TPG’s guide to packing for spring break: Family edition
Editor's Note
What’s more fun than packing for an entire family for a week away from home? Pretty much anything? Yup, that sounds about right.
Never fear, though. We have tips to help save your sanity so packing feels less like detention and more like the start of a fun spring break.
We can’t help you decide which of the three blue T-shirts sitting on your bed is the right one to take on vacation. However, we can offer guidance on deciding what to bring and how to fit it all in — without taking the whole house with you.
These tips will make packing for spring break with your kids as easy as child’s play.
Do your homework
Stop. Do not put anything in your bag until you’ve checked the following three things.
First, the weather at your destination. Knowing the actual temperatures (and not just what you hope they’ll be) can help you edit out the “just in case” clothes and only pack what you need.
Next, check the website of your hotel (or vacation rental) to see what in-room amenities it offers. Many family-friendly properties provide everything from highchairs and Pack 'n Plays to bottle warmers, baby-proofing kits and everything in between. If they have it, don’t bring it (and that goes for hair dryers, irons and toiletries, too).
Related: When a vacation rental makes more sense than a hotel
Finally, check local rental and delivery options at your destination. Can you get baby food and diapers delivered from Peapod when you arrive? Is there a company that will bring a double stroller right to your door? Lighten your packing load by taking advantage of these opportunities.
Write it down
Wait, it’s still not time to put anything in your bag. Instead, grab a pad and paper. Now, list what you’ll need to bring for each family member who can’t pack for themselves. Writing down what you need, instead of randomly grabbing items out of the drawer, will stop an overflow of items from hitting your suitcase.
Remember, the goal here is to keep things simple and sane. That starts with streamlined packing.
Related: Your guide to packing for toddlers
Show and tell
No parent has ever complained about having too few bags to carry.
So before you pack everything on your list, lay it out on the bed or dresser to see what you have. Are there some duplicate items? Winnow them out.
Does the hotel already provide something on your list? Leave it. Also, add some stain sticks and individual packs of detergent to your bag for quick wash-ups so you can get multiple wears out of items.
Related: Here's how I pack light when traveling with my family
Plastic makes perfect
One word to make packing easier: plastic. First up, plastic dry cleaning bags.
If you bring items you’re worried will wrinkle — sundresses, button-down shirts, linen pants — hang each item, then slip a dry cleaning bag over the top. Wrinkling is caused by friction. The plastic bag creates a layer of air that stops friction and therefore wrinkling. You can include several items in one bag, but don’t overstuff them. You don’t need to put the plastic-covered clothing in a garment bag. Simply fold the bags in half or thirds and add them to the top of your bag. Bingo — no wrinkles.
Now, grab some Ziploc bags from the kitchen. Use these to follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4-ounce liquid products that fill one one-quart bag) if you’re flying and plan to bring toiletries in a carry-on.
Also, use a baggie for any children’s item that seems messy (Play-Doh and crayons, check) or has tiny pieces that can get lost. For checked toiletries, add some leakage protection by popping sunscreen and other goopy products into baggies, too.
Related: What not to pack in your carry on
Stop, drop and roll
If you’re worried about bag space, lean into rolling your clothing instead of folding it. (To fold a T-shirt, lay it flat, and fold the arms in and then across each other. Then, fold the body in half lengthwise, creating a long rectangle that you can roll from top to bottom.) Rolled items can be tucked up against each other in your bag to create rows of rolls.
Or utilize packing cubes to compress the rolled items to create more room in your bag. Cubes are also a good way to portion out clothing for each family member.
Cross-pack checked bags
OK, now it’s time to pack. But there’s one more thing to do before you put your items into suitcases: Mix up your piles, or cubes, of clothes for kids and parents.
Cross-packing means putting some of each person’s items into each suitcase. In other words, we’re not going to put all of the kid stuff in one bag and all of the adult stuff in another. By mixing items in each suitcase, you’ll be covered in case one bag gets delayed or goes missing; you'll still have clothing for everyone to get by for a few days.
Stay calm and carry on
Baby can’t sleep without a binky? Little ones have to cuddle with a special stuffie to relax? Those items should be in your carry-on at all times, not checked luggage. Your carry-on should also have all medicines, glasses or contacts, and charging cords. Add in a change of clothes for small children (and ideally a clean shirt for you, too, because accidents happen).
Also note that it’s OK to bring baby food, formula and filled bottles through security per Transportation Security Administration rules. Leave irreplaceable jewelry or high-value items at home so you don’t need to worry about or keep track of them.
There, that’s it. You’re packed; enjoy spring break.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.