better
FAMILY
PLANNING
There are two kinds of prep you need to
think about before going on vacation:
1
) the what-to-pack stuff, and
2
) the
what-will-we-do research that gets
everyone stoked to head out the door.
First, the nitty-gritty on packables:
Medications, a first aid kit, and a few tubes
of sunscreen are givens, as is gadget gear
like chargers, batteries, and headphones.
Get your stash into one comprehensive
list via
packwhiz.com—
the free site lets you
generate packing lists based on your
destination. (It’ll even remind you to set
your Ti Vo and take out the garbage
before you leave!)
Other vacation-savers to add to your
list? Plastic zip-top bags are waterproof,
see-through, and simply indispensable.
Bring a bunch. And consider breaking a
few $20 bills into a wad of $5 bills. In the
age of ATMs, stores will appreciate the
fiver, and you’ll appreciate being able to
hand a smaller note to the kids.
Now for the fun stuff: the anticipation!
Start the vacation early by reading a book
set at your destination. The eastern shore
comes alive in Katherine Paterson’s
Jacob
Have I Loved,
and John Steinbeck’s
Travels with Charley
is the original
road-trip travelogue. If you’re planning to
drive, steer the kids to
maps.googie.com
to
help map out a route and find historic sites
and scenic views. While they’re online,
usher them to state tourism websites (say,
tj-avehviscoasin.com
or
massvacation.com)
to look for more history and attractions.
Roadsideamejica.com
lists fun spots to
visit along the way (world’s largest spur!
pencil sharpener museum!). Other great
sites? Check out
minorleaguebaseball.com
to find a game;
driveintheater.com
for
theater listings by state, or
statefairdates.com—m\d
bring on the
“when do we leave?” chants.
—Jennifer Shaw
PACK RULES
ROUND
OUT YOUR
VACATION
PLANNING
WITH SOME
KID-GENERATED
RESEARCH—
AND WATCH
AS THE
EXCITEMENT
BUILDS.
The key to creating a successful travel kit is
to be prepared for literally anything (bug
bites, blisters and more). If you can, create a
custom kit for your own needs, but if you’re
short on time, readymade options abound.
D IY K IT S
Want to create a custom
kit? Start with a plastic
multilayer case (try a
hardware store for great
options), and organize
per tray—stash minor
medical supplies on one,
and technology extras on
another (no juice for cell
phones or cameras is
arguably a lifestyle
emergency!). Another all-
purpose item to keep on
hand: a pocket multitool
(try Leather-man Juice
XE6 Thunder Purple
Multi-Tool, $ioo;
leathermanstore.corri).
T R A IL M A S T E R
With bug repellent,
sunscreen, and anti-
microbial towelettes,
the All Terrain
Outdoor Travel Kit
lets nature do her
worst—while you
stay shielded.
$13 at
amazon.com
G E R M IN A T O R
The ingenious grab-and-
go "Germ-Free Pak”
comes with antibacterial
hand soap sheets, toilet
seat covers, antibacterial
towelette—perfect
for scary rest stop
bathrooms.
$28 at
8ightooi.com
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Junior regional reads
include
Brighty o f the
Grand Canyon
by
Marguerite Henry;
O nce on
This Island
by Gloria
Whelan;
O live’s O cean
by
Kevin Henkes;
Rosie and
Skate
by Beth Ann Bauman;
and
Pirate’s Passage
by
William Gilkerson.
Olives Ocean
*-*•"'**
u
188
AUGUST 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
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