Packing Tips for Traveling to New York

I love traveling and seeing new places. The excitement I get with the bright lights and all the new smells and tastes that come with the culture. I always try to go to new areas, unseen countries and new tourist destinations I have not explored yet. Some people enjoy the same familiarity year in and year out, me on the other hand, life is too short to not see the whole world.

When it comes to setting off I like to think I am always ‘somewhat’ prepared.

Not so much to the extent as those who have complete YouTube channels devoted to the ultimate packing list and style, see a fellow vlogger I follow with lifestyle advice https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbk7poTBSh1x6aNg_IjLu9Q,  but where if you ask for a plaster I’ll have it. Somewhere.

And if you have ever traveled with kids then you’ll know how important it is to think of everything and be ready for all and any situation that tends to creep up on you when you least expect it. And there is always something, trust me. I think kids are magnets for negative Nancy situations.

The basics of packing for travel.

The items will vary in your luggage depending on the people in your party, are they kids, infants or have special requirements whether it be dietary or other. And when there are kids involved there is usually, and in our case almost always, an extra bag dedicated solely to feeding and entertaining them on the journey till we get to the destination. Am I alone in this?

First and foremost the decision needs to be for the luggage type. Are you on multiple stops where a trolley bag would ease the transitions or is it simply a weekend excursion and a simple large backpack would suffice? Think of ease and convenience over aesthetics and social status.

Next in our bags, well usually my husband’s, is the tech and gadgets that are going to bring all our memories to life when we get back home and edit the footage. You need secure and efficient cases to hold them, most of which would have come with the item on the purchase, and any little containers if taking extra batteries and cables, etc.

If it is a long haul flight or drive, you are going to want to be comfortable, this will lead to less irritation and save the family members from baring your mood. Think eye masks, lip balm (this is my everything), neck pillows and most importantly lightweight loose clothing.

I made the mistake of flying in skinny jeans, I nearly can’t feel my legs by the end of it. Won’t ever be going through that again that’s for sure. You don’t need a new outfit for every day, pack what is known as ‘capsule outfits,’ read some tips on picking the perfect travel wardrobe here and cut your baggage weight, and stress levels, significantly.

Last on the priorities is a good toiletry selection, stand in the bathroom and go through your daily routine, adding your everyday products in the washbag as you go.

There are so many ways we can be sure to ‘know’ we are on the right track, not only that all travel documents have been thought of and are in date, queue my husband’s eye-rolling as he is taken back to a wonderful time when his and my daughter’s passports were expired on our return, but that snacks have been topped up and ready to hand out.

We each have our style, our specific preferences for products or procedures, and each to their own as my granny always used to like to say.

If you are embarking on a new trip, maybe your first overseas adventure or the debut of traveling with the children in tow, then check out some great tips from the traveling reviewer and make notes as you go along. Some facts we never even consider to be essential until the opportunity presents itself and we are left wishing we had the item/s.

Travel is one of life’s greatest gifts we can give to our children, they can experience lifestyles and cultures they previously only read about and be fully immersed in the simplicity of other people’s lives helping us reflect on what exactly is important. – Travel Feeder