A family vacation can be exciting and fun. Being prepared early will make things easy especially if your family is traveling to a foreign country. You should check foreign entry requirements, travel warnings as well as health warnings including vaccination requirements.

Home Check List:

* Someone has to be arranged to feed the pets, water the plants, and bring up the mail.
* If there are no pets, arrange your mail to be held at the post office and stop newspaper delivery.
* Leave your contact information and itinerary with someone that wouldn’t mind checking on your property while you’re away.
* Use automatic timers for lights and radio or TV.
* Lock all windows, doors including basements and garages
* Pay bills via phone or internet.
* Remove foods that may spoil from refrigerator.

Check your airline’s luggage restrictions and limits :

* Put identification on the outside and inside as well as locks on all luggage.
* Check FAA regulations for list of what you can’t carry on-board and with TSA web site for estimated security checkpoint wait times at airports.

Carry-on check List:

* Tickets, ID, passport, itinerary, traveler’s checks, money, maps, keys, medical insurance cards.
* Camera, film, video, extra batteries, Cell phone and charger.
* Jewelry, medications, and other important or high value items.
* an emergency outfit just in case your luggage is delayed (optional).

Family Packing Check List:

* a change of clothes for the kids, ( if you are travelling with them)in case of a spill on the plane!
* Kids can bring their own backpack of toys and books, Snacks, Sunglasses.
* Kids can have difficulty during plane pressurization, bring lollipops or Gum and let them have them prior to taking off.
* Wet wipes.
* If traveling with a baby: diapers, wipes, prepared bottles, bib, towel.
* Sunscreen & Lip balm, soap,lotion deodrant and hair products – shampoo & conditioner, brush, & comb, dryer, & accessories and Mom’s make-up.
* Nails – clipper, file, polish & remover
* Teeth – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
* Razors & shaving cream
* Q-tips
* Bug repellant
* Eyeglass case / contact lens case and solution
* Clothes such as Underwear, Socks, Pajamas,Pants & shorts, Shirts & Sweaters, Skirts & Dresses, Belts & Shoes – walking, beach, and dress-up &Swimsuits.
* Other things are Travel Alarm Clock, Sewing kit &Laundry detergent