With summer officially here many people across the country will be packing their bags and heading off on vacation.
My family can only afford to do a “staycation” so we stick close to home and have no need to dig the luggage out of the basement and pack. Hopefully one day soon we can go on a much needed family vacation. Ideally we’d love to go to Disney World. The last time my kids were there they were 2 and 4 1/2. They are almost 15 and 17 now. That trip to Disney World was our first, last and only vacation. Needless to say we are desperate to go on vacation again.
I do travel from time to time for blogger related events. Since we don’t travel much I wasn’t really good at packing. My first trip to Los Angeles a few years ago I think I packed everything but the kitchen sink. I was worried that I’d forget something vital. Thankfully I have become more “skilled” at packing and know what I need, and don’t need.
I’m a huge Disney and Pixar fan.
Fun fact: The first movie my husband and I saw together when we first started dating was Toy Story. We even wrote up a “contract” that we’d stay together for 99 years and it was “witnessed” by Woody and Buzz Lightyear. 🙂 We still have it too. We’ve been together for 18 years so we only have 81 years to go and we can break up. Ha ha ha.
Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head are two of the characters from the Toy Story series. Did you know that they have become expert travelers? I guess they had to travel a lot to promote their wonderful films.
Mrs. Potato Head would love to share some travel tips and essentials with readers.
Mrs. Potato Head’s Summer Travel Essentials
‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #1: MAKE A LIST!
Mr. Potato Head can be a klutz when it comes to packing, which is why Mrs. Potato Head loves to make a list of packing essentials for their vacation needs. It’s a good idea for the sweet potato to start planning her list weeks before the traveling ‘taters head off on their journey. By planning so far in advance, you are much less likely to miss off any travel necessities!
‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #2: ROLL UP, ROLL UP!
Who wants to iron an outfit when you reach your destination? Mr. Potato Head doesn’t, that’s for sure! Instead of folding your clothes and placing them in your suitcase, try rolling them. Tightly rolled clothes are less likely to get heavy wrinkles from fold creases and they take up less room.
‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #3: PACK LIGHTLY!
Nobody wants to be weighed down with heavy baggage, especially if you’re a tourist ‘tater who wants to wander around with ease. That’s exactly why Mrs. Potato Head suggests everybody packs lightly. Pack layers of clothing that you can easily put on or take off. And think twice about adding that spare pair of shoes to your luggage. Do you really need them?
‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #4: KNOW THE RULES!
Mrs. Potato Head is a stickler for the rules. Get to know them all before you travel, especially if you’re flying! If your journey involves an airplane ride, make sure you pack correctly and don’t place any large liquids (such as a regular-sized bottle of perfume or a can of hairspray) in your carry-on luggage. All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller. And they must all be placed inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.
‘TATER TRAVEL TIP #5: CARRY-ON VALUABLES…
What would Mr. Potato Head do without his trusty bowler hat and his angry eyes? Well, every now and then luggage gets delayed or lost – and that’s exactly why it’s a good idea to pack your travel essentials and valuables in your carry-on bag. Never put them in your checked luggage! Make sure your ID, passport, keys, money, credit cards, jewelry and electronics are safe and secure in your carry-on bag, as well as items like extra contact lenses and a spare pair of undies. Happy traveling!
I have to agree with Mrs. Potato Head about packing lightly, especially if there is a chance you’ll purchase souvenirs. If you are traveling for business or blogging you’ll need room for any “swag” you might get. I’ve actually had to leave “swag” behind because there was no room in my luggage. You don’t want that to happen to you.
I also roll my clothes up.
Another tip I’d like to share is bring along a plastic bag to put your dirty clothes in. That way you can toss it in the wash when you get home and not have to spend time separating the dirty clothes from the clean clothes.
Mrs. Potato Head’s Packing Essentials
Mrs. Potato Head says: “I’m packing your extra pair of shoes!”
Don’t be a couch potato on your summer vacation; head outside and explore. When you’re packing your bags, make sure you’ve got comfortable shoes in your luggage. Nobody wants sore tootsies!
“And your angry eyes, just in case!”
Who wants to get angry-eyed in the blazing sunshine? Nobody! That’s why it’s important to pack your sunglasses. If your eyes need some extra help, don’t forget to take your spectacles and contact lenses, too.
“A dime!”
A few dollars will certainly help ease your summer vacation needs. It also helps to have a credit card for any unexpected incidentals, as well as the purchase of the odd souvenir or two. See if you can seek out a bargain!
“Cheese puffs!”
Don’t forget to pack some snacks for the journey. If you’re a picky eater, it might be wise to add a few of your favorite munchies to your suitcase to ensure you’ve got lots of treats to eat while you’re away, too. Mmmm!
“A spare set of lips!”
Mr. Potato Head can swap his lips with a spare set if they become chapped or sore in the sizzling sunshine. Non-spuds can’t do that, which is why it’s a good idea to pack some lip balm for your travels. Pucker up!
“A key!”
It’s always a good idea to keep all your essentials together in one place, including your keys, money, ID and passport. Be a safe spud on your travels; don’t be a loser this summer!
“Sunscreen!”
Never forget to apply sunscreen in the scorching summer sun… Or, you’ll end up baked!
Don’t forget to pack your phone charger or a portable phone charger too. I found that out the hard way when my phone died and I had no way to charge it. It was late at night and I didn’t even have a way to get change for the public phone.
If you are traveling with children you might want to bring along something to entertain them during you travels. Traveling is not always fun for children. They might find long flights or car rides incredibly boring.
If you have a tablet, laptop or smart phone device you might want to consider downloading the free app Disney Movies Anywhere. The app allows you to use the HD codes from your Disney, Pixar and Marvel movie purchases to store the movies on the app so they are available to you where ever you go. You can also purchase movies directly from the app.
The great thing about this app is that you can stream movies from the app when you have WIFI access, or you can download the movies you want so that you can watch them with you don’t have access to the internet. Then when you are done you can remove them from your device (they will still be available for you at Disney Movies Anywhere). That means your family can enjoy Disney, Pixar and/or Marvel movies anytime, anywhere.
This summer Disney Movies Anywhere is celebrating “Pixar Summer Movies to Go”. Each week during the summer you can save money on a different movie AND earn up to 1,500 bonus points – points that can be used for movies, merchandise and even special Disney experiences.
For more information about Disney Movies Anywhere visit www.DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com. There is even a Facebook page.
Are you and your family going on vacation this summer?
Do you have a tip you’d like to share when it comes to traveling?
What is YOUR favorite Disney, Pixar and/or Marvel film?
Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this for the enjoyment of my site readers. Any opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.
Carleigh says
Great tips.
Seth says
Rolling the clothes is a great tip, and it works. The only thing I don’t roll are dress shirts.