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If you’re packing for a family vacation and are starting to feel overwhelmed by all the things you’ll need, I’m here to help!
We’ve created an easy-to-follow packing list for families so you can check everything off while packing.
Family travel checklist download
We are going on a week-long family trip to Mallorca on Sunday, so I wanted to share my family trip packing list. We are her family of 5 with her 3 children: George (7), Joseph (5), and Alba (2).
Since it’s an all-inclusive package trip, preparing for your trip should be relatively easy.
I’ve seen a lot of family holiday packing lists online that recommend packing everything plus the kitchen sink. But trust me, you don’t really have to go crazy.
It’s true that when my children were small, I carried a lot of luggage. If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, check out my ultimate baby and toddler holiday packing list. If you are traveling with small children, you will need a little more. But now that the kids are older, it’s nice to be able to ditch the baby bathtub, baby monitor, and endless list of baby gear and travel a little more light!
I like to categorize my holiday luggage into the following categories:
- baggage
- children’s clothing and accessories
- Family amenities
- my clothes and accessories
- My toiletries + hair and makeup
- Technology, gadgets and other items
Even after all these years of traveling, I still make a list every time I go on a trip, especially a list to pack for family trips!
This will prevent you from overpacking or panicking that you may have forgotten something.
I also found that many of these items can’t be packed until the day before I leave, so at least knowing what I need to pack makes me feel a little more organized!
I try to make my list at least a week in advance. This will allow you to buy everything you need.
I try to get my kids involved in packing as much as possible. To teach her how to pack and be responsible for her own belongings, so I don’t have to do everything, and to keep the kids busy for her hour!
If you need new clothes, give them your phone with the H&M app installed and ask them to add some to their shopping cart. Then narrow it down to a reasonable amount of new stuff!
Travel Hack Tip: If you need something new, save time and energy and order everything online at one big store.
Before this vacation, I ran 4 online shops in one night and they all shipped the next day. Buying accessories and bob here and there can sometimes feel messy and chaotic. And often you don’t realize how much you’ve used!
The online shops I often use on my days off are:
- H&M
- Amazon
- Artwork (for stationery and coloring books to entertain children on the plane)
- Morrisons (toiletries, medicine, sunscreen, plane snacks)
Let’s start with a family-friendly vacation checklist….
Don’t forget that you can download the family holiday packing list at the top and bottom of this post. We’ve also compiled all the items into a simple list at the bottom of the page in case you want to copy and paste the list into your own document or app.
What suitcases to use for a family holiday
I use the Antler Clifton 3-piece set. This is enough for my family of five.
I prefer a four-wheeled suitcase because it’s easy to push. One adult can push these three suitcases through the airport, and now he can collect the kids!
If you travel regularly, it’s worth investing in a good bag. A slightly cheaper option than the Antler set is the Z-Frame set. I’ve been using this for about 12 years, and it’s very durable. It looks a little worn out, but considering I used it a lot, it was a bargain!
Here is a beautiful new Clifton set waiting in my kitchen to go on vacation!
What hand luggage bags to use
When checking in, I like to keep my luggage simple, so everyone in my family carries small backpacks.
I use The Travel Hack Backpack. Easy-access external pockets make it easy to access electronics, liquids, water bottles, documents, and other things you always need to grab at the airport. Once it arrives, I will also use it as an everyday family bag.
The boys have Batman backpacks (a standard school style bag), Alba has this cute little backpack, and Sam has this one.
My ultimate family holiday packing list
Kids clothes
I write this packing list for my kids and encourage them to pack it themselves (need to double check the younger kids’ bags!!)
I ask them to pack their clothes in large packing cubes and I put their clothes together in one case. Packing cubes keep your belongings separate and your case neat and organized. This will help you organize your belongings not only when you arrive, but also when you return home.
- 1 x hat
- 1 x Sunglasses
- 1 x Goggles (I’m currently buying Zoggs in the right size; all other brands break in my experience)
- 1 x swim shorts
- 1 x Swim shorts and matching lash vest/all-in-one short swimsuit
- Daytime shorts x 5
- 10 t-shirts
- Smart shorts x 2
- Smart shirt x2
- sandals x 1 (My sons have Keen Newport H2 sandals. They love it because they can run, climb, play soccer, go in the ocean, and walk on the sand in them. I live in these sandals all summer.They last a long time, so every summer I plan to buy George a new pair, which he then passes on.For girls’ sandals, Bobux I like sandals. They are nice and last a long time)
- 1 x Jumper
- Pajamas x3
- 10 x pants
- 2 pairs of socks (I’ll probably wear trainers on the plane, but I’m unlikely to wear them while we’re away)
Family toiletries
When it comes to family amenities, I tend to buy everything new for my vacation and pack everything in my suitcase in advance. I don’t mind buying double what I have at home because I know all of these items will be used at some point.
