The Must-Have Family Vacation Packing List

Even the savviest travelers struggle to pack everything they need for a trip. It’s common to spend hundreds of dollars on items we want to bring with us, only to end up forgetting to pack them. These might include phone chargers and sunscreen — items that are especially expensive abroad or at gift shops.

Even worse is when you’re packing for a family. On top of all the other stuff you need to bring, you’ve also got to think about all that additional stuff you need for babies and children, who require so many extras!

That’s why it’s so important to come up with a packing list so you won’t forget what your family needs. Here’s a breakdown of an overall vacation packing list for a family of four. You may need to tailor the list to your destination: beaches versus mountains, cruises versus hikes, etc. So, read on to learn everything you need to pack for your next family vacation!

Clothing

Clothing usually takes up most of the space in your luggage. It’s generally best to plan one outfit for each family member for each day, but always bring a couple of extra outfits for the mess-prone baby or toddler. Of course, it’s easier to plan for weekend travel, but if you’ll be traveling for more a week or more, you should plan to do laundry midway through and pack accordingly.

The best way to pack for each family member is to assign each family member a particular set or color of packing cubes. Gallon-sized Ziploc bags also work, and because you can seal them, they’re especially good for soiled children’s clothing. Organizing by family member makes it easier to locate clothing when you’re living out of a suitcase.

It helps to plan individual outfits, but by mixing and matching a smaller number of items. For instance, you could plan one set of jeans and another pair of chinos, but with interchangeable tops. Each top can probably cover you for two separate days, or more if you plan to do laundry on your trip.

Here’s a rundown of all the kinds of clothing you should consider packing:

Underwear
Bathing suits
Bathing suit cover-ups
Casual tops/shorts/pants
Active/workout clothes
One dressier outfit
Pajamas
Jacket/sweatshirt
Socks

Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of space, so it pays to be strategic. Make everyone wear their bulkiest pair of shoes, usually casual/athletic shoes, on the days you’re flying. Sandals can easily be stacked on top of each other. Also, pack shoes in a bag before putting them in the suitcase because, even if they’re clean when you leave, they can get dirty during trips. Try not to bring new shoes on a trip: pack versatile, comfortable shoes that won’t cause blisters.

Here are all the kinds of shoes you might need to bring on a trip:

Casual shoes
Dressier shoes
Flip flops/sandals
Athletic/hiking shoes
Water shoes

Outdoor gear

No matter where you go, you’ll probably plan to spend some time outdoors with your loved ones. Sunscreen and bug spray can cost a fortune at gift shops or airport pharmacies, so keep a stash of stuff like that in a large clear bag. And keep the bag together with the suitcase so you don’t forget to bring them.

Below are some outdoor recreation essentials you should keep in your bag:

Sunscreen
Bug spray
Sun hats
Sunglasses
Lip balm
Swim goggles
Aloe gel

For cold-weather destinations, don’t forget to bring:

Wool hats
Gloves
Hand warmers
Scarves or cowls

Medical Supplies

Medical items may be an afterthought for some. But being caught without them can cause so much trouble, especially when you’re traveling abroad. The list of items will vary greatly from family to family, of course, so make sure you carefully consider each family member’s needs and that you have enough medication/supplies to last throughout the trip.

Here is some medical stuff you should consider packing:

Insurance card
Prescription medications
Pain reliever/analgesic (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Children’s pain reliever/analgesic
Thermometer
Motion sickness medication
Hand sanitizer
Small first-aid kit (including anti-itch cream, antacids, Band-Aids, tweezers)

Toiletries

Toiletries can take up a lot of space if you’re not careful. Buying travel-sized versions can help minimize spills and save space. Keep in mind that most hotels will supply shampoo, conditioner, and either soap or body wash, so if you’re not fussy about a particular brand, you can save space and leave them at home.

