How to pack for a family trip with children?
Checklists, recommendations and simple surprising tips!
How to pack for a family trip with children?
So, you’ve got your ticket, accommodations are set, and the excitement is building. As the flight approaches, it’s time to tackle the not-always-easy task of packing, especially when traveling with little ones.
Let’s break it down
- How much to pack?
- How many pieces of luggage should you bring? Suitcases or backpacks?
- Ready, Set, Pack: A Simple and Effective Checklist for a family trip with children
- Backpack Checklist
- Surprising Recommendations That Can Make All the Difference
- Things to Consider Not Bringing and Buying as Souvenirs
- Super Surprising Tips for Packing for a Family Trip With Children
How much to pack?
This is a good question with no one-size-fits-all answer. There are two schools of thought:
Pack a little extra
Better safe than sorry, especially with kids. Unexpected spills, weather changes, and the unpredictability of little ones might warrant having a bit more on hand. After all, the plane can carry it!
Pack light
Embrace the freedom of moving without being weighed down, especially crucial with children. If something’s missing, you can likely find it there.
Both approaches have their merits, so it depends on which philosophy suits you. If you tend to pack more, just keep an eye on weight limits. and if you’re Team “Pack Light,” remember to leave room for spontaneous purchases. Who knows what exotic finds await you?
How many pieces of luggage should you bring? Suitcases or backpacks?
The choice between suitcases and backpacks depends on your travel style, the number of kids, and the nature of your trip.
If you anticipate a smooth journey with minimal handling, suitcases are likely your go-to. If there’s a chance of navigating more challenging terrain, especially with kids in tow, a backpack offers flexibility. Consider the number of kids and their ages in relation to the number of available hands.
If you’re outnumbered, a backpack might be a lifesaver. If back issues are in the mix (not uncommon for parents of tiny humans), listen to your body—opt for luggage over backpacks.
Mixing suitcases and backpacks based on your needs can be a practical compromise.
Stroller or baby carrier? Ah, the eternal debate. Each has its perks, and we’ve got the lowdown to help you decide.
Quick tips for suitcases
Go for newer models with good wheels, manageable weight, and consider potential rough treatment.
And if your suitcase looks like everybody else’s – make it stand out! A brightly coloured ribbon, a reflective sticker, or any wild idea your kids come up with will do the trick.
On the backpack front
Choose one that opens fully for easy access during those search-and-rescue missions for missing items.
Ready, Set, Pack: A Simple and Effective Checklist for a family trip with children
Packing for a trip with small children?
We’ve got a basic checklist with some extra goodies and pro tips to make your journey smoother. Create your personalized checklist, whether on paper (children’s doodles encouraged!) or digitally using apps like ColorNote or Google Keep.
Now, let’s dive into the basics
1 Clothes:
Clothes:Comfortable and weather-appropriate.
Pro Tip
Choose clothes you’re okay wearing out, and even parting with at the end of the trip on one hand, and, on the other hand, pick ones you love for those family photo moments.
2 Toiletry bag:
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush, hair elastics, baby soap, shampoo, sunscreen, diaper paste, nail clipper, mosquito repellent.
Pro Tip
Compact is key. Opt for a small hairbrush, small bottles for the soap and shampoo (and ones that close tightly!) As for toothbrushes, if you’re using electric ones for the little ones, consider taking just one brush with different heads—one for each kid.
These are the toothbrushes we are using
3 Small first aid kit:
Band-aids, bandages, Polidin, tweezers, wipes, and cotton pads.
4 Diapers and wipes
Pro Tip
The quantity game depends on the length of your adventure. For extensive journeys, we pack a starter set of diapers. For shorter trips we calculate how many we need and toss in a few extras, just in case. You know your little one’s needs, but if the diaper count is multiplying, consider a local diaper run (just check beforehand what styles they offer at your destination; in Thailand, for example, they go for underwear-style, a bit different from our usual diaper style. In a city like London, on the other hand, you’ll find all possible diaper types, including various eco-friendly options).
