Are you planning a family trip sometime soon? Whether you're going far away, for a quick getaway vacation or visiting family, by car, bus or plane, you will surely find these tips very useful helpful. They will help you get everything you need and leave out of the suitcase everything you do not need!

So get your luggage ready and your pen and paper handy.

Step #1 - What is the purpose of your trip?

We do not know where you are going, but you surely do. The secret to becoming a professional packer is to know what the trip is all about. Are you going to visit grandma and grandpa, or are you going to a new destination where you will be staying in a hotel? Does the trip require lots of movement and outdoor activities, or is it more of an indoor kind of trip, where you will be shopping, seeing plays or museums? The answer to all of these questions will determine what will happen in step 2.

Step #2 - Make a list for you

Although you might find this step to be time consuming, once you implement it, you will not be able to work without it. It gets you and your suitcase organized, and it makes it so much easier when it is time to pack for going back. You might actually come back with all your belongings this time. If your children are old enough, it might be a good idea to have them write their own list and double-check it. This makes them more excited about the trip and it will be their responsibility to make sure their favorite plush toy is packed.

Step #3 - Make a packing list for the children

Any clothes, shoes and toiletries you need for the kids have them all packed in your suitcase. Get a small backpack or travel bag and prep it with travel games, toys, stuffed animals story books or coloring books. Also, depending on the length of the trip and the means of transportation, plane, train or car you will choose the number of games or activities you should have handy. For longer trips, try to have different activities ready in the bag. The more diverse the games, the better. This way, you know the kids will be able to stay still by having a variety of games to choose from. What we have seen to work well is a combination of activity games, hand held games, and of course dolls and stuffed animals. Through in a few teddy bears, their favorite plush dog and you know they will be happy for at least two hours. When they get bored, they can turn to the other games or you can even play a movie for them, if you are flying or your car has DVD capabilities.

Step #4 - Take care of the small things

Do not wait until last moment to do your laundry. Take the list you created at step 2 and see what you need to wash from what you want to take. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to check the weather forecast, since you are closer to the trip, to make sure you are taking all the necessary clothes, whether rain or shine. One of the most important little things most of us forget is CASH. No matter where you go, you should always take some spare cash with you. Your bank’s ATM might not be available in the area you are traveling to, so why pay extra fees for no reason. Stop by your local branch and withdraw some cash. Also, if you are traveling abroad this tip is almost a must. If you cannot get the currency while in the US, make sure you have enough cash for all your needs while you are away. Foreign transaction fees are not fun.

Step #5 - Get ready the night before

Experience has shown that setting up everything the night before, eliminates so much of the going away stress. Prepare your clothes and documents the night before, just so that you do not rush for them in the morning. Make sure all your electronics are charged, camera, cell phone, etc. Prepare some dry snacks, such as granola or crackers, for everyone in the family. They will always come in handy.

With these 5 steps you are good to go and family trips will surely feel more fun than before.