Packing Tips for Families
24 Smart Ideas to Pack Better and Travel Easier
Episode 224 – The Family Vacationer with Rob Jones
🎒 Feeling overwhelmed before your next family trip? Rob is here with 24 practical, funny, and totally useful tips to make packing smoother and vacations less stressful — especially if your family has wildly different packing styles.
🧳 In this solo episode, Rob shares:
- How to make (and reuse) a master packing list
- Why packing early really does save your sanity
- Managing kids’ must-bring items with the “one backpack” rule
- The genius of pre-packing by day using oversized zip-top bags
- Tips for reducing suitcase bulk with color-coordinated clothing
- Shoes: how many to bring and what to avoid
- Why packing an empty duffel is a pro-level move
- Resort towels: when to leave them at home
- Key items not to forget: meds, docs, sunglasses, chargers, and more
🏰 PLUS: Rob’s Disney-specific packing hacks, including:
- The best first aid kit items (hello, moleskin!)
- Pool bag strategy for early resort arrivals
- Why $4 bubble guns might save your evening
- How to stay powered up in the parks
🎯 Whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or Walt Disney World, these packing tips are designed to save space, reduce stress, and keep your trip running smoothly from day one.
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!