer opener: need I say more!
• Knives: while the inner chef in you may suggest otherwise and you will want to bring that special knife set for every occasion, practice restraint and bring the bare minimum you need. One sharp large cutting knife and one small knife for more delicate work will do the job and you will have much less to regret upon getting home when you suddenly realize you left them behind!
• Cooking oil and butter often gets forgotten until you need it. Pack a smaller size bottle of your favourite and through the package of butter in the cooler. And no need to thank me :).
• Cooking spices and condiments. Though salt and pepper can be often found in the cottage as a courtesy of your host, picking up a small set in your local grocery store will give you peace of mind. Your favourite spices and condiments are a different story as you don’t want to spend a day looking for that one ingredient or sauce without which your dish is not gonna cut it! See the section on the food below and plan accordingly.
• Food containers, ziplock bags and garbage bags (the last ones are often provided by the cottage, but it’s good to have to put wet towels that you used just before heading home, as a laundry bag or a quick way to pack).
• Kitchen towels that we hardly notice until need to dry those hands
• Dishcloths, soap and sponge: a lot of cottages have them, but easy to bring just in case they don’t. This also may cover other cleaning needs.
• Tongs, spatulas and kitchen scissors don’t take much space, but only bring if you can’t live without. Ok, only this special one! If you plan to barbecue, opt for large tongs that you can also use for outdoor cooking to avoid bringing the whole BBQ tool kit.
• Ice, cool packs and ice cube tray all good to have for both the road and your stay. Ice cube trays are often available in the cottage, so take it as a 50/50 chance to find them there.
• Drying mat: most cottages have plastic ones, so treat this as an optional reminder.
• Cleaning supplies: we all have different cleaning tolerance and needs. The cottage typically has dishwashing liquid, kitchen rugs, sponges and basic cleaning supplies for you to keep it clean while there. Also, following standard COVID procedures, each cottage should undergo a thorough professional cleaning between the tenants. So the best advice I can give is to think about what makes you comfortable, but don’t overdo it. Though things like hand sanitizer and paper towels are good items to have, bringing large bottles of Lysol and Mr. Clean or rubber gloves will likely be overkill.
• Aluminum foil, baking paper and beeswax paper if needed for cooking or using to keep your food fresh.
• Cutlery, dishes, glasses and cups: confirm with your cottage owner or the host whether they provide those and leave your kitchen at home. Part of the cottage charm is to use the minimal tools and grandma’s plates & cutlery on the flower-print tablecloths. The exception is given to the kids’ favourite plates and cups without which they are often much less receptive to the food you’re given them.

8. Food

• Food takes a bit of planning. Think in terms of your typical meals to get the idea of how many breakfasts, lunches and dinners you will have while at the cottage. Consider the fact that not all days/evenings you will eat at the cottage. Part of the travel charm is grabbing a fresh bite from a food truck or hanging out on the patio of a local brewery or winery with a nice meal. So, for a 7 days trip, I would recommend packing for 7 breakfasts and 5 lunches and dinners each. And then collect your favourites organized as follows:

Breakfast:

• Your favourite bread, cereal, muesli with or without fruit, fast cooking oatmeal or anything simple that everyone likes and that doesn’t require much time to prepare. Bring no more than 2 varieties in smaller packages or containers than the ones you usually buy.
• Tea, coffee, sugar and a cream powder if this is what you prefer. Again, just enough amount as you really only need 7 tea bags for 7 morning teas (add enough for afternoon tea of course if this is your thing).
• Milk or cream, you don’t need both, but don’t try to make it “healthier”, take what you like as it’s also time to relax and enjoy simple things that make you happy
• Fruit (berries are great!) is a healthy option for both breakfast and as a snack
• Eggs, bacon or sausage for carnivores out there.
• Cheese, cream cheese or yogurts are easy as they don’t take much space and often come in individual or small packaging.
• Sweet spread or jam for the sweets lovers: thinly spread on bread makes all the difference!

Lunch:

Think about your lunch light and easy to have on the road or in-between fun activities as sandwiches and bite-size foods that can be easily packed in the containers. Combine them with healthy snacks for more energy.

If you left your cottage early to go on the all or half-day outing, consider stopping at the local restaurant, food truck or coffee shop. Not only it supports local businesses, it gives you a flavour (literally) of the local cousin and gives you a feel of the local community.

Consider the following items for lunch:

• Bread and tortillas: it’s a good idea to bring some with you before figuring out how far is the closest bakery.
• Filling that could be anything from lettuce and other veggies to cheese and your favourite sauce. Chicken, turkey or cold cuts make a good protein ingredient for the meat-eaters. Bring something for everyone!
• Salad can be another alternative or addition to your meal. It can be prepped in the morning or bought pre-cut so that all you need to do is mix it. And don’t just think in terms of greens only, tuna or egg salad is a great choice as it’s also quick & easy to make.
• Fruit or small dessert will round up your meal and gives that extra boost.
• Drink: though water is the best, your favourite juice or pop.