I also don’t have to worry about buying a new toothbrush because I’m sure I’ll need one eventually, and I don’t have to worry about having to pack everyone’s toothbrushes the morning I leave.
If you use an electric toothbrush at home, consider purchasing a “holiday toothbrush” to keep in your travel laundry bag.
Speaking of which, if you travel often, it’s worth getting a special wash bag for family trips. You can put this in your suitcase when you get home and have plenty of items in there for your next vacation.
- Sunscreen cream (we use Nivea Factor 50 and the roll kids use on their faces)
- No more tears in my hair and body wash (can also be used as a shower gel)
- toothbrush
- tooth paste
- Calpol
- paracetamol
- hydration bag
- allergy relief
- insect repellent
- insect bite relief
- hair brush/comb
- hair styling agent
- Motion sickness prevention tablet
- plaster
- bobble/clip
Kids plane bags
- Water Bottle (I recently bought a Camelback Eddy+ Bottle and it’s great. I was tired of cheap bottles that break and spill!)
- Lunch boxes (I don’t plan on buying food at the airport due to the current issues with airports. I prefer Bento style bento boxes to keep things separate and avoid crushing sandwiches)
- Mini Cordial (I refill my water bottle at the fountain once I get through security, but the water at Manchester Airport tastes weird so I know they want to fill it with juice!)
- Snacks (avoid chocolate!)
- iPad
- Kindle Fire (Kindle Fires start from just £25, be sure to buy a bumper case for your child)
- Nintendo Switch (it’s also worth buying a Nintendo Switch travel case – it’s only £10 and you’ll be in trouble if it breaks!)
- kids headphones
- Headphone adapter for iPhone
- Busy Binder (more on this soon!)
- small toys like lego
Toddler plane bag
- Change of clothes
- Diapers
- wipe
- diaper bag
- Water bottle
- lunch box
- snack
- teddy
- busy binder
Toddler extras
Alba is 2 1/2 years old so I’m not too worried about packing everything and the kitchen sink.
- Stroller – Please use Babyzen Yoyo
- baggy snooze shades
- A light blanket (if you’re lucky enough to sleep in the stroller in the evening!)
- Diapers
- water play diaper
- wet tissue
- diaper cream
- swimming aids for pools
- Rabbit – don’t forget the comforter!!
All of my kids are wearing this Confidence Splash About Swim Vest and they love it
Extra holiday accessories
- Do I need a beach towel? (If so, I love Dock & Bay’s lightweight beach towels.)
- large beach mat
- swimming toys
- Pop-up beach tent?
- inflatable
- Plug adapter (I have a large USB worldwide adapter like this one because I have a lot of gadgets that charge via USB)
- Camera + charger + empty SD card
- mobile phone charger
- tablet charger
- Portable speaker?
- Travel steamer (easier than ironing! I have several cotton dresses that wrinkle!)
- Do I need to bring non-perishable food with me on my flight home?
My things for a family holiday
OK, this is clearly the most important section so my luggage needs a whole section dedicated to it!
My hand luggage
- passport
- wallet
- phone
- A fully charged portable charger external battery pack (Sam and I keep all our travel documents on our phones so we panic that the battery will die!)
- iPhone cable
- Water bottle (I tend to get headaches when I fly, so I fill it with water before I take off and drink it all before going through security.To make sure I’m hydrated before boarding the plane) is)
- paracetamol
- Headphones (I hope you have 10 minutes of peace! I use JBL Live Pro+ headphones)
- Kindle (I have a basic Kindle just for books so I don’t get distracted and my kids don’t want one!)
- wet tissue
- my lunch and snacks
- sunglasses
My suitcase
- Swimsuit x3
- 4 x beach dress
- Evening dress x5
- Shorts x 2
- 3 tops that are easy to wear during the day
- 1 x sun hat
- 10 x shorts
- 2 x strapless bra
- 1 x T-shirt bra
- 1 x pajamas
- 1 x large beach bag
- earrings
- necklace
You’ll notice that I haven’t packed any shoes. I have a pair of comfortable sandals (similar to Birkenstocks, but not the brand). I’m not going to bother packing any other shoes because I know I can wear these with everything.
I sometimes carry my running set and running shoes with me. Optimistically, you might go for a run or use the hotel gym. But I don’t really care this time because I never actually go there!
When it comes to my clothes, I mainly like to pack simple and light dresses. I love how one dress completes the entire look and is so easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. I also love that simple summer dresses never go out of style. I’ve been wearing simple slip dresses for about 8 years now, and I still look for the same one every summer!
