real estate adviser: I've Been Able to Sleep Through the Night on Every Vacation with My Kid, Thanks to These 4 Essentials

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I've Been Able to Sleep Through the Night on Every Vacation with My Kid, Thanks to These 4 Essentials

I'm not sure if the term "family vacation" officially qualifies as an oxymoron or not, but I know this: My days of just showing up at a destination, tossing my bag on the bed, and heading to the bar for a drink are far back in the rear-view mirror.

My daughter will be turning 4 this fall and she is wonderful. She has always been a great sleeper (which is something close to winning the Powerball jackpot) and she will eat almost any food. For my wife and I, keeping these habits in check while on the road have basically become the keys to a successful vacation. That is why we have essentially perfected our "Toddler Sleep Go Bag" that is always prepped and ready in our closet. We don't go anywhere without these essentials: full blackout window covers, blue painter's tape to secure the edges of the covers and keep the light out, a travel sound machine, and even a box of binder clips to close up the hotel curtains with no fear of the morning sun peaking through.

Of course, this also means that the first hour at any destination requires proper setup (along with some questionable looks from parents and/or friends during said time), but infant and toddler sleep has always felt like the investment that pays off in spades. Is all this overkill? Maybe. Have we been able to sleep through the night on every vacation for almost 4 years? YES!!!

Obviously every family is unique and maybe your kids don't need it to be pitch black to keep up their sleep habits. But figuring out the quirks and comforts of home and how to replicate them while on the road (or on the plane) makes sure that everyone gets a chance to relax on those coveted days off.