10 tips on how to make luggage when you go on a trip

What to pack, what to leave behind, and fun ways to keep everyone cool on a hot day.

Take as much finger food as possible

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You don't want a fun day at the beach to get bogged down with bags of plates and silverware. Tasty picnic foods include: fruits like berries and apples; baby carrots and other raw veggies, with hummus or eggplant dip; tortilla chips and salsa; and hard-boiled eggs.

Know what NOT to bring

Mikhaylovskiy/ShutterstockMayonnaise can go bad in the heat, so choose a different spread for sandwiches and wraps. Cheese and crackers is an easy snack, but be sure to bring French Brie or Camembert, which will ooze deliciously in the heat, rather than a hard cheese such as Cheddar, which will go oily when left in the sun.

Keep the kids happy

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Pack beach-themed foods like goldfish crackers, Shark Bite fruit snacks, and seaweed crackers. Even fun snacks can be healthy!

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You can’t have too many hand wipes (baby wipes work too!) to help with cleanup

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Rinsing hands in saltwater just leaves them sticky. Turns out there are some extraordinary ways you can use baby wipes and baby wipe containers, even if you don't have young kids.

Brownies and cookies are good portable desserts

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There's always a good reason to eat dessert. Just avoid anything with frosting, which will melt in the heat.

Take along bottles of partially frozen water

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Your water will stay cool even after sitting in the sun. Since we're more likely to drink more water when it's cold, you'll still be able to keep your kids hydrated when all they want to do is play. (Check out more tips to stay hydrated this summer.)

Don't forget a bottle opener

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And remember to pack the can opener, too. However, if you do happen to forget, there are still ways to open beer and wine without their respective openers.

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Stock up with a cooler

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Take one that's big enough to fit food and drinks. Bringing separate coolers is just too much effort when you're also keeping an eye on the kids. Ice packs used for lunch boxes are also a must, and not just for their intended purpose. If someone's too warm, place them on wrists and ankles for a speedy cool-down trick.

Thanks! You're on our list.

And about to get a whole lot healthier.

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