Traveling as a family is a lot of fun, but packing for the trip can be daunting. I have some advice, based on our experiences, on how to make it easier!
We've traveled, as a family as seven, to sixteen countries. We've flown more times than I can count, and have also done several long road trips. Each trip is different when it comes to climate, distance, methods of travel, length of stay, number of destinations, and ages of children. However, there are a few principles that apply to each one, and are keys to what I believe make a trip more successful:
We've traveled, as a family as seven, to sixteen countries. We've flown more times than I can count, and have also done several long road trips. Each trip is different when it comes to climate, distance, methods of travel, length of stay, number of destinations, and ages of children. However, there are a few principles that apply to each one, and are keys to what I believe make a trip more successful:
1. Packing efficiently, lightly, and smartly
- Always check the weather at your destination(s) a week in advance, and keep track of it until you leave.
- Try to book hotels or homes where you can do laundry. Pack no more than 5 outfits total, per person (including clothes in carry-on, and clothes worn while traveling), and do laundry for longer trips. Be sure to pack a small amount of laundry soap/dryer sheets and coins if you plan to do laundry.
- Always have a small "first aid" kit, to include pain relievers/children's medicine (in the event of sickness or emergency, you won't want to go out searching for a pharmacy). Use a well-labeled and secure pill box for medication.
- Use travel-sized items. I recommend 2oz. Toob reusable bottles. They are pricey, but worth it. These are very durable, well-made, and a good size for the whole family. They make 3 oz. bottles as well.
- Don't pack items that take up a lot of room, but can easily be bought at the destination (diapers).
- We pack all clothing and toiletries into one large hard-cased suitcase. Each person has their own backpack with snacks, electronic device, headphones, books, etc. This makes it manageable to travel without my husband. Breaking it up into two smaller suitcases may work better, and it may be beneficial if you stay in multiple destinations, or if weight of the one large suitcase is an issue (for air travel), but it IS possible for a large family to only need one suitcase!
- Always have travel documents, information, and tickets printed and with you, in the case something happens to your phone/other electronic device.
- Pack a car adapter and air vent phone holder if you plan to rent a car and use your phone as a GPS.
- Always have some cash on hand. If you travel to a foreign country, you can exchange it.
Click HERE for a printable family packing list. This is tailored more for a trip by air, but can be used for road trips too. You can always cross off what you don't need and add what you do!
- Always check the weather at your destination(s) a week in advance, and keep track of it until you leave.
- Try to book hotels or homes where you can do laundry. Pack no more than 5 outfits total, per person (including clothes in carry-on, and clothes worn while traveling), and do laundry for longer trips. Be sure to pack a small amount of laundry soap/dryer sheets and coins if you plan to do laundry.
- Always have a small "first aid" kit, to include pain relievers/children's medicine (in the event of sickness or emergency, you won't want to go out searching for a pharmacy). Use a well-labeled and secure pill box for medication.
- Use travel-sized items. I recommend 2oz. Toob reusable bottles. They are pricey, but worth it. These are very durable, well-made, and a good size for the whole family. They make 3 oz. bottles as well.
- Don't pack items that take up a lot of room, but can easily be bought at the destination (diapers).
- We pack all clothing and toiletries into one large hard-cased suitcase. Each person has their own backpack with snacks, electronic device, headphones, books, etc. This makes it manageable to travel without my husband. Breaking it up into two smaller suitcases may work better, and it may be beneficial if you stay in multiple destinations, or if weight of the one large suitcase is an issue (for air travel), but it IS possible for a large family to only need one suitcase!
- Always have travel documents, information, and tickets printed and with you, in the case something happens to your phone/other electronic device.
- Pack a car adapter and air vent phone holder if you plan to rent a car and use your phone as a GPS.
- Always have some cash on hand. If you travel to a foreign country, you can exchange it.
Click HERE for a printable family packing list. This is tailored more for a trip by air, but can be used for road trips too. You can always cross off what you don't need and add what you do!
2. Organization
- Use packing cubes! Buy one color per person, so you can easily identify to whom each one belongs. Place one whole outfit in each bag (including underwear and socks). I recommend the ones we have, which are from Ebags They come in size small, medium, and large, and slim, and they have a variety of colors. I suggest size small for children outfits, small or medium for women's outfits, and medium for men's. The large ones are useful to put everyone's pajamas in, as well as everyone's swimsuits.
- Pack a compact backpack to be used for small trips within large trips, or to bring home souvenirs!
- Put shoes in drawstring shoe bags.
- Pack a laundry bag for worn clothes.
- Don't forget to put your carry-on liquids in clear sealable bag.
Watch this video to see the sizes and what fits in each bag. If it doesn't work, try this link. :)
I've written some more recommendations for family travel:
