Perfect Packing Tips For Your Family from the Travel Channel's Samantha Brown!

by Samantha Brown

My job for over eight years has been to travel and I travel over 200 days out of the year. When it comes to packing for a smoother travel experience, this is what I have learned.

Before You Pack, Let There Be A List. No matter how long the trip you are packing for, the rules are the same. The most important item in packing is actually a list. Write a list up on your computer of everything you want to take. Now, put a notepad on your refrigerator so you can add items when they come to mind. Print out the list and check items off only when they have been put in the suitcase. This stops you from having to tear apart your entire luggage looking to see if you remembered to pack Boo Boo Bear. Print multiple copies so you can check when you repack for the trip home. This is also a good list to have if airlines lose your luggage.

Pack the Fun on Top Pack what you will want to wear first when you arrive at your destination at the top of the suitcase. For instance, all swimsuits and sunscreen. Now, when you get to your hotel and your room isn't ready, your family can easily grab all the fun wear and head to the pool or beach.

Two "Pinky" balls.

These are sold in just about every toy store. Are you ready to feel the best you've ever felt on the road? Place two balls next to each other on the floor; lay down on the balls so that they are at the base of your neck and aligned to your spine. Bend your knees, and push so that the balls roll down your back, over your buttocks and down your legs. For deep knots just hang out putting all your weight on the balls…pure bliss.

A Jar of Peanut Butter I've been traveling with peanut butter for years. With MY stomach, I can go from a grown, mature woman to a grumpy six-year-old in 10 minutes. Armed with peanut butter, I can easily buy pretzels, crackers or carrots (and in emergency cases just dip my finger in) in order to feel human again. Peanut Butter is not only healthy but it keeps you satiated.

Dress for Indoor Weather Always bring a sweater or sweatshirt - even if you are going to Hawaii. We over air-condition everything. When I'm in a 55-degree restaurant, I'm always wondering, "Isn't this the weather I was trying to escape?"

Earplugs You don't need the 250-dollar models worn by the members of Fortune 500, just the run of the mill bright orange foamy kind will do. They won't shut out all the noise, but just enough to take the edge off of listening to your three-year-old's favorite children's CD for the 700th time. It also allows you to psychologically be in your own private space - even if that is in a two-foot wide seat of a mini-van or airplane.

Melotonin Supplements. (For Adults) This is a completely natural sleep aid. Melatonin is produced in your body yet we lose it as we get older. There are no side effects like in prescription or over the counter sleeping pills. I take them because I'm either in a different hotel bed, plane seat or time zone. How does it make you feel? Your muscles totally relax, like you took a long hot bath.

Swiss Army Knife With A Corkscrew Opener.

Anything that's issued as standard equipment to NASA astronauts has to be good for your family's summer "Liftoff". Be sure to pack in your checked luggage only. I recommend the model with the corkscrew. You have spent an entire day traveling with the kids - you REALLY need that glass of wine.

Soap I don't like anti-bacteria gel. The number of times I need it and use it make it so my hands are completely dried out by all the alcohol. Good Ol' soap is still better than anything. Remember to wash you hands for 15 seconds to kill all the germs. Pick a fun song so you know when 15 seconds is up. Mine is "this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine"

Wipes These days doesn't it seem like every brand makes their product in a "wipeable" form? I'm just waiting for the wipeable turkey sandwich. Wipes are a travel essential and not just to clean up baby bums and children's faces, but a good anti-bacterial wipe is perfect for hotel rooms/airplanes and restaurant bathrooms. Wipe down that hotel phone before you order an extra cot!

Sealable bags Need I say more? I honestly "ziplock" everything. My clothes go in extra large bags that, with the help of my body weight, I squeeze out all the air so that my wardrobe for a week resembles freeze-dried cream chipped beef. Then I put creams, gels and hairsprays in them as well so if there is a leak, it is contained. At least put your most special outfit in an enclosable bag. So many times my luggage has sat out on the tarmac in a driving rain that soaked the bag thru.

GPS System If you are into car trips, you shouldn't be without one. I have a simple 300 dollar one that works with my Palm Pilot. It's incredible. Sure it allows you to get to a place quicker, but how about a more adventurous route with a back roads option? Everyone gets bored being on a highway. You can check for restaurants to rest stops. Most of the angst of traveling comes from not knowing when and where relief will come. A GPS takes all the guessing out of it and can add a lot of fun along the journey!

Be sure to check out Samantha Brown's return to primetime with the latest installment of her Passport series, Passport To Latin America, premiering June 6 at 8PM (ET/PT) on the Travel Channel. For more info, please visit www.travelchannel.com.