Snacks:

• Dips and veggies are great and easy to pack if you bring small containers
• Chips, jerkies and sweets that can be picked up at the gas station are examples of not-so-healthy options, but I’m sure you have your favourites and they tend to make your trip special, so a little bit won’t hurt!
• Fruit: whole fruit like apples and oranges or mandarins are easier to have in the car and they don’t get bruised too easily. Fill the large sealable freezer bag with your favourites and keep it reachable when on the road. They are also easy to transfer into the backpack if you decide to go on a walk or a hike.
• Hot chocolate: though hard to call a snack, this beverage has a lot of admirers and can make a rainy day go faster!

Dinner:

Great time to have with your trip companions! The best is to cook together so that no one feels like they are obligated to do it (unless someone in your group LOVES cooking) and make it an enjoyable time to connect! Mix-and-match and plan what you’re going to have based on the items you brought with you and involve everyone in both process and chat. Some ingredients and suggestions are:

• Carbs: rice, pasta, potatoes or beans are the great base for any meal! Canned beans are more practical for the cottage as they are ready to eat.
• Protein: tofu, poultry as chicken or turkey, lean meats as beef, lamb, veal or pork (hamburgers and sausages are traditional as they are portion-based, easy to cook and come in both vegetarian and meat-lovers variety) and fish or seafood based on your preferences and beliefs. Remember to pull them out of the cooler and into the fridge as soon as you get to the cottage!
• Veggies and salads: sometimes simply cut vegetables is the best choice as everyone can get what they want. Select the simple salads to supplement your meal or mix them into the stir-fry for the delicious taste and colour.

Think in terms of the easy dishes to make as stir-fries and pasta sources. Other options are frozen, pre-cooked or semi-cooked dishes (otherwise that delicious lasagna or meat pie will take you half a day to make!). Unless it’s your thing, stay away from baking and complex dishes that take a long time to make. It’s a vacation, not a cooking competition!

• Beverages: especially when travelling with kids, make sure you stock up on the favourites and keep them cool.
• Alcoholic beverages: picture yourself with a glass of wine or bottle of craft beer on the cottage deck? Pick up enough of your favourites on the way to the cottage or research the area you’re staying in for the local stores so that you don’t need to go looking last minute.
• Dessert: feel free to skip if it’s not your thing and bring some if it is. Local bakeries and farmer markets are great for something fresh and new!
• Tea or coffee if this is what you prefer.
• S’mores: another cottage favourite is a fire pit. But even more special than the warmth and the cracking sound of burning wood is the smell of burned sugar! Bring skewers, marshmallows, chocolate and crackers for everyone’s delight.

A word about kids: cottage as any trip stimulates growth and encourages kids to try new things in the hope to find new favourites. Help them by asking and offering something they might like, especially if you’re going with another family or bringing your kids friends with you (check what type of diet they are used to and dietary restrictions as you don’t want to serve a beef burger to a vegan). At the same time, kids want to feel at home being away from home, so make sure to bring their favourite go-to foods and meals to deal with tired, overwhelmed or cranky little ones. That extra box of mac & cheese may just save the day!

And of course, it’s only guidelines to get you thinking and who is to say you shouldn’t have cereal for dinner!

9. Books, Sports and games

• No good trip goes without fun and relaxing things to do! Based on the things you love to do, bring all you need including bicycles, kayak(s) or canoe(s), fishing rods and supplies or any other hobby items you like to do with the group or by yourself.
• Think about the games you like to play, both active and quiet. Check with your host what is available at the cottage. A lot of them, especially those that do it for a long time and larger ones, have canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats, floating supplies, balls, tennis and badminton rackets, board games and other common games for rent or free use. So, you don’t need to bring much in this case and a set of playing cards will do.
• Books and writing supplies: ask all the members of your trip party to bring ones they are currently reading, but don’t overdo it, one or a couple (unless this is the whole point of your trip) are more than enough. and not to forget the notebook to note down your memories. Those make a great read one day!

10. PACKING IT ALL TOGETHER

So you now know and have items you want to bring and therefore need to pack. Here are some suggestions summarizing my 30+ years of packing experience:

A little planning goes a long way! If you’re reading this, you’re on the right track! Contact us on Instagram, through PinTravel.ca or email info@pintravel.ca (subject: Cottage Packing List) and we will email you the shorter version of this packing list. Download, print out the list and check it when planning, packing and just before leaving your place to mentally go through items you’re bringing. See if there are last min “Aha!” items.

