Vacation Packing on a Budget

Family vacations can be some of the best times of our lives. Its summer, the kids are out of school, and now you can cash in on those vacation days you still haven't used. However, with gas prices soaring, it's hard to fit a memorable vacation into the average budget. Here are a few tips you can use while packing that will help save a little extra spending money.

Storing old suitcases and bags in the attic or garage can give your luggage a moldy odor. Place a fabric softener sheet inside for a couple of days. This will freshen your suitcase without any extra cost. You can also pack a fabric sheet along with your clothing. No suitcase? Substitute with a cosmetic tote, bowling bag, or tool bag. The smaller bags are also great for storing hair accessories, makeup, and hygiene items.

Pack the kids clothes separately for each day. Place an entire outfit, including socks and underwear, into a resealable plastic bag. The little ones will be less of a hassle when its time to get dressed.

The metal container from your bandages can be used to keep small objects like needles, cotton balls, or swabs. The lid makes it perfect for easy access. Plus, you don't have to worry about the items spilling out. A metal bandage container is also great for storing a bar of soap. Make sure to wrap it in a storage bag in case of any leaks.

Jewelry is easily tangled when traveling. Wrap bracelets around the cardboard tube from a roll of napkins or toilet paper. Place several hair bands on the roll to keep the jewelry in place. To store earrings, use a weekly pill container. You can easily carry seven pairs.

Store shoes in the clear plastic bags from your grocery store's produce section. This will let you keep your shoes with your clothes, without the worry of dirt transfer. Tube socks can be used to store your children's shoes, sandals, and other small items.

The samples used for travel at the drugstore sometimes cost more than a regular size. Medicine bottles and plastic film containers are perfect for carrying your favorite lotions, gels, or creams. Perfume bottles are usually glass and are not good to travel with. Instead, use any of the sample size liquor bottles you may have kept. There is no need to worry about spills, but you should wash the bottles thoroughly before filling.

Keeping the kids' occupied during a trip can be easier than you think. Take a plastic shoe bag with pockets to store their toys in. Hang it on the back of the seat so they can easily reach what they want. Old cutting boards are perfect to use as trays for drawing, coloring, and eating!

Packing is not always simple. It can even be a hassle sometimes. Always remember to place containers with liquids into plastic storage bags to prevent any messes. Double check the kids' luggage to ensure they have packed enough socks and underwear. Usually, the most obvious item we need to pack is forgotten. Going through your morning routine can help cut down on those forgotten items. Just do what you would normally do when getting ready and place the items aside as you use them.