When kids reach the age of 8-10, allow them to pack for vacation (probably not for a big European vacation, but certainly a family getaway.) Tell them to think of the items they use when they get up each morning and get dressed, the activities they might encounter, and the people they might visit. Make suggestions, but do not save them by adding items! Allow them to get to their destination and realize they really needed to pack that swimsuit, or they really could have done without their guitar. Guaranteed they will remember that the next time they pack. My parents did this to me as a kid, and the minute I got to the beach and realized I had three hats, 12 books and no swimsuit, you can bet I remembered it the next time we went on a trip!