Essential toiletries include:

Shampoo/conditioner
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Comb/brush
Hair accessories
Hair supplies (gel, pomade, control paste)
Razors/shaving supplies
Deodorant/antiperspirant
Cosmetics
Skin cleanser and moisturizers
Contact solution and case

Personal Items

As the name implies, personal items are…well, personal. What one family or individual might need may not apply to others and vice versa. Keep in mind that most smartphones these days come with built-in cameras, so unless you’re a real shutterbug, you may be able to make do with your phone.

Here are some ideas for things that you may need when traveling.

Passports/documents (Make sure they’re up-to-date!)
Eyeglasses
Phones
Laptops
Tablets
Chargers for all electronics
Cameras
Headphones
Reusable day bags
Retainers/night guards
Outlet adapters (if traveling abroad)

Carry-Ons

Carry-on items are also personal, but there are some things that you’ll absolutely want to keep handy on long-haul flights. Among the critical carry-on items you should bring with you can pick:

Cash/credit cards
Warm socks
Jacket/hoodie
Lysol wipes
Books or magazines
Earplugs
Eye masks
Travel pillows
Headphones
Chargers
Snacks, gum, mints
Refillable water bottles
Essential toiletries (following TSA regulations)
Essential medications

Family Add-Ons

As any parent knows, kids require more gear than adults, and you can’t always count on your hotel or lodging to provide them. So call ahead of time and arrange a crib or foldaway bed.

Here are some things you’ll need to pack if you have babies or toddlers in tow:

Babies

Baby carrier (Try the Ergo for day trips/walking, and the Solly Baby Wrap for travel days)
Diapers
Wipes
Diaper cream
Baby food, snacks
Bottles, sippy cups
Bibs
Swim diapers (if necessary)
Stroller
Pacifier
Favorite blankets, stuffed animals

Children

If your children are old enough to carry a backpack, you should encourage them pack their own. They love having their own bag and it actually really helps keep things organized!

Here’s what to pack in them:

Comfort items (special blanket/stuffed animal)
Headphones
Snacks
Coloring books, crayons
Travel games
Books

FAQs:

Q: What are the best practices for packing liquids to prevent leaks?
A: To prevent leaks, secure liquid containers in leak-proof bags or wrap them with plastic wrap before sealing them with their caps. Place these in a separate, easily accessible compartment of your suitcase for quick checks at security or in case you need to re-pack them.

Q: How should we handle important documents like passports and tickets?
A: Keep all important documents in a secure and accessible travel wallet or document organizer. Consider having digital backups accessible on your phone or in an email, in case of loss or theft.

Q: Can you recommend a strategy for keeping electronics safe and organized?
A: Use padded compartments or a separate electronics organizer to protect your devices. Keep chargers, cables, and small electronics together to avoid tangling and damage. Consider bringing a portable power bank for charging on the go.

Q: What’s the best way to pack for unpredictable weather?
A: Layering is key for unpredictable weather. Include versatile pieces that can be easily added or removed. Waterproof jackets, breathable fabrics, and a compact umbrella should also be considered to adjust to sudden changes in weather.

Q: How can we ensure we have enough space for souvenirs?
A: Pack an expandable bag or leave space in your luggage for souvenirs. Alternatively, wear the bulkiest items on your return trip to free up space. Packing cubes can also help compress clothing to create extra room.

Q: What advice do you have for managing laundry during the trip?
A: Plan for laundry by packing a travel-sized detergent and a portable laundry bag. Research laundry facilities at your destination ahead of time, or consider using hotel services if available. Packing clothes that are easy to wash and quick to dry can also be helpful.

Q: Are there any tips for making airport security checks smoother with a family?
A: To ease airport security checks, pack electronics and liquids in easily accessible parts of your carry-on. Explain the process to children beforehand and have them wear easy-to-remove shoes. Consider enrolling in family-friendly security programs where available.

Did we leave anything off the list? What else do you bring on your family vacations? Tell us in the comments below!