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SALT LAKE CITY — Over many years of traveling the world with three kids in tow, I've picked up a few tricks for making the trip easier. Some of those tricks involve lots of preparation, but others are simple secrets that distinguish the seasoned traveler from the beginner.
Many people will be traveling this week to visit family for Thanksgiving, and whether you are going 25 miles or 2,500 miles, adding these small items to your carry-on can make any trip go much more smoothly.
Large Binder Clips or Clothespins
Useful for everything from pinning blankets over airplane seats to form "nap zones" to keeping track of tickets and itineraries to air-drying clothes in your hotel room, these little clips are invaluable.
Duct Tape
Suitcases that have split a seam, skirts that have dropped a hem, shoes that have lost a sole — the list of uses is endless and endlessly varied.
Gallon Size Ziploc Bags
These are wonderful for containing everything from wet clothes to stray markers to dirty shoes to impromptu car-sick bags. Bring a bunch.
Rubber Sink Stopper
Chances are, you're going to be doing some laundry in a hotel (or rest stop bathroom) sink. One of these cheap, flat sink stoppers makes the job much easier.
Card Games
No matter how short your layover, it's always wise to have a few card games on hand for unexpected delays. Small space, big reward.
Olivia is a mother, a writer and a compulsive traveler. She blogs about traveling with kids at www.aroundtheworldin80diapers.com