The Ultimate Family Vacation Packing Checklist

What to Include in Your Family Vacation Packing List

If you feel overwhelmed when packing for a family vacation, you’re not alone. Traveling with multiple people requires you to have the different essentials that each person needs. You’ll also want to be mindful of how you pack each item so that you’re not taking up unnecessary space in the luggage. Follow a family vacation packing list to make sure you’re packing everything that you and your loved ones need to enjoy the trip.

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Clothing

Clothing is the first thing you should pack for each family member. Pack according to each person’s style, but it’s important to take the weather into account too. Tightly fold and roll shirts and jeans or use packing cubes to help you maximize the use of the luggage space. Take care of the larger clothing items first because you can squeeze smaller items on the sides of the luggage. If you’re packing bulky items, like winter jackets, you may want to vacuum seal them to shrink their sizes in your suitcase. Other clothing items you might pack for the family are:

• Underwear
• Pajamas
• T-shirts or blouses
• Bottoms, such as Jeans, pants, jumpsuits, rompers, skirts, or shorts
• At least one formal outfit for each family member
• Bathing suits
• Socks
• Workout clothes
• Belts
• Jackets or hoodies

Shoes

Depending on the location and planned activities, you may want to pack different types of shoes for your family vacation. Hiking warrants a different pair of shoes than going to the beach or out to dinner. You’ll want to protect your feet, be comfortable, and wear appropriate attire when you travel. Some shoes you may want to pack for your family are:

• Casual shoes that are also comfortable to walk in, like sneakers
• Dress shoes or heels
• Flip flops or sandals
• Hiking boots
• Swimming shoes
• Rain boots
• Winter boots

Toiletries

Even though you may have official living arrangements for your family vacation, it’s important to pack your own toiletries. Hotels may not carry the brands you prefer, and it’s possible that your family can run out of the toiletries that are provided. Aim for travel-size toiletries instead of full-size ones. Full-size items can take up a lot of unnecessary space in your luggage, and the contents can spill if tossed around. Some toiletries you should pack for your family vacation are:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body soap
• Hand soap
• Body lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• A hairbrush and comb
• Facial cleanser
• Cosmetics
• Razor and shaving cream
• Contact lenses and solution
• Feminine hygiene products

Personal Items

Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, you’ll need to pack some essential items that help keep your traveling process smooth. If your family is flying, you may need to pack passports, forms of photo ID, airline tickets, debit or credit cards, and proof of hotel reservations. However, you should also pack non-essential personal items to keep you and your family comfortable and entertained while traveling. Some essential and non-essential items you should pack for your family vacation are:

• Cell phones
• Laptops
• Chargers for all electronics
• Cameras
• Headphones
• Playing cards
• Coloring books
• Toys
• Stuffed animals
• Books or journals

Outdoor Protection

Unless your family plans on staying indoors throughout the vacation, it’s important to pack items that protect you all from the dangers of outdoor conditions. Even if it’s warm or cold, your family should be prepared with items that help protect their skin while they’re enjoying outside activities. Some items you may pack for outdoor protection are:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hats for protection against the sun
• Raincoats
• Insect repellent
• Mittens, winter hats, and scarves if you’re traveling in the cold
• Umbrellas
• Reusable water bottles
• Lip balm

Medical Necessities

While a hotel or cruise ship may have first aid kits, you should pack your own if your family is taking a road trip. You can buy a pre-packed first aid kit, or you can create your own based on your family’s needs. Pack medical necessities that can help with emergencies but also pack items that your family members need according to their own health concerns. Some items that your first aid kit should include are:

• Insurance cards
• Medications
• Thermometer
• Disposable gloves
• Hand sanitizer
• Anti-itch cream
• Bandages
• Gauze pads

Baby and Toddler Items

You can’t forget about the little ones when you’re packing for a family vacation. When traveling with babies, toddlers, or other young children, it’s important to pack for their specific needs. Include items that help you feed them, hold them, and entertain them on your trip. Some items you should pack for your young children are:

• Baby carriers
• Bibs
• Diaper ointment
• Bottles or sippy cup
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Swim diapers
• Strollers
• Pacifiers
• Formula, baby food, or their favorite snacks
• Extra clothes
• Blankets
• Nursing equipment
• Baby toys
• Child-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hats to protect them from the beaming sun

Using a family vacation packing list can help you remember all the things you and your loved ones need to enjoy the trip. Staying organized and following a checklist is a solid way to figure out what’s necessary to pack and what can stay at home. Adjust this list according to your family’s needs, the location you’re traveling to, and the method you’re using to get there.