Summer is here!! School is out and it is time to vacation and have so much fun with our families! I hope you all have exciting plans for the next few months – this is such a fun time of year!
Vacationing as a family can sometimes be a little bit of a challenge. It seems like there are LISTS of things to bring and you never know when the next tantrum might be or when you are going to smell the next dirty diaper. Traveling as a family can actually be a really fun experience if you are prepared, so today I have compiled a whole Preparing for Your Summer Vacation Kit. You will find a list of ideas for vacation countdowns, items to pack, activities in the car and of course some guidelines and family rules that you can put in place for the journey ahead.
First off – VACATION COUNTDOWNS! Not only are these so fun to make in the Summer for a kids craft, but once they are completed, it is so fun to wake up every morning and have the kids see their vacation is getting closer. I remember making these when I was little and it is one of my favorite memories!
Advent Calendar by Silhouette America
DIY More Days Until Sign by Little Lovely Leaders
Disneyland Countdown Chain by One She Two She
Trivia Each Day by Lindsey Jane
Beach Countdown by Entirely Emily
Second – ITEMS TO PACK! To help you not feel like you are bringing everything, including your kitchen sink on the road, you can find this Free Printable Packing List for a Toddler. Here are a few other items that are sure to help your kids stay busy and have fun on your vacation!
or 
2. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for Kids
3. Mad Libs
4. Car Snack and Travel Tray
5. Everything Kids Activity Book
7. Sunshine Kids Travel Pal Organizer
9. Artist Studio Desk on The Go
10. Sticker Books
Third, ACTIVITIES IN THE CAR! Whether you are driving 45 minutes or a week long trip across the country, you will want to keep your toddler and children occupied. The trip goes much faster when you are playing games with them and keeping their mind off the road. You may hear the words, “Are we there yet?!” at least a little less by doing these fun activities!
Travel Binder of Games by Orthodox Mom
Car Trip Busy Box by Play Dr Mom:
Road Trip Bingo by Thirty Handmade Days:
DIYActivity Binder Its Always Autum:
Gifts Every Hour in the car by The Happy Scraps:
Lastly, FAMILY RULES! Before your trip, make a list of rules that everyone will know of in advance. It is nice to have some guidelines and instruction before you set off on an adventure. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
I hope you have a wonderful Summer Vacation! Enjoy your family and try to make EVERY day, the BEST day for them!
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Danielle is the owner of Today's the Best Day. She strives to provide creative and uplifting content in order to enrich the parenting experience for women everywhere. Danielle hopes to help you and your family to make every day the best day! 
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Maggie C
June 2, 2014 at 12:01 pm (11 years ago)We’re less than 2 months from our big road trip to Florida so I better get started on road trip stuff. I like the binder idea and will check that out!
Kristy - Savvy and Sassy
June 1, 2014 at 7:04 pm (11 years ago)Great ideas, I especially love the vacation advent calendar. Thanks for sharing the printable too!
Danialle
June 1, 2014 at 4:45 am (11 years ago)Oh my goodness, the baby girl in a hula outfit is TOO precious! But I love your ideas – especially the busy box full of things. Toddlers need to stay occupied so they won’t get cranky!
lisa jones
May 31, 2014 at 6:12 pm (11 years ago)WOW Such AWESOME & Creative Ideas & Tips You Rock will Be Doing A Lot Of These Thank You So Much!!
My Kids Guide
May 31, 2014 at 2:56 pm (11 years ago)I love the count downs. My kids are obsessed with How many sleeps until…
Michelle Knopp
May 31, 2014 at 6:48 am (11 years ago)How fun! I love the idea of countdown to vacation time. My boys would love to make one.
Michelle F.
May 31, 2014 at 5:34 am (11 years ago)Those are all great tips. We plan on taking my daughter on a road trip this summer.
debra p
May 31, 2014 at 2:20 am (11 years ago)So many wonderful ideas here and they would leave you well prepared. I love the beach countdown!
Christina
May 31, 2014 at 12:51 am (11 years ago)I’m in love with that little hula girl up top. How cute is that!!! ? So many awesome ideas, I’m totally pinning this. I love the kid coloring on his own face with a dry erase marker, good one!
Yona Williams
May 31, 2014 at 12:47 am (11 years ago)Omgoodness…that baby luau picture is toooo cute. I never thought about that, but the Road Trip Bingo looks like a lot of fun to play. Gotta remember that idea – I think I might make up some cards for my nephew.