3 Packing Techniques to Make your Summer Travel Easier

My favorite time of the year is here! Summer time equals travel time. How many vacations are you planning to take this summer? We try to take as many as possible, honestly, as far as budget will allow. While traveling, what kinds of items do you pack? Of course, the answer depends on your destination, transportation and how long will you be staying, right? Well, let me tell you, when my family vacations, I usually do all the packing for everyone. I pack everything we have at home that can be packed and then add two more of that, just in case. Just kidding, I promised you, I have a system.

3 Packing Techniques to Make your Summer Travel Easier
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Packing is the one job no one wants, but believe me, it’s the one I love to do. Throughout our vacations, I have picked up several tips and techniques to make the packing process run smoothly. My first tip when traveling is to use the folding techniques that retail stores use to fold their shirts. They use a polymer folding board to fold their shirts, thus reducing the creases and overall height of folded clothes. The second techniques I use is placing all the clothing items, once folded, in a vacuum bag and release all air then placing the bag directly into the luggage. It sound tedious but, trust me it works well. The third technique I use is, I pack the smaller items, those like toothpaste, dental floss, medicine, etc. into a double heavy travel clear bag, thus displaying items that are packed and what is missing. Of course, all this packing wouldn’t be possible without saving on our bills to have spendable cash on hand for vacations. The way we have been able save extra funds for family vacations is by switching our phone service to Walmart Family Mobile service plans.

Cruising is my wife’s and kids favorite way to vacation, and as far as packing goes, it’s the easiest for me. I tend to pack lighter items, for example: thin material swimming trunks, light weight flip flops, etc. My wife and I, believe that safety should always be practiced, even on vacation. To reduce the chances of us getting sick on board, I pack extra alcohol sanitizers; such as, alcohol wipes, and hand soap. Additionally, we constantly remind the kids to wash their hand and to be self aware. Clothes are packed the same way as mentioned previously, thinner material socks and shirts to reduce the extra bags, which I have to carry. For the kids I have a rule of thumb, pack extra medicines and bring the “ouchies” they may or not need it, but you are better off prepared.

If we are driving to our vacation destination, I tend to pack a lot heavier. My main packing system does not change; however, the shorts, shirts, and socks are thicker material, believe it or not, this prevent sun burns. I even add additional comfort insoles to everyone shoes as extended periods of walking will take place. Prior to leaving, I conduct the usual visual car inspection, wipers, tires, engine fluids, battery, and head lights to assure good working conditions. Safety is key! My kids know that it is seat belts on at all times, no matter what. Since we will be sitting for hours, I pack a cooler with finger food, and snacks. Another cooler is stacked with water, juice and soda to keep us hydrated. Lastly, one or more electronics are packed per person, as well as playing cards and a few board games for entertainment and to provide daddy with a safe driving environment.

No matter if we are traveling by car or cruise, as soon as arrive to our destination, our kids will be found near or in the pool or the beach. Packing sunblock is key to keeping them safe from UVA/UVB rays while at the pool or the beach. We apply 75 SPF and higher sunblock several times a day, so I make sure to bring plenty for the entire family. My focus is 100% on them and stay at arm’s length leaving distracting items by the pool chairs. Another must pack item is the scuba gear, God forbid me I leave that behind. Additionally, I pack an extended fully stocked first aid kit, trust me you will always need it.

Keeping my Walmart Family Mobile ZTE ZMAX phone and service plan close by when packing is very handy, as I can keep a running list of the items I have packed and yet to do. Did you know that Walmart Family Mobile service is $29.88/month, (for the first line), the Lowest Priced Unlimited Talk, Unlimited Text, Unlimited Data and Unlimited Web Walmart Best Plans which includes up to 1G of 4G LTE data? Walmart Family Mobile not only saves me money on my monthly service, but it also saves me money on their amazing cell phone devices. While shopping at my favorite local Walmart for last minute supplies, we stacked up on traveling items to prepare for our vacations. That savings alone allowed us extra cash for our trip. By the way, Walmart also carries well priced cell phones such as:

• ZTE Zinger – $29.88 starting
• Galaxy Avant – $149.00 (was $199.99)
• ZTE ZMAX – $179.00 (was $199.88)
• Alcatel Fierce 2 – $99.88 (was $129.99)
• Alcatel Evolve 2 – $34.83 (was $59.88)
• LG 450- $29.88
• Alcatel One Touch Pop Astro- $64.88
• LG Leon LTE: $99.82

By using Walmart Family Mobile service plans, couponing on outings and reducing extra expenses has permitted us to take more than one vacation this summer. If you are vacationing soon, I would love to hear your packing techniques. Kindly drop me a note in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/fs1l or your local Walmart for current pricing.