Here’s a tip from experience: if you usually use disposable diapers, you can stick with it on the trip, but for added convenience, give natural diapers a try temporarily—trust us, it beats chasing down laundromats worldwide!
5 Compact and lightweight game
Pro Tip
Keep the little ones entertained with something imaginative. For the little ones, we recommend something like a bag of versatile Duplo bricks. Bigger ones might enjoy card games. For the in-betweeners, consider sweet little games like Plan Toys. Remember, don’t go overboard with the game stash—there are always plenty of options at your destination if you get a bit creative . But having one familiar favourite is good, just in case…
6 Sand / bath toys
Pro Tip
An excellent option for beach or land play, for bath time, and just an enjoyable and lightweight game.
We like this kind.
7 Sandals / water shoes
8 Electronics:
Chargers, cables, Adapters for the sockets, Flashlight
Pro Tip
Don’t forget to check the type of outlets used in your destination country and the voltage there. Get organized with suitable adapters accordingly!
9 Favourite snacks and drinks
Pro Tip
Sure, every destination offers food options, but it’s nice to bring along some familiar items. There’s a good chance it’ll be more challenging to get them on the spot. For instance, we like to bring a travel-sized bag of coffee substitute and tea bags—No need to buy a giant jar on the go!
10 Gorilla Pod (or Selfie Stick):
Capture those family moments!
11 Laundry bag
For a holiday with a pool or beach:
1 Swimwear
2 Binoculars
3 Floats
4 A couple of water diapers
For a hiking adventure:
1 Hiking outfit
2 Hiking shoes and socks
3 Hats
4 Hydration System
Pro Tip
We find it super convenient for staying hydrated on the go, and the kids absolutely love sipping from it, so we can relax knowing they’re getting enough water on the trip. This is the kind we’ve got.
5 Consider: Hiking Baby Carrier
Pro Tip
Sure, it’s a bit extra baggage, but if you have a 2-3-year-old who struggles with lengthy walks, it’s an excellent solution. It also comes in handy in transitions, like at the airport. On the plane, it can be stowed in the belly of the aircraft, like a stroller. We have this kind, which is amazing.
For a cool and rainy getaway:
1 Fleece jackets
2 Light raincoats
Pro Tip
We recommend bringing something warm along with rain gear, not just a heavy raincoat. This way, on days that are more wet than cold, you can sport the raincoat without the extra warmth.
3 Boots and snug socks
Pro Tip
Make sure the boots are both waterproof and comfortable for walking. These are what we’ve got, and they are also amazing for hikes in the rain.
4 Woollen hats
5 Change of clothes
Backpack Checklist
1 Passports!
Pro Tip
Make sure to place them in a money belt that’s roomy enough. Your passport is no longer on a solo adventure. We have this one that fits all of our passports perfectly, and lately we tried also this neck wallet, which is also very convenient.
2 Foreign currency
if any….
3 Travel pal:
Beloved Doll, plushie or transitional Object for the Road
4 Food!
Pro Tip
Having in-flight munchies is a lifesaver. Even if your flight offers meals, our little ones operate on their own unique eating schedule. Expect hunger not just mid-air but also during airport layovers. Opt for tasty, healthy, and mess-free treats like sandwiches, cheese, crisps, crackers, cut veggies, fruits, corn on the cob, pancakes, and nuts for the older ones.
5 Water Bottle for each child
Pro Tip
Sucking on a bottle helps ease ear pressure during take-off and landing. We love this kind. Stay tuned for liquid-smuggling tips.
6 Diaper bag:
Diapers for the day, wipes, and a foldable changing pad.
7 Change of clothes
Especially for the little ones…
8 Books!
Pro Tip
It’s recommended to pack some light books—those with soft covers that are suitable for various ages. This means they should have stories appealing to older children and drawings suitable for the younger ones.
7 Creative essentials:
Colouring markers or pencils, plane paper, stickers and fun booklets – excellent activities to pass the flight safely!