My toiletries
- Face SPF (I use Beauty Pie Feather Light)
- Face wash (Beauty Pie Japan Fusion)
- Moisturizer (Japan Fusion)
- Wash Cloth – I like FaceHalo cloths (they look expensive but they are the only ones that really last for years)
- perfume – Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
- body lotion
- Hairbrush – Mini Tangle Teezer is perfect for the whole family
- Hair Straightener – Original GHD is perfect for crazy holiday hair!
- Leave your conditioner on (I use Wella Elements Conditioning Spray)
- bobble and clip
- Makeup bag – I don’t wear much makeup on holidays, so I only bring the basics
- Sanitary products – I use a menstrual cup and Wukka menstrual pants. I switched to tampons and pads for environmental reasons, but I don’t think I’ll ever go back because they’re so much better.
- Razor – Now that I’m using an IPL device, I rarely actually use a razor.
- Lip balm
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash/shower gel
To save space and weight, I move larger toiletries into smaller travel bottles. I also feel that travel bottles are safer and less likely to leak. Look for silicone bottles that are long-lasting and easy to squeeze everything out.
I have crazy curly, curly hair, so I tend to tie it back when I’m on vacation. Otherwise, you’ll end up looking like Monica from that episode of Friends in Barbados. I’ve accepted that me and holiday hair just don’t work out. And it actually makes packing a lot easier, since you don’t have to carry around curlers, hair dryers, styling sprays, etc. Spritz some conditioner, curl a few bangs with GHD, and you’re done.
Things to do the night before you leave
- Make sure you have your Covid pass on your phone
- make lunch for the family
- Prepare a simple breakfast that you can eat in your car
- Please double check the airport parking instructions or check your taxi
- Make sure you have fuel in your car if you drive
- Set your alarm!
- Double-check that you have travel insurance and your policy number
- Make sure all your devices are preloaded with movies, shows, games, music, books, magazines, and more
- Make sure all devices are fully charged
- water the houseplants
- Remove all perishable items and food from the refrigerator before returning home
- empty trash
- See if your neighbor will take out the trash can while you are away
- Unplug electronic devices
- Make sure all windows are closed
- Does anyone need a key to your house in an emergency?
- If your phone’s memory is full, delete some things to make room for new photos
- Charging watch?
Do you pack a family first aid kit?
Personally, I don’t carry a first aid kit. I bring bandaids, painkillers (Calpol for kids) and hydration bags, but that’s it. Since we are staying in a hotel, I believe that if we needed serious medical assistance, trained staff would be there to help. If you really need serious medical help, you’ll go to the hospital.
Do you pack a car seat for your kids?
If you are going on a self-catering trip with a villa and a rental car for the week, provide car seats for the children. When the kids were little, we all had bulky car seats and it was a bit of a pain because they were inconvenient to carry, but now that the kids are older, we can use the Trunki Boostapak portable seat, which is easy to carry can.
This holiday is a package holiday, so we will not be renting a car and will be using bus transportation. Children don’t need to sit in car seats on the bus, so they don’t carry car seats with them.
What pool toys do you take for your kids?
No holiday packing list is complete without some pool toys!
We recommend packing some pool toys. When kids see other kids in the pool with toys, they want them too. They usually cost twice as much in hotel gift shops!
If you don’t have any pool toys yet, this 29-piece pool toy set is perfect for you.
My kids love Zoggs dive sticks. One adult can sit poolside and throw it into the water, and the kids can dive in and retrieve it, providing hours of fun for the kids.
Another firm favorite is the bubble water gun, but obviously not everyone in the shared pool will like this so you have to be careful!
Inflatables are often not allowed in hotel pools, so we don’t bring them into hotels. But if you’re staying in a self-catering villa, pack as many inflatables as your luggage will allow! I bought some luggage from Primark many years ago and it lasted a really long time!
Baby specific FAQs
Do you take a baby carrier?
If you are traveling with a baby under 18 months, we highly recommend using a baby carrier. We used it all the time when our kids were little. It’s very convenient for getting on and off the plane because it leaves both hands free. It’s also great for walking in areas that are difficult with a stroller, and baby carriers have always been a surefire way to get the kids to sleep!
Do you take a travel cot?
No, I have never traveled with a travel bed. They are large, bulky, and heavy, so accommodations can always provide a cot.
Even if your child sleeps in a crib at home, if you plan on sleeping in your bed on holidays, I don’t think you need to worry too much. My kids have always accepted that holidays have different rules than at home and have returned to their cribs at home without issue. I made sure the bed was pressed against the wall and placed pillows, blankets, and cushions on the floor in case I fell off the bed.
Should I pack a baby monitor?
If your accommodation has multiple rooms, be sure to bring a baby monitor if you have a young baby who may cry.
