Packing for a family vacation can feel like preparing for a small-scale expedition. With kids in tow, the stakes are higher, the needs are greater, and the space seems smaller. But fear not, fellow traveler! With a little planning and the right strategy, you can pack efficiently and ensure you have everything you need without the stress. Let’s dive into our ultimate packing guide for families, designed to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Start with a Master List: The first step to packing success is creating a comprehensive list that includes everything from clothes and toiletries to travel documents and entertainment. A well-thought-out list helps ensure you don't forget the essentials and prevents overpacking.
Clothing: Pack outfits based on your itinerary. Consider the weather, activities, and length of stay and bring less than you think you need. Opt for lightweight athletic clothing that is super comfortable, easy and fast to wash and takes up very little space. Meanwhile, classic looks and natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen, wool and cashmere always look casual, elevated and cool. A neutral color palate can be mixed and matched.
Toiletries: This is a great opportunity to simplify. Do you need a 5 step skincare routine? Would one or two natural products ahem coconut oil do the job? Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, and any medications.
Documents: Keep passports, tickets, reservations, and travel insurance in a designated travel wallet. Uniqlo has a great crossover bag that can easily fit travel essentials that you will need on hand at the airport, in taxis, and out and about. Bonus: It's cute, under $15, and comes in a range of colors.
Shop the Uniqlo cross body bag here.
Entertainment: Bring fewer things period. With a YouTube premium subscription, you can download your kid's favorite content on your smartphone. Remember that little kids will play with almost anything. You can always pick up a snack in the airport and toys can be found everywhere. Bring less!
Gear: Gear choices can make or break aspects of your trip. Do not, I repeat, do not, think your double gram is going to be fun to get on a train in Europe while hauling luggage. Think through your needs and choose the right gear to accommodate your activities. Lighter, smaller, and more compact is the key. You will want to check out our Gear guides, and Ultimate Travel Stroller Guide.
Embrace the Power of Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a game-changer for organizing luggage. They help compartmentalize clothes and accessories, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.
Pro Tip: Make each family member responsible for their own packing cube and be sure not to overstuff. Our 15 month old isn’t quite ready to take responsibility for her own packing list, but we do assign her a packing cube and engage her in the packing process. She is starting to take note of her favorite outfits too!
Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles. This technique works especially well for t-shirts, pants, and dresses.
Pro Tip: Roll smaller items like socks and underwear and tuck them into shoes to maximize every inch of space.
Pack Smart with Multi-Purpose Items
Opt for items that can serve multiple purposes. This is particularly useful when packing for kids, who often require a lot of gear.
You will inevitably find interesting textiles wherever you go. A simple piece of woven cloth can be used as a blanket, a towel, or a cover-up. Ziplock bags in different sizes are a must for storing snacks, wet clothes, or small items.
Create a “Day-of-Travel” Bag
This bag should contain everything you need easy access to during your journey. Include snacks, a change of clothes for kids, travel documents, and entertainment.
Pro Tip: A backpack or a tote bag with multiple compartments works best for organizing and accessing items quickly.
Bonus Tip for Toddlers: Give your toddler a small backpack filled with engaging activities. This will not only keep them occupied but also make them feel like an important part of the travel team. Here are some ideas:
Coffee Cup with Lid and Stir Sticks: Toddlers can slide the sticks into the cup and shake it like a rattle. It's simple, lightweight, and entertaining.
Sticker Books: Small books with reusable stickers can keep little ones busy for hours.
Multi-Purpose Items: A silicone snack container that doubles as a toy when filled with small items they can sort and play with.
Fjällräven's Kånken mini is a perfect packing companion for your toddlers travel day toys, accessories, snacks and wipes. Shop here.
Leave Room for New Treasures
Remember to leave a little extra space in your luggage for souvenirs and items you might purchase during your trip. This saves you from the hassle of cramming everything into your suitcase on the return journey.
Pro Tip: Bring a bigger back than you need and leave extra room for new treasures.
Double-Check Essentials
Before zipping up your bags, double-check that you have all the essentials, especially important documents and medications. It’s easy to overlook these in the packing frenzy.
Pro Tip: Use a checklist and mark off items as you pack them to ensure nothing is left behind.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a family vacation doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these tips and a little preparation, you can ensure you have everything you need for a fun and stress-free trip. Remember, the key is to stay organized, think strategically, and pack smart.
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