Packing For A Family Trip
Whether you’re traveling with one small child or four various sized ones doesn’t matter: Packing for a family trip without a plan is like hitting the grocery store when you’re hangry. Mistakes will be made, meltdowns may occur, and your bags will likely end up packed with more sugar than substance.
Family travel packing tips start with a list. At the top: One full outfit per day, per child. Next, add extra underwear, socks, and t-shirts. Finish with special occasion or activity outfits, and garnish with extra shoes. Stick to the recipe, and everyone ends up with a well-rounded suitcase with just enough spice. Go off script, and your six-year-old could end up dressed like a K-Pop Demon Hunter at grandma’s birthday dinner.
Like any recipe, baby vacation outfits and all family packing tricks, are easier with the right equipment and expert advice, we pulled together a handful of tips that make packing for a family vacation so simple, even tiny world travelers can pitch in. So here it is: Your family vacation packing guide.
How To Pack for a Family Trip
1. Invest in organization.
Even with a solid list, suitcase space disappears fast. Packing cubes will maximize the real estate—roll your clothes into the cubes, stack the cubes in your suitcase, and squish. They also offer endless ways to keep kids organized: Pack by day so outfits are easy to access (and clothes stay safely folded and off the floor until needed), or buy cubes in different colors to keep each kid’s stuff sorted. Pro tip for toiletries: Pack one main bag with soap, shampoo, and other family essentials to keep things streamlined. Then bigger kids and teenagers can tuck their hand sanitizer, lip gloss, and extras in their carry-on. And just in case someone chooses a French-toast-shaped stuffie as their souvenir from Paris, sneak an extra foldable bag or two into your own luggage.
2. Borrow the big stuff.
Try to avoid flying with a travel crib, carseat, stroller, extra bag filled with a bottle warmer and breast pump, or anything larger than a breadbox. Most hotels, vacation rentals, and Airbnbs have cribs or pack-and-plays available to borrow or rent—just call ahead to ask, and bring your own crib sheets. If you’re staying with friends and family, ask what you can borrow from them or someone in their circle.
3. Pack what you know.
Outside of the peach-hued junior bridesmaid dress your preteen doesn’t want to wear for her cousin’s wedding, now is not the time to push new outfits. Focus on favorites, keep it simple, and double down on essentials: Soft tees and pants they love, sleep-and-plays you can bring the baby to brunch in, travel-friendly baby clothing, and cozy henleys that can handle dinner reservations. Lean into matching sets and classic colors that work together, so toddlers can pick their outfits without looking unhinged. And don’t forget the extra mitts, burp cloths, and baby caps!
4. Everyone needs an easy-access bag for air and car travel days.
Give each kid a backpack to carry their own travel day entertainment, headphones, neck pillows, and snacks—even if it means you have to organize younger kids’ bags yourself. In your own easy-access bag, stash medications, toiletries under 3.4oz, travel documents, toilet seat covers, hand sanitizer, chargers, and diaper bag essentials (pack enough diapers for travel day, then buy the rest when you’re on location), and extra clothes for little ones. It’s a great way to encourage responsibility and lighten your own load at the same time.
5. Help your kids carry as much as they can.
With the right accessories, even the littles can handle their own business. Or at least their own suitcase. A worthy investment for kids three to thirteen, the scooter suitcase turns a chore (carrying luggage) into a good time (zipping through the airport with glee). For the two- to seven-year-old set, consider a ride-on suitcase: It packs like a carry-on, but you can pull it like a wagon while your kid sits on the built-in straddle seat. Hand-holding and carry-on rolling, handled.
