Making time to pack

Many of us will be heading out over the next three weeks for Spring trips as schools take a week or two off. It's a time for family bonding and reenergizing...or so we hope. But before the trip comes the stress of packing and getting things done at work.

I'll talk about a few things that make my life saner when I travel on the Arizona Midday segment today at 1 p.m. on Channel 12.

Here are 10 ideas for you....they are great for both short trips and long trips. :)

1. Plan your wardrobe. Check out the weather and coordinate outfits for you and the kids. This way, you won't over pack. Plan a just-in-case outfit for it suddenly becomes too cold or too hot.

2. Double check hotel amenities. You don't want surprises such as no shampoo (this has happened to me in Hawaii - it was no fun having to find a Wal-Mart) or iron. Plus you'll find out if you have extras, such as a free breakfast or concierge offering sitting services.

3. Get the kids involved in packing duties. Give them an easy list of clothes to pack if they are 7 and younger - increase responsibility with age (that is, require all the packing if you have teens). They'll learn responsibility and you have one less thing to worry about (unless you don't trust they can do it - then make time to double check the list).

4. Pack early and in stages. If you are going on a ski trip, you might as well get all the coats and accessories packed into one big bag early. Same goes for the beach trip. Pack toiletries early, too. Make a check list to make sure you have everything and then set aside. You'll be happy not to be running around the night before looking for ski goggles or swim suits.

5. Bring an extra duffle bag for souvenirs. Tuck in a few plastic bags for dirty clothes or to pack your shoes.

6. Carry recent photos of your kids. Yes, they'll be with you. But what if they get lost. This will help security locate them quicker. Also talk about a plan, should someone get lost.

7. Get your game on. Think entertainment. Gather puzzles, books, notebooks and crayons for younger kids. Consider cards or travel games for older kids.

And don't forget multimedia fun. A DVD player and movies is a must for any family. For older kids, let them bring their iPods or Nintendo DSs. Believe me, they'll keep a careful eye on them if they know they'll never see it again if they don't.

8. Keep important papers together. Gather your boarding passes, park tickets bought in advance, rental car/hotel confirmation number(s), identification, credit and insurance cards, and stick in a plastic bag in your purse or carryon bag that way they are easy to find.

9. Think with your stomach. Pack snacks for the kids that are protein packed so they don't get hungry too quick or too hyper from sugar. Granola is great. So is packing some turkey and cheese sandwiches, especially if the flight or car ride is long.

Also, air travelers should pack an empty sports bottle. This will be handy for many reasons. If you are trying to save money, you can just fill it with fountain water. But you can also use it to split the super size soda or lemonade you just bought for the kids.

10. Make sure you know what you can carry on. Many liquids are allowed, but they are limited to 3 ounces per container and you must put the bottles in a 1 quart plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to one bag. However, larger - but reasonable - quantities of baby formula and medicine are allowed, but both go through extra scrutiny and must be bagged separately. Check out the TSA's web site, www.tsa.gov, for details by clicking on 3-1-1.

Yvette Armendariz writes about trying to manage life as a busy mom in her "Time-starved (goddess) Mom" blog.