You probably won’t need it if you’re in a regular hotel room with your baby, but if you have a villa, duplex, suite, or even a balcony or patio, it’s worth bringing. If it’s the type that plugs into the wall, don’t forget to get an extra plug adapter.
If you’re visiting a family resort, it’s worth bringing a baby monitor. Because you’re likely to hear other children far away, and it’s hard to relax when you hear phantom cries and don’t know if they’re real or not. Whether it’s your baby or someone else’s baby!
Should I pack a changing mat?
No, just use a towel and try your best not to make a mess!
Here is my ultimate family travel packing list of everything I pack for an all-inclusive family trip. We’ve put together a downloadable holiday checklist here. You can print it out and check it off when packing.
Packing for the holidays is one of those things that some people love but most hate. You feel confused and stressed and there is always a panic that you have forgotten something very important. That’s why I love making holiday packing lists and checking them off as I pack my cases.
Also, I like to use packing cubes. This allows you to clearly see where everything is and keep things organized. The funny thing is, I’m not very organized when I’m at home, but I love being organized when I’m packing for the holidays!
Download and print my holiday checklist here
Family travel checklist download
Easy to copy and paste holiday checklist
Below is a simplified list of the above items. You can copy and paste into your own documents or apps
Luggage
- 4 wheel suitcases such as the Antler Clifton set
- travel hack backpack
- kids backpack for airplanes
- packing cubes
Kids hand luggage
- water bottle
- lunch box
- mini cordial
- snack
- iPad
- kindle fire
- nintendo switch
- kids headphones
- Headphone adapter for iPhone
- Busy Binder (more on this soon!)
- small toys like lego
My hand luggage
- passport
- wallet
- phone
- Fully charged portable charger external battery pack
- iPhone cable
- Water bottle
- paracetamol
- headphones
- Kindle
- wet tissue
- my lunch and snacks
- sunglasses
- Travel documents and Covid passes downloaded to your mobile phone
Toddler plane bag
- Change of clothes
- Diapers
- wipe
- diaper bag
- Water bottle
- lunch box
- snack
- teddy
- busy binder
Family toiletries
- Sunscreen cream (we use Nivea Factor 50 and the roll kids use on their faces)
- No more tears in my hair and body wash (can also be used as a shower gel)
- toothbrush
- tooth paste
- Calpol
- paracetamol
- hydration bag
- allergy relief
- insect repellent
- insect bite relief
- hair brush/comb
- hair styling agent
- Motion sickness prevention tablet
- plaster
- bobble/clip
My toiletries
- Face SPF
- Facial wash
- moisturizer
- laundry cloth
- perfume
- body lotion
- hairbrush
- hair iron
- leave on conditioner
- bobble and clip
- makeup bag
- sanitary products
- razor
- Lip balm
- shampoo
- conditioner
- body wash/shower gel
Kids clothes
- 1 x hat
- 1 x Sunglasses
- 1 x goggles
- 1 x swim shorts
- 1 x Swim shorts and matching lash vest/all-in-one short swimsuit
- Daytime shorts x 5
- 10 t-shirts
- Smart shorts x 2
- Smart shirt x2
- 1 x sandals
- 1 x Jumper
- Pajamas x3
- 10 x pants
- Socks x 2
My suitcase
- Swimsuit x3
- 4 x beach dress
- Evening dress x5
- Shorts x 2
- 3 tops that are easy to wear during the day
- 1 x sun hat
- 10 x shorts
- 2 x strapless bra
- 1 x T-shirt bra
- 1 x pajamas
- 1 x large beach bag
- earrings
- necklace
Extra holiday accessories
- beach towel
- large beach mat
- swimming toys
- inflatable
- plug adapter
- Camera + charger + empty SD card
- mobile phone charger
- tablet charger
- portable speaker
- travel steamer
Toddler extras
- stroller
- Diapers
- wipe
- water play diaper
- diaper bag
- swimming aids
Things to do the night before you leave
- Make sure you have your Covid pass on your phone
- make lunch for the family
- Prepare a simple breakfast that you can eat in your car
- Please double check the airport parking instructions or check your taxi
- Make sure you have fuel in your car if you drive
- Set your alarm!
- Double-check that you have travel insurance and your policy number
- Make sure all your devices are preloaded with movies, shows, games, music, books, magazines, and more
- Make sure all devices are fully charged
- water the houseplants
- Remove all perishable items and food from the refrigerator before returning home
- empty trash
- See if your neighbor will take out the trash can while you are away
- Unplug electronic devices
- Make sure all windows are closed
- Does anyone need a key to your house in an emergency?
- If your phone’s memory is full, delete some things to make room for new photos
- Charging watch?