Spring break with the kids doesn't always feel like a break for parents. The right travel hacks can help! A successful, low-stress spring break with kids comes down to packing the right stuff. Take a look at the ten must-have items every parent needs when packing for spring break.
- Good Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Planning a great vacation falls on your shoulders. Don't let a bad sunburn fall on your kids' shoulders! A vacation is ruined pretty quickly once everyone gets sunburned and bitten after the first day. "Spring break" sunburns can be especially harsh because you're suddenly going from dark days spent indoors to entire days spent outside in the sun. If we're doing real talk, the truth is that parents don't want to lug around both sunscreen and bug repellent when there's already so much to pack. That's why these essentials get skipped far too often.
Using a two-in-one product containing waterproof sunscreen and DEET-free bug spray is the ultimate trick for packing smartly for spring break with the family. Bullfrog's Mosquito Coast Bug Spray Insect Repellent with SPF 50 combines waterproof sunscreen and DEET-free bug spray in a smooth, nourishing formula that your skin will love. One application leaves the whole family with DEET-free bug spray protection lasting up to eight hours. Like all Bullfrog sunscreen products, Mosquito Coast is made with soothing aloe and vitamin E that naturally moisturize skin. That's probably why this waterproof sunscreen with built-in insect repellent is one of parents' best-loved spring break hacks.
- Reusable Water Bottles for All
Nothing will save money, your patience, and the planet like a set of reusable water bottles for the whole family. In addition to being wasteful, single-use plastic water bottles are cumbersome and can burst, spill, and crumple easily. It's also not sanitary to continue using the same disposable plastic bottle for an extended period. If your family is using a collection of different reusable bottles, consider getting matching bottles in different colors for everyone for easy, one-size-fits-all packing.
- Travel Hamper
Tossing dirty clothes back into a suitcase never feels right. A pop-up travel hamper lets you maintain order without leaving used clothes all over a hotel room. It can also prevent you from accidentally leaving clothes behind in bags, closets, or drawers. The best part is that you can drag the whole family’s dirty clothes home in a single bag that's ready to be dropped off in the laundry room! A travel hamper is one of the must-haves for spring break if you don't want to snap back into laundry mode the second you get home.
- A New Toy or Device
Have a long road trip in mind for spring break? "Driving day" might be the perfect time to surprise your kids with a new toy or gadget. A long drive is a great excuse to give your kids the upgraded phone, tablet, or laptop you were already planning to get. There's no need to rush out to get a device that's out of your comfort zone! This tip is simply for parents who are already planning to introduce a new toy, device, or gadget into the household.
- The Right Travel Snacks
Parents have dozens of choices for travel snacks. Pick the ones that won't cause arguments and moaning on the road. Sticky, wet, and squeezable snacks create unwanted messes in your car. Sugary and sweet snacks could give your kids the urge to do jumping jacks while stuck inside a car. The snack "sweet spot" is a filling, high-protein snack that doesn't make a mess. Raw nuts, seeds, granola, jerky, dried fruit, and peel-protected fruits are all great choices.
- Portable Sound Machine
Even the best sleeper might have trouble sleeping in an unfamiliar place. Road noise, noisy neighbors, or a clunky air conditioner can all cause sleepless nights on vacation. A portable sound machine drowns out the unexpected sounds that could leave everyone unexpectedly grumpy after a poor night of sleep.
- Slippers
Your family might not feel as confident about walking barefoot in a hotel room as they do at home. What's more, air conditioning at some hotels and resorts makes rooms shockingly nippy. A pair of cheap, lightweight gripper slippers for every family member will help keep things comfortable and cozy.
- Foldable Headphones
Foldable headphones are essential if screen time is on the menu for your road trip! More comfortable than pods, foldable headphones allow kids to listen to their favorite music and shows with padded cushioning around their ears. The best part is that they tuck away easily without snapping.
- Foldable Travel Tray
A travel tray puts everything your kid needs for leisure in their lap. It provides the ultimate fix for the drama of your child constantly trying to juggle the items they're using while seated in the car. Travel trays are structured to sit across a child's lap to provide a steady surface for toys, electronic devices, and water bottles. They're even great for drawing and writing!
- Ear Plugs
It's not rude to need some peace and quiet during long travel days. Earplugs can help both kids and adults "drift away" during much-needed naps. In fact, getting proper sleep could be essential for safety if the adults on the trip are splitting driving duties. Earplugs are great for cars, planes, buses, and trains. They can also be great if you're sharing a single hotel room for the whole family. Bring enough earplugs for everyone!
Spring break should be stress free! Bullfrog Sunscreen plus Insect Repellent is the perfect 2-in-1 time saver to keep you protected during your adventures. This Oxybenzone free formula with SPF 50 is a must have for traveling parents. Just spray and go! Mosquito Coast is engineered to perform and protect in the most extreme conditions, making it the most reliable sun and insect care out there. Our perfect combination of trusted broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen, and proprietary DEET-free insect repellent, will protect and repel for up to 8 hours. Don’t wait…pick up your bottle today!