Family Vacation Must-Haves You’ll Wish You Packed Sooner

Having just come home from a few days away with the kids, I thought I'd share some helpful things you may want to bring on your next vacation.

These small but practical items have helped make our hotel stays a bit more enjoyable over the years, and I'm hoping you may find some of them useful, too.

Our latest stay was at Great Wolf Lodge in Connecticut. If you haven't been, it's about an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive away, depending on where you live on the SouthCoast.

READ MORE: Great Wolf Lodge's Snowland Celebration Brings Winter Magic Indoors

The resort has plenty to do, including a water park, ropes course, bowling and mini golf. We like to spend a couple nights so the kids can do it all.

Must-Haves for Going Away With the Kids

1. Hooks

The water park is obviously a huge draw, which brings me to my first travel item to take with you: hooks.

I've seen posts about travelers bringing them along on cruises, so we decided to grab a few before our trip. Let me tell you, they really came in handy.

From the bathing suits to the towels and the robes, there's never enough space to hang things, so why not bring your own?

Next up, a few items that are perfect for little ones.

2. Step Stool

My kids are six and four, and one thing we always take with us is a step stool.

Hotel sinks are always out of reach or awkward to navigate with hand washing and teeth brushing, so we bring a small plastic stool along to make it easier.

READ MORE: Customers Say The Best Massachusetts Hotel Is At This Popular Vacation Spot

3. Hand Soap (with Pump)

Again, a small item, but it makes a huge difference. No more wrestling with that square of hand soap the hotel provides.

Bring your own soap and it's easier for you and the kids to wash your hands throughout the stay. Plus, you can pick your favorite scent and bring the remainder back with you so nothing goes to waste.

READ MORE: Acushnet Teens Starts Trash Bin Cleaning Business To Make Summer Cash

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4. Dish Soap and Sponge

If you travel with reusable water bottles or small bowls and cups for snacks, consider bringing some soap and a sponge along.

We started doing this a few years ago and it makes hotel living easier when you can rinse and reuse items. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing that your kids' drink cups and other items have been cleaned properly.

5. Keurig

If you love a morning cup of coffee (or two), consider bringing your own machine.

Depending on where you stay, you could be tied to coffee options and you're also at the mercy of the hotel or resort when it comes to pricing. Bringing our own Keurig has saved us both time and money.

Plus, I've seen far too many reports and studies about hotel room coffee makers that simply gross me out.