And there are many more tips for flying with children.
Surprising Recommendations That Can Make All the Difference
1 Inflatable safety car seat
Pro Tip
Get ready for this: An inflatable car safety seat that folds compactly and inflates to full size, meeting European standards! Perfect if you plan to rent several cars, take taxis, or haven’t found a reliable and affordable rental company that provides car seats. Bonus—it’s also a standard chair for airplanes! So, if you have a 2-3 year old who can no longer sit on your lap, and you want them securely belted, this is a fantastic solution. Just make sure to check with the airlines that accept it and where exactly to place it to avoid inconveniences (from our experience, not all airlines are familiar with the concept).
For more tips on flying with children
2 Travel vests
Pro Tip
Another brilliant idea—foldable safety travel vests designed to seat older children in the car (instead of boosters). Very light and compact, excellent for traveling in taxis and rental cars (again, if there are no safety seats).
For more tips on flying with children
3 Night light
Pro Tip
A small item that doesn’t take up much space and is very useful in accommodation apartments during travel. Especially handy as a subtle light in the bathroom at night (usually, lights in guest apartments and hotels are very bright). With the excitement and changes, children sometimes have trouble sleeping, so anything that helps in this area is welcomed.
We are using this reading light as a night light that can also be hung on pretty much anything
4 Folding toilet adapter
Pro Tip
One of the essentials for our trips with the little ones. This way, they can be independent and use the bathroom anywhere — apartments, hotels, sites. We have this adapter that proves its worth literally anywhere, even in the middle of nowhere! The truth is, we also have this travel adapter that folds down to the smallest size possible and fits any toilet (yes, even the one on the plane). It’s highly recommended to always have one of these in your bag!
Read more about toilets on trips with children
5 Folding stool
Pro Tip
Another item that’s nearly a must for little explorers—to reach the toilet, wash hands… Even on a trip, it’s beneficial for the child (and your mental health) to maintain independence. Sure, it’s not the teeniest or lightest, but it folds up beautifully and fits nicely in a suitcase. This trusty sidekick never misses a trip with us.
6 Thermometer
Pro Tip
Especially when there’s a baby on board. This way, we can rest assured that wherever we are, the temperature in the baby’s room (or for the little ones) is just right and safe. We have something like this, which might not win the compact award, but it’s got a bonus feature—a clock! that lets us keep track of night-time feedings.
7 Laundry detergent
Pro Tip
Well, one of the things kids produce the most on a trip (or in general) is dirty clothes. Our advice, so you don’t drag the entire wardrobe with you and return home to two weeks of laundry, find a place to stay with a washing machine.
For more tips on where to stay on a family trip
8 Laundry hanging line
Pro Tip
More on the same subject—a simple thin cord or a sturdy rope—folds up small, taking up neither weight nor space. It’s incredibly handy if the apartment lacks a drying rack (or if, like us, you’ve got more laundry than space). And the truth? It can come in handy in various quirky situations during your trip (for instance, we’ve used this line to create a makeshift barrier in front of stairs in an apartment where we stayed).
For more tips on accommodations on a family trip
9 Cooking and storage utensils
Pro Tip
Alright, most accommodations and apartment hotels these days are well-equipped. A set of pots can be very handy, especially for families who enjoy cooking on the go (we’re big fans of traveling with this kit and bringing along this set of plates and this one for the baby, and also this trusty knife).
Food storage containers can come handy for any family with children—perfect for organizing meals for travel days and transferring food you’ve prepared from one apartment to another. And, of course, for airplane meals. It’s best to pack the food you’re taking on the flight in sturdy, light, and reliable containers that can continue to serve you throughout the trip.
Things to Consider Not Bringing and Buying as Souvenirs
It’s always fun to come back with a souvenir from the trip, but let’s face it, we use every bit of space and weight in our suitcase to the last gram. So, how can we bring souvenirs without exceeding the weight limit? For those with little ones who still use diapers, you can consider their space and weight (which, honestly, isn’t that much).
