Be prepared for a Florida vacation

Good advice is priceless. And here is some real gold dust from Carmel Snyder, the Family Travel Examiner from examiner.com. Find out more about her and read all her articles here.
If anything can create angst on a family trip, it’s checking in baggage at the airport. Most airlines now charge per bag, and have size and weight restrictions on top of the TSA travel restrictions.
Not only will packing wisely save money, it will also cut down on other problems such as all your bags not fitting in the taxi or rental car.
Adopt the Girl Scout motto "Be prepared".
Every family member – with parental supervision for the young ones – should make a list of what they want and need to take on the trip. Make the list, check it twice, and cut it down.
Pick a suitcase – ideally one suitcase per two family members – measure to ensure that it complies with airline regulations.
So much to bring, so little room
One of the biggest contributors to suitcase weight is toiletries. Buy the small travel size of your favorites, or put some of your must-have conditioner into a small plastic bottle that you can pick up at most stores. Condense. Take an item, such as lotion, that you can use for a variety of things.
Shoes are another big weight contributor. A good pair of walking shoes, and a pair of flip-flops should be all you need for a family vacation in Florida. Of course, add the dressy pair of shoes if you know you have an event to attend.
Consider the climate. Evenings, even in summer can get cool. Take into account what you will be doing most of the time.Don’t forget, most hotels offer laundry service or have laundry facilities on the premises. Pack lightly and do laundry in the middle of the week. If you plan right, you can do a load in an hour while you read your book or local paper without interruptions from the kids, who surely won’t want to follow you down to the laundry room.
The carry-on bag
Carry-on bags should be light enough that kids can carry their own.
For kids: A coloring book and colors, or hand-held video games or reading material for older kids. A snack – no liquids, you can buy those after you go through security – most airlines don’t provide snacks anymore. Sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket also are handy.
And, just in case the airline loses a bag or your family gets bumped on your connecting flight -- in a sealable bag, bring a clean T-shirt or dress and underwear. The change of clothes doesn’t have to be complete, but being able to change into a clean T-shirt and underwear goes a long way to making you feel better.
Adults: Reading material or whatever keeps you entertained, your own snack and minimal change of clothes. Pack your prescription and over-the-counter meds. No need to bring that 100-count bottle of pain reliever. Pack a few in a clearly labeled pill box.
Other items that are great to stick in your carry on: Extra pens and paper, band-aids, small bottle of antibacterial gel.Use common sense when you pack. If you know it’s going to be a close call getting under the weight limit, pack a lighter pair of khakis versus the jean shorts. Think small.
Don’t forget to bring your photo I.D., passports and tickets! Making a travel folder, that includes printed out reservation confirmations for hotels and sticking all the important items in the pockets also makes travel easier.
After all is packed. Weigh your bags. Review your list.