Are you getting ready to head out on the next family vacation? Are you overwhelmed by how many things you need to pack? Believe us, we get it.

Packing for any trip, big or small, can be really challenging – especially if there are kiddos added to the equation.

To help ease your mind (and maybe remind you of a few things), we have made a list of some last-minute bits you should always pack before you leave for your trip. These items will help you make your life a whole lot easier and keep you prepared no matter what surprises the trip may bring.

So, let’s dive right in.

Phone Chargers and Cases

Nowadays, we need our phones for everything. Whether you are using yours for GPS or as a virtual boarding pass, you are going to need to make sure that your phone is charged and ready to go at all times.

Sometimes, chargers go bad with little to no warning, so make sure that you always carry an extra cord on you. Most public locations will have open outlets for you to use, so just keep the cord with you wherever you go, and you will not have to worry about your battery dying at an inopportune time.

Also, you need to make sure that your phone is protected. Traveling can be somewhat chaotic and you would not be the first person to drop (and break) their phone amidst all the chaos. Invest in a good and protective phone case so that you don’t have to worry even if you have a couple of accidental drops.

You can even find some really fun and stylish iPhone 8 cases that will still keep your phone safe, so don’t make any excuses, and be sure to add this to your packing list.

One (or more) Empty Bags

Empty bags can really come in handy while you are out and about on your vacation. From wet clothes to stinky shoes, it is your best bet to come prepared with some extra plastic bags that will keep your clean items separate from the not-so-clean ones.

Additionally, if you plan to pick up any souvenirs while you are traveling, you should prep for a safe place to keep them when you make your way back home.

You can find small duffel bags that fold up into really small shapes and pull them out as you buy new goodies to add to your haul.

Sunscreen and Swimsuits

While this tip may only seem applicable if you are traveling in the summer months, we are here to make a case as to why these items could come in handy all year long.

Truth is, many people don’t think they can get a sunburn in the cooler, cloudier months, but that is just not the case. Having a little bottle of sunscreen is a great precautionary measure and will save everyone from dealing with a nasty burn later on.

Swimsuits, on the other hand, are also great to have as a just-in-case measure! Whether you plan to swim, go to the beach, or maybe have to use a public restroom to shower, you are going to want to have a swimsuit packed and ready to go.

Packing up for any trip is usually an overwhelming experience. There are so many different things to think about, especially if you are packing for the whole family.

We hope that this list gave you a few extra ideas to add to your packing list so that you can make sure this is a trip to remember!