I am well seasoned at travelling with kids – mine are no longer kids but the same hints apply.

1. Don’t pack too much luggage, halve the amount after you first pack a suitcase, and then halve it again. You really do not need all of those clothes. I used to pack way too much and over the years just had to become ruthless with culling the amount of things I packed.
2. Be prepared for just about anything. If taking a road trip, make sure breakdown roadside insurance is going to remain current while you are away. I am so glad I had paid up as one time our car had a fault and we waited for hours on the highway between towns, we had water as we always did but all we had to eat was left over birthday cake.
3. Take precautionary measures; take a well stocked first aid kit.  I was caught out one time when we came across a massive highway multi vehicle accident, we were the first to arrive and had to stay and do what we could and also send for police and ambulances. I used sanitary pads to stop bleeding and whatever else I could get from our luggage.
4. Please ensure you carry ample water you never know when you could be caught between towns because of a highway closure.
5. Take plenty of fruit, and non perishable food, medications and even prescriptions; if you are delayed you may require refills. It can be difficult to get to a doctor at this time.
6. If taking flights, have changes of clothes and prescriptions in your carry on luggage. I remember one vacation my husband was berating on me for taking change of clothes as carry on luggage for the kids and myself. You guessed it, our check in luggage arrived the next day but the kids and I were comfortable. Even on international flights I carry a change of clothes and ALWAYS medications, prescriptions and letters from my doctor listing what each medication is for. ALWAYS declare it is faster to get through checkout at customs if you have prepared well.
7. If there has been a lot of flooding rain, don’t take risks, before departure call the local Police for an update of traffic conditions and take advice from them. One time we did this and still when we got to a major river, that was rising very fast, we were able to cross but we had police walking in front and at the rear of our car and water was leaking in the doors, it sure was a memorable time. That bridge closed soon afterwards.

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Please share in the comments.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com