Packing for a family trip is mostly about not forgetting the few things that are hard to replace on the road: medicine, documents, the one stuffed animal that makes bedtime work. Everything else you can usually buy at your destination. A simple checklist, started a few days before you leave, takes most of the stress out of it.
Use the list below as a starting point and adjust it for the ages of your kids and the type of trip.
When to Start Packing
Start the list about a week before you leave and pack most bags two to three days ahead. Leave a small “last morning” bag for chargers, toothbrushes and anything you use every day. Doing laundry a few days before the trip means you are not packing wet clothes at midnight.
Documents and Money
- Passports for international trips (check expiration dates)
- Birth certificates for kids if traveling by land or on a closed-loop cruise
- Driver’s licenses and REAL ID for adults flying in the US
- Health insurance cards and travel insurance details
- Booking confirmations saved offline on your phone
- A credit card that works abroad and a little local cash
For international trips, our kids passport guide explains what children need and how long it takes.
Clothes for Each Person
A good rule is one outfit per day for trips up to five days, then plan to do laundry. Kids need more spares than adults.
| Item | Adults | Kids |
|---|---|---|
| Tops and bottoms | 1 per day, mix and match | 1 per day plus 2 spares |
| Underwear and socks | 1 per day + 1 | 1 per day + 2 |
| Sleepwear | 1 to 2 sets | 2 sets |
| Light jacket or fleece | 1 | 1 |
| Shoes | Walking shoes + sandals | Sneakers + sandals or water shoes |
| Swimwear | 1 to 2 | 2 (one is always wet) |
Toiletries and Medicine
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and body wash
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent for summer and outdoor trips
- Children’s pain and fever reducer, plus an oral syringe or measuring cup
- Any prescription medicine, in original packaging
- Band-aids, antiseptic wipes and tweezers
- Motion sickness remedies if your kids need them
- Hand sanitizer and a pack of tissues
Pack it in your carry-on: medicine, one change of clothes per person and anything you cannot replace. Checked bags do get delayed.
Baby and Toddler Extras
- Diapers and wipes for the first two days (buy more there)
- Formula, bottles and a small bottle brush
- A travel stroller and a carrier
- A car seat if you will drive or use taxis
- A portable crib or confirm the hotel has one
- Bibs, a sippy cup and a few snack containers
- A familiar blanket or comfort toy
- A portable white noise machine for naps
Entertainment for the Journey
- A tablet with shows and games downloaded in advance
- Kid-sized headphones with volume limits
- Coloring books, sticker books and a few small new toys
- Card games or travel games for older kids
- Snacks, and more of them than you think you need
Tech and Practical Items
- Phone chargers and a portable power bank
- A plug adapter for international trips
- A few zip-top bags for wet clothes and snacks
- A small laundry bag
- Reusable water bottles for everyone
- A day bag or backpack for outings
Packing Tips That Save Time
- Use packing cubes, one color per person, so kids can find their own clothes.
- Pack outfits together for younger kids so mornings are faster.
- Let older kids pack their own bag from a checklist, then check it.
- Keep one bag for the first night so you do not open everything when you arrive late.
- Leave space for souvenirs and extra layers on the way home.
Packing for Specific Trips
Beach vacation
Add rash guards, a beach tent or umbrella, sand toys, water shoes and a waterproof phone pouch.
Disney and theme parks
Add ponchos, a cooling towel, a portable charger and comfortable shoes that are already broken in. See our Disney World with kids guide for the bag and stroller rules.
Camping
Add headlamps, layers for cold nights, rain gear and a basic first aid kit.
What You Can Leave at Home
Families almost always overpack. Most destinations sell diapers, sunscreen, snacks and basic medicine, so you only need enough for the first day or two. Skip bulky toys, full-size toiletries and “just in case” outfits that never get worn. If your rental has a washing machine, pack for half the trip and do one load midway. A lighter bag means less to carry through airports and less to repack every morning, which matters more than having one extra sweater.
Family Packing Questions
How many outfits should kids pack for a week?
Plan seven outfits plus two spares for younger kids, or five outfits and one laundry stop for older kids.
Should each child have their own suitcase?
For kids over five, a small carry-on of their own works well. Younger kids can share a parent’s bag.
If you are flying with little ones, our guide to flying with a baby or toddler covers carry-on essentials and car seats.
