Packing is an important travel skill that became more complicated when we started traveling with kids. Through my years of traveling before kids, including weeks spent backpacking in Europe, I learned to be an efficient but comprehensive packer without using an actual list. Before I used a packing list for family travel, it was challenging to make sure we had everything we were likely to need, but not too much more. This ultimate packing list for vacations with kids has been a game changer and helped me efficiently pack for any family trip.
The Packing List for Family Vacations
I now pack for myself and my three kids when we travel as a family. My love of charts, Excel and to do lists combined when I created my first packing list for our trip to Orlando in October 2011 but only recently realized that they were a “thing.” I use my two-sided packing list to prepare for all of our family trips. The first side includes miscellaneous items that we need to make sure to take. The second side covers person-specific items of clothes and gear with columns for each of my three kids and myself. By using tally marks to identify the number of each item already packed, I can quickly determine how many of each item that I have for each person and who still needs pajamas or socks. I create outfits as I add items and try to pack basic wardrobe pieces when possible so that matching isn’t an issue. There have definitely been times when something was missed because I didn’t double-check the list, but those oversights are now less frequent.
Using a packing list is more essential when traveling to an area where essentials may not be readily available. Our resorts in Riviera Maya have had gift shops with slim selection and high prices for any forgotten items, and coin laundry was not available. We needed snorkeling gear, sand toys, swimwear, evening attire, traveling clothes, emergency medicines and diapers and wipes for 10 days. By using a packing list, I came home with some, but not many extra diapers and wipes. Luckily, no desperate trips to the gift shop were needed because the diapers size I needed was not available!
Because tally marks are used to identify how many of each item I have already packed, I use the same list for a short weekend getaway as well as a trip abroad. I am constantly adding and deleting items as our family’s needs change. I’ve included sub-lists for beach, baby and gear that are not needed for every trip, but it’s easier to cross off items that will not be needed than to try to remember what I might need for each type of trip.
Packing Efficiently for Family Vacations
Efficient packing helps us avoid the frustration of lugging around more than we need. Because the discount airlines that we often fly have steep charges for any luggage bigger than a backpack, packing light actually saves us money, too. We avoid luggage fees and have invested in suitcases of varying sizes so that we always have the largest possible option permissible. When recently traveling to Treasure Island and Clearwater for three nights, we traveled only with one backpack/personal item each and paid no luggage fees. On our trip to Iceland in 2017, we also each carried a small backpack containing the majority of our own clothes. Our coats, inflatable BubbleBum car seats, shoes and excess clothing and gear were all combined into a single checked suitcase. So, we only needed a one checked suitcase for a 10-day tour of Iceland for five of us, and we still definitely had more than we needed.
Packing for Trips with Infants and Toddlers
Infants and toddlers have unique packing needs and therefore a dedicated section on our packing list template. Good thing that their clothes are small because the rest of their items tend to be bulky. Make sure to pack a significant number of outfits, considering unexpected diaper leaks. With babies, there are also necessities that must be available at all times like diapers and wipes that I always remember to pack more than I anticipate needing, especially when traveling to a location where they are not widely available.
Packing List for Family Beach Vacation
Because beach vacations require specific equipment and attire, we have dedicated a separate section on the our packing list template focusing on beach packing needs.
Why We Love Our Packing List for Traveling With Kids
Using a packing list helps make travel preparation easier and travel more comfortable even less expensive. Intrigued about what our free printable family packing list template looks like? Take a peek at our WGWK Ultimate Packing List (PDF) and WGWK Ultimate Packing List (Word) and personalize for an upcoming trip.
Check out our other Travel Tips for more advice about traveling with kids.
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