How to Pack for a Family Vacation: Smart Tips for Stress-Free Travel CheapOair Staff March 11, 2024 Family Travel, Family Travel, Travel Tips A family vacation is sure to create a lifetime of memories. However, in order to make sure any family travel adventure is memorable in a good way, you’ll need a plan of attack for packing. Nothing can turn a dream trip into a nightmare like discovering you’re missing some essentials you needed when reach your destination. So, here’s a comprehensive packing list for a family vacation, along with some tips to help you pack. Why You Need a Packing List Every good traveler knows that a successful trip starts with a thorough packing list. While it may seem like overkill, making a list prior to your departure will help to ensure that you don’t inadvertently forget anything. A list also guides your packing efforts in the days leading up to your vacation, helping to mitigate stress. It’s best to make a list for each person in the family, as well as a list for common items that everyone will use. And there will probably be items for specific destinations or events, like beaches or weddings. But while every vacation requires a list, most family vacations have packing lists with evergreen items. Here’s a good rundown of all the different kinds of clothing you may need to pack: Underwear — One set per day for shorter trips Socks — Again, one set per day, unless you plan to do laundry Casual tops/pants/shorts — Pack three times the number of tops versus bottoms Active/workout clothes — Plus a bag for storing soiled clothes One dressier outfit Pajamas or equivalent Jacket/sweatshirt Bathing suits (if applicable) Some possible personal items you’ll need to include are: Passports, visas, travel documents and insurances (Make sure they’re up to date!) Glasses Phones Laptops Tablets Chargers and power banks Cameras Jewelry Headphones Umbrellas/rain gear Playing cards Retainers/mouth guards Outlet adapters, for international travel — Be sure to research what your destination requires All the essential toiletries you might need to bring: Shampoo, conditioner– If you’re not staying in hotels or want a specific brand Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss Comb, brush Razors, shaving cream Sunscreen and insect repellent Deodorant Hair supplies Makeup Skin cleanser and moisturizers Contact solution and case (if necessary) And, of course, any prescription medication you might need on your travels Use Packing Cubes Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to packing for a crowd. Although it may appear as if these cubes take up more space in your luggage, they fit neatly inside to keep all of your essentials organized. Some packing cubes maximize space efficiency by compressing clothing and other items. You can also easily lift these cubes out if you need to place the items in a closet or an adjoining room. With packing cubes, you can also organize the cubes per person or per day of your trip. You can even get different colored cubes for each family member. Create a Separate List for Your Carry-On It’s a good idea to create a separate list for what you’ll need on the airplane, especially with kids on long flights. Always keep in mind that cabins can sometimes be chilly, so dressing in layers is more than advisable. Some important items you may want to make sure in your carry-on: Wallet, cash, credit cards Change of socks An extra layer, say a jacket or a hoodie Lysol wipes to wipe down the plane tray and window — Although airlines typically clean and disinfect their planes between flights, doing this never hurts Books, magazines Games for kids — a deck of cards or travel-sized games Tablet or e-reader Earplugs, eye masks, travel pillows Headphones, chargers Snacks, gum, non-perishable food Refillable water bottles — Stay hydrated! Any essential toiletries — Keeping in mind TSA regulations Any essential medications Pack for Comfort A family vacation is not the time to worry about always looking your best. The cardinal rule when packing for your trip is to make comfort a priority. This may mean leaving uncomfortable dress shoes at home. If you are going to be walking a lot, you should prioritize at least two pairs of comfortable shoes so that you can rotate them out. You may want to bring one nicer outfit for each family member for a special occasion dinner. However, the bulk of your essentials should focus on comfort and practicality. Here are the kinds of shoes you might need to bring on a trip: Casual shoes Dressier shoes Flip flops, sandals Athletic, hiking shoes Try to choose shoes that can serve multiple purposes to minimize the number of pairs they need to pack. For example, some athletic shoes are versatile enough for both workouts and casual outings. Items you shouldn’t forget when traveling to cold-weather destinations: Hats Gloves Hand warmers Scarves Thermal underwear Insulated jackets Plan for emergencies It’s never fun to think about the unfortunate things that can happen while you’re away from home. But the bottom line is that it is not unusual for kids to get sick or injured while on a trip. While you want to always hope for the best, it is also a good idea to plan for the worst. Bringing along a first aid kit and a variety of medications that you may need on your will help you to avert a potential crisis in the middle of the night. Items to consider packing: Insurance card and copies of important travel documents, such as passports and emergency contact information. Medications. When it comes to prescription medications, try to pack them in their original containers to avoid any issues at customs or security checkpoints. OTC meds like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, motion sickness pills Children’s version of the above OTCs Thermometer Hand sanitizer — Spray versions are especially good for kids Small first-aid kit — bandages, gauze, tape, disinfectant, scissors, tweezers, anti-itch cream Sunscreen, sunglasses, and aloe vera gel Bug spray Lip balm, hand cream You May Also Like: Getting Ready to Study Abroad? Use These Student Travel Packing Tips! Bring Empty Bags Chances are, you are going to pick up some souvenirs along the way in your travels. Bringing empty bags in your suitcase will give you an option for bringing home goodies. Consider bringing collapsible or lightweight bags to minimize added weight and space in luggage. A beach bag or a daypack is also a good idea for your day trips. Savvy parents also know to pack empty plastic bags for wet swimsuits, trash, and any other items to keep separate from everything else. Also, reusable waterproof pouches or wet/dry bags as are excellent eco-friendly options. FAQs: Q: What should I do if I encounter unexpected rain during my travels? A: Pack compact travel umbrellas or lightweight rain jackets to stay dry in case of unexpected rain showers. It’s also advisable to bring a waterproof cover for your backpack or daypack to protect your belongings. Q: How can I prepare for potential delays or layovers during my trip? A: Pack essential items, such as a travel pillow, blanket, or eye mask, in your carry-on luggage to ensure comfort during extended waits or layovers. Additionally, bring a portable charger or power bank to keep your electronic devices charged while you’re waiting. Q: What if I need to access important documents or information while traveling? A: Make digital copies of important documents, such as passports, travel itineraries, and emergency contact information, and store them securely on your smartphone or in a cloud-based storage service. This ensures you have access to essential information even if you lose the physical documents. Q: How can I protect my electronic devices from theft or damage while traveling? A: Invest in a travel-friendly lock or security cable for your bags to secure your electronics when not in use. Additionally, consider using a protective case or sleeve for your devices to prevent scratches or damage during transit. Q: What should I do if I need medical assistance while traveling? A: Research medical facilities and pharmacies at your destination before your trip. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and keep a list of emergency contacts, including local hospitals and emergency services, readily available. Did we miss anything that you think should be on everyone’s packing list? Let us know in the comments below!