Here are a few ideas of what not to pack and just buy there instead that worked well for us:
1 Hats:
Don’t bother packing, just find one there. They’re everywhere, especially in tourist hotspots, and make for a fantastic souvenir.
2 Spare shirt /garment:
Of course, don’t show up with nothing. But consider packing one less piece and buying a new one during the trip. Clothes are available everywhere.
3 Socks:
One less pair won’t hurt. Typically, you need them for indoor playgrounds and such. So, we deliberately arrive sockless and get a pair there – a fun and matching souvenir for the whole family.
4 One toy:
You can arrive without games or with one less and pick something up there. This way, you’ll also end up with a sweet collection of adorable toys from all around the world.
5 One doll / plushie:
Our all-time favourite souvenir. If your kids need one for the flight, just bring something minimal and symbolic. During the trip, let each child choose one. They’re simple, lightweight, and will become new buddies for the kids, reminding them of those sweet moments.
Super Surprising Tips for Packing for a Family Trip With Children
And now, let’s dive into some incredibly practical yet surprising tips and suggestions for packing when you’re off on an adventure with the kids:
1 Make packing a family affair!
Turn the packing process into a team game! Collaborate with your little explorers to choose their outfits, games, and favourite books. Let them take charge of packing a bag for the plane, complete with their treasured doll or plushie. This applies to the big kids and the little ones alike. Not only does it build trust, but it also makes them feel like co-captains of the journey, steering clear of any potential wardrobe wars.
2 Divide and conquer:
Our secret for hassle-free packing involves the mighty cloth bag (similar to the ones handed out at conferences). Assign each bag a purpose—clothes, beach essentials, gadgets, and one for each family member. Let the kids revel in their territory (aka their own little bag) because, let’s face it, they need it on a trip. Bonus: these bags act as spill guardians, especially handy for potential shampoo catastrophes. For an extra layer of protection, double-bag spill-prone items. Add a spare cloth bag; it can serve as a laundry hamper. Once your suitcase is well-organized, there’s no need for the unpack-repack ritual.
3 Internal logic:
Strategically pack items you’ll want to grab easily at the top—like a bathing bag for a quick refresh upon arrival. If you’re hopping between destinations, establish a consistent packing system. Assign fixed items to specific suitcases for easy access. For multi-floor accommodations, plan your packing strategically to match each suitcase’s contents with the corresponding floor.
4 Weight limit tips:
Exceeded the weight limit slightly? Here are some tips:
Heavy shoes or bulky sweaters?
Wear them during the weigh-in—no worries, you can kick back and relax on the flight without them. Slip on comfortable socks or flip flops in-flight, and remember to stash them back in your bag before landing. For backpackers, take advantage of airport services that transport bags to the plane’s belly after security checks, and sneak your shoes or coat into the bag before boarding.
Children’s Weight Allowance
Children with a plane seat (2 years and up) get a full-weight backpack privilege. Stick to the size limit for the suitcase/bag, and you’re good to go. For added security, use an internal split with a cloth bag—showing it’s two bags in one can be helpful. If you’d rather not tote an extra suitcase onboard, propose stowing your hand luggage in the plane’s belly. Airlines often comply, considering the ample space below. However, be aware that policies vary, so play it by ear.
5 Sneaky tricks for liquid limits:
Remember the liquid limit for your flight. If you’re carrying liquid foods, like peanut butter, pack them in the checked suitcase. We occasionally risk bringing children’s water bottles and other liquid foods; just explain they’re for the little ones. Here’s a trick: slip a large water bottle into your backpack. When security pulls you aside, the focus will likely be on the conspicuous bottle, giving a smoother pass for smaller items. It worked for us!
Thinking of heading to Thailand? check out extra packing tips for a safe and smooth flight
Now all that’s left is to pack up and go! Best of luck!
You could also be interested in
A Safe & Simple Guide to Transportation with Kids
Our Kid-Friendly Flight Survival Guide
Everything you need to know for choosing the right accommodation for your family
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