1. Keep it organized and grouped together by a purpose: to find anything you need to know where it is, so group the things that belong together and pack them together. Example: spices, coffee, small packages of tea bags, sugar, cereal, bread and dry cooking ingredients can go into one “kitchen food & supplies” bin. I like reusable plastic see-through vertical bins like this 26L one as they are easy to stack and carry to and from the cottage, not to mention you can use all that vertical space for cereal boxes and pasta.
2. Cooler: Put all your perishable items in reusable sealed containers or sealable plastic bags before placing them in the cooler and add ice packs and/or ice. Frozen meats or veggies are great as they are food and ice simultaneously and will keep other items cold. The ice will melt, so make sure all containers are properly sealed. Pick the size that works for you, just make sure that the lid can be closed easily to make sure it does the job. Pull all your items out and transfer them into the fridge as soon as you get to the cottage.
3. Share the load: you don’t need to bring a separate set of each item listed above. The best way is to coordinate with the group and share the checklist online assigning each person (or two to be on a safe side) what to bring, putting their name next to it and checking the list with everyone before heading out. Though make sure that you have an independent set of items for hiking or canoeing (safety first!).
4. External storage: roof bags, car top carriers and saddlebags are great when you have limited space inside the car. Invest in one if you plan to have a car full of people or like to bring large items like chairs and umbrellas. Plan accordingly for other large items like a trunk or front bicycles rack(s) and canoe/kayak racks.
5. Plan for shopping on the way: you don’t need to bring all your food and vegetables all the way from your place! Consider stopping at the large chain grocery store on the way to the cottage with the list of items you need. It’s much easier to find the space or even hold them in your hands or between the legs if you need to do it for just a short period of time. This will make your ride more comfortable and food not bruised. Or, if the store is not far from your cottage, one or two people can return after dropping everyone and luggage at the cottage. The same is true for the firewood and alcohol as those items require space.

1. Packing your car: you packed all items and asked everyone to bring their packs to the car and you’re wondering how am I going to fit it all in? Well, you’re not alone! This is where the magic of packing happens! Remember those empty spots under and between the seats and under the kid’s legs and those pockets the car has to offer?

• Just like anything, packing takes a bit of planning and practice. Consider large items, coolers and boxes first and how easily you want them to be accessible. Start packing with must-have items first and leave those “nice to have” waiting to the end and in case there is not enough room. This will help to avoid the frustration of pulling everything out to remove those chairs after spending 30 min packing!
• Put long items on the sides or across and put the boxes snugly next and on top of each other. Use the car sides, corners and small spaces for soft items such as towels, blankets, pillows and backpacks with clothes. Use all horizontal and vertical space your car has and you will be surprised how much you can fit in! The main thing is to pack it in such a way that the driver can still have an unobstructed view of the road behind and on the sides of the car.
• Sandals, shoes, rain boots and socks (inside those shoes and boots) can be packed under the seats that will save a lot of valuable space in the trunk and are easy to get when needed.
• Put all water bottles into the bottle holder next to each seat. The good starting point for snacks is in front and under the legs of the front seat passenger as (s)he can easily pass them to the rest of the passengers without the need to stop. Keep the tissue and the small bag(s) for garbage handy in one of the pockets. I like using eco-friendly dog poop bags as they are small and easy to dispose of at the next pitstop (and because I have a dog :)).

Travelling with kids: Consider the following tips when packing:

• Books, toys and games (as cards, mini-chess, colouring supplies for kids or your family’s favourite set of Spot It!) can be packed in the car seat pockets where they can be easily found, not to mention keep your young traveller busy while on the road.
• Designate 1 personal backpack for each child plus for the younger travellers to bring an extra backpack (usually quite small) with the favourite stuffies and personal toys. This will cap the number of toys your child can bring (if it doesn’t fit in the bag, it has to stay home) while keeping them comfy.
• Always keep enough water in the car. The last thing you need (outside of a sudden pitstop request) is someone getting thirsty without quick access to water. Reusable water bottles are the best as you can also take them on hikes, bicycle and boat rides. Pick one that keeps the temperature of the liquid cool. Refill your water bottles often and make sure it’s fresh to keep everyone hydrated.
• Plan for kids-friendly food, snacks and treats for the ride as a good way to keep your youngster occupied with a “change of activity” during those long driving hours.
• Also, come up with a song (or 50 of them) and car games (like “I spy”… or “guess the animal” where you describe the animal’s characteristics/habitat and kids guess who it is) that work for you and your little explorers to keep them occupied. While you can’t pick them up or hug them, keeping their mouth busy makes them a lot less likely to cry! And you may just start a family road trip tradition to be passed down the generations! :).

Have fun with it! There will always be things that you forget! Ironically, those often make the best memories. Opening the can of tuna with the kitchen knife or putting on every t-shirt you brought to stay warm makes for a great story afterwards. Even if it doesn’t look funny at the time, part of travel is to get out of the comfort of your home and into the unknown! And we are wired for creativity and problem solving, so be assured you will figure it out. Don’t take yourself too seriously and there is certainly nothing to worry about! Unless you’re staying on the deserted island, most places have local variety stores that have been around for a long time and got all the necessities for the area and the type of your trip figured out. So, relax and enjoy your trip!

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