Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #Tips4Trips #CollectiveBias
Summer vacations can be a whole lot of fun, but they an also be very stressful. In my opinion, stressful and vacation should not go together. One of the most hectic parts of taking a trip is the dreaded task of packing. We travel to visit family or take relaxing holidays fairly frequently and I have found a routine that works for me, with the help of my LG Leon LTE from Walmart Family Mobile and their lowest priced unlimited plans of course.
See Also Top 10 Tips for a Less Stressful Vacation | Visiting Family.
In the past, when we went on vacations I would be so scatterbrained and often forgot things that were rather important–diapers, phone cords, even my shoes (literally, I had no shoes, not even on my feet–yes, you may laugh.) Once in a blue moon it’s okay if you have to go purchase something once you’ve reached your destination, but it’s not ideal and those extra costs add up (for instance, buying new shoes…that my husband had to purchase for me thanks to the “no shirt, no shoes, no service” policy.) These tips below will really help you avoid these conundrums.
First and foremost, I headed to Walmart to purchase an LG Leon LTE smartphone with a Walmart Family Mobile data plan. The starter kits (SIM card) cost $25. I opted for the unlimited talk, text, and data/web plan for $29.88/mo for the first plan. This service includes up to 1G of 4G LTE data which is perfect for trips.
(All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/frw8 or your local Walmart for current pricing.)
Smart Packing Tips with Smartphones
1. Set Reminders
When you start packing, it is so easy to get consumed in it and forget simple, yet very important daily tasks like eating meals. Use your phone to set reminders around lunch or dinner and a reminder for everyone to use the restroom before you plan to hit the road.
2. Be Prepared
Your phone can help you remember certain items you need to pack. How, you ask? Head onto the internet, bookmark this post and download my Starter Vacation Packing List for Families. It uses the acrostic “PACKED” to help you remember what types of items you may need in an effort to help you craft your own list. Not everyone will need each item on here, but it will give you a great head start!
3. Snap Pictures
Not only is it fun to take pictures to document your travels, it can also be very useful in packing for this trip and the next. Take pictures of each of your “PREPARED” categories so you can see what you are taking along. This will be a great help for future trips as well as ensuring you do not forget needed items when you are set to travel back home. It’s no fun when your kid accidentally forgets his or her favorite stuffed animal at Grandpa and Grandma’s house or you leave your phone charger.
4. Stay in the Know
Use your phone to make and verify your travel plans, check into your flights, and look at the weather forecast for your destination. This will help you know if you need an umbrella, extra sunscreen, or a puffy jacket; keep your trip on track; help you find places to eat or local attractions; and more.
5. Limit Distractions
Packing with kids…if you’re a parent, I’m sure you know where I am going with this. It is quite easy to find yourself getting distracted or having everything you just took care of pulled apart. I love my kids and try to include them in packing (send them to pick out their favorite 3-5 toys to bring, a blanket for the car, a pillow), but that does not last very long.
To avoid forgetting which step I am on or chancing the kids unpacking something I thought was still packed, I will let my kids play on the phone for a little while. Sometimes they watch kids’ movies, sometimes they play learning games, sometimes they use a sketch pad app and draw pictures. I have two kids, so in order to avoid fights we either put on something they can do together, have them take turns, or let each kid have one of our phones. You can even let your kids take pictures of you while you work!
Are you headed on a Summer Trip soon? Walmart Family Mobile can help you simplify your vacation planning.
Your WFM LG Leon LTE smartphone can help you:
Set reminders
Snap pictures
Stay in the know
Limit distractions
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This will help you know if you need an umbrella, extra sunscreen, or a puffy jacket; keep your trip on track; help you find places to eat or local attractions; and more.
Summer vacations are often seen as a great way to unwind and have some fun, but they can also be quite stressful, especially when it comes to the task of packing. Nobody wants to feel overwhelmed before they even leave for their trip. As someone who frequently travels to visit family or go on relaxing holidays, I’ve learned that having a solid routine in place can make a big difference.
This is a long list but Some of these are actually very good ideas. Especially the travel pillow is my favorite one. I never miss to taking this when I am going for any long trip. Thanks for the sharing such an informative article with a great list