The words "family trip" can strike fear or joy into the heart of a parent - even perhaps a little of both. If you're new to travelling with youngsters and you want to make sure that your trip is memorable for positive reasons, then you're going to need to make a plan. From entertainment ideas to kid-friendly places that you can visit, there are a lot of things to think about, but the first thing you need to know is what you should pack for your family vacation.

Which essentials are going to make your trip more comfortable, enjoyable, and stress free? The following list has got you covered.

1.    A First Aid Kit

Although a great vacation should avoid any stress or strife, when you're travelling with children, a first aid kit is crucial. When you pack for your family vacation, make sure you put together a small bag filled with simple items like cold packs, gauze, bandages, Tylenol, and other medicine cabinet essentials. With a bit of luck, you'll never have to break this kit out, but it's better to be prepared than have to seek out a pharmacy in an unfamiliar location.

2.    Access to Power

Today, laptops, tablets, and smartphones have become travel essentials because of Netflix subscriptions, access to games, and the ability to stream family-friendly movies. Of course, if you want to be able to access all of that entertainment, you're going to need to make sure you have access to a reliable power supply. If you're headed out of the country, make sure to include a worldwide power adapter plug when you pack for your family vacation. If nothing else, it'll help to keep the kids quiet while you relax on the beach.

3.    Extra Snacks and Drinks

While you might not be able to carry piles of extra food with you onto an airplane, you can make sure that you're prepared for those trips outside of the hotel with extra snacks and drinks. Get your kids to carry backpacks that you can store extra food and beverages in there for them to grab when they start to feel hungry or thirsty. Don't forget to keep some food in the hotel room too for when you don't feel like going out for breakfast.

4.    Rain Gear

Although you might not want to think about rain when you're headed to a tropical destination, the weather - no matter where you go - can always be unpredictable. When you pack for your family vacation, tuck a couple of windproof umbrellas into your suitcase or hand luggage just in case. This will help to make sure that a few showers aren't enough to destroy your fun. You can also get a few fold-away waterproof ponchos for the kids.

5.    Cameras

Finally, a camera isn't going to keep you safe from disaster, but it is going to help you document the most memorable parts of your journey. A good digital camera will help you to immortalize your experience with your family by taking pictures. You can even grab pictures in the rain so that you can laugh about it later when you're snuggled up at home.