At Families Worldwide, we know full well that it's hard enough to pack for yourself, let alone the whole family! In order to stop you packing the kitchen sink, we've put together some handy tips and a basic packing essentials list to help your next family holiday be as stress-free as possible.
Table of Contents
- Holiday packing tips
- What to pack for family holidays in the sun
- What to pack for family holidays in the cold
- What not to pack for your holiday
- Luggage
- Family holiday packing list essentials
Holiday packing tips
- Travel documents - photograph your important documents, such as your passport and travel insurance policy, in case you lose your hard copies. Keep your digital copies on your phone, in the cloud, or send them to yourself via email.
- Check if you need plug adaptors - for many, plug adaptors are one of the most important items you shouldn't forget to pack! Also, don't let your family holiday be interrupted by incompatible plugs and no way to use your phone charger - check early what plug you need.
- Cultural sensitivities - be mindful of some of the countries you may visit on your family holiday, and their customs. For instance, in a Muslim country such as Egypt, women are expected to dress conservatively; we advise respectively to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and sit below the knee, and to pack a headscarf.
- Check with your holiday providers about facilities and inclusions - if your accommodation provides items such as beach towels or a hair dryer, you have the option to not pack these.
- Packing at the last minute - don't do it! - make a packing list, and tick off each item as you go. Pack at least a week in advance to allow time to purchase any missing (and necessary) items.
- First aid kit - a portable first aid kit is a recommended addition when creating your family holiday packing list, especially when kids are involved! You never know if you'll need to patch someone up.
- Roll your clothes - this can save space in your suitcase, and helps prevent creasing.
- Try packing cubes - using packing cubes keeps clothing organised and easy to locate during travels.
- No WiFi? No problem! Get a portable modem - these are great for accessing data in remote places, on long journeys, or anywhere that may not have WiFi available.
- Pack a warm layer - even if you're going to a warm country, pack at least one warm layer of clothes. Airports, flights and trains can all have powerful air-conditioning, and warm countries can get cold at night!
- Bring a light rain jacket - unless your family holiday is in a country with zero chance of rain, it's a good idea to pack light rain jackets. For colder climates, you'll need a more substantial jacket.
- Pack a spare set of essential clothes in your hand luggage - this is useful if your children have any accidents, and in case you lose your checked-in luggage along the journey. Pack clothes that you can wear to participate on the first activity day, and a clean set of underwear.
- Take a 'day' rucksack - pack one of these in your luggage to hold a water bottle, camera, sun cream, or anything else for each day of your holiday.
- Run a final family holiday checklist before you go - check everyone's items before travel to prevent last-minute chaos!
What to pack for family holidays in the sun?
If you're embarking to a warm destination, family beach holiday or a tropical country, you should consider these basics to pack:
- T-shirts
- Sun hats
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Sun glasses
- Rash vest
- Swimwear
- Swim nappies
- Flip flops (for family beach holidays or pool days)
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel fan
- Waterproof dry bag
- Beach towels (if the accommodation doesn't supply them, or you're doing water-based activities in the middle of the day)
- Water shoes - consider these if you're visiting a tropical country, as wet shoes are difficult to dry in these climates.
What to pack for family holidays in the cold?
On the opposite end of the family holiday scale when it comes to weather, consider these packing essentials for cold holidays:
- Thermal layers - long johns and long sleeve tops
- Thick wool socks, or equivalent
- Warm hat
- Mittens/gloves - mittens are better at keeping your hands warm!
- Windproof/waterproof and insulated jacket
- Windproof, insulated trousers - ski trousers are ideal
- Warm fleece
- Hand warmers
What not to pack for your holiday
If you're going on a winter holiday, don't pack your sandals!
We know it can be good to pack for any eventuality, but to save on weight and space in your luggage, we highly recommend you avoid packing anything unnecessary, especially extra items you won't use, or clothes you don't need.
Before going on your holiday, double-check your itinerary, consider the weather, and be itinerary-specific. Going on a trek? Bring appropriate walking boots. Going snorkelling? Pack snorkelling equipment if you have them.
By being itinerary-specific with your family holiday packing list, you can streamline your holiday essentials, and leave room for souvenirs!
Let's talk about luggage
Whilst you're already thinking about your holiday packing list, have you thought about your luggage?
Here are some tips when it comes to your suitcases:
- Check your luggage allowance - not only do you not want to pack unnecessary items and extra clothes, you also want to avoid paying for a heavier bag!
- Label your luggage - label both your checked-in bags and hand luggage with contact details to reduce the likelihood of losing luggage at the airport.
- Add a pop of colour - If your suitcase can blend in with any other bag on the conveyor belt, consider adding a ribbon or colourful luggage belt to help it stand out.
- Don't forget the padlocks - use combination locks rather than locks with keys on your next holiday abroad.
Your family holiday packing list essentials
Travel documents
- Passports (check the expiration date)
- Destination entry visas and transit visas (if needed)
- Vaccination certificates, if necessary
- Trip documents (booking confirmation etc.)
- Details of travel insurance policy
- Travel money
- List of known allergies or medical conditions for each family member
Small first aid kit
- Antiseptic wet wipes
- Adhesive bandage/plasters
- Blister plasters
- Pain killers
- Antihistamine
- Rehydration sachets
- Travel sickness medication/bands/patches
- Insect repellent
- Anti-itch cream for skin irritations or insect bites
- Antiseptic cream for wounds
- Antibacterial wipes
Toiletries bag
- Sun cream - factor 30 minimum
- Aloe vera gel (or alternative) for sun burn
- Shower gel or soap
- Shampoo
- Personal medication - take enough for the trip, plus spare
- Spare contact lenses/glasses cleaner
- Antibacterial hand sanitiser
- Deodorant
- Sanitary products
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
Electronics
- Universal plug adaptor (bring more than one!)
- Phone charger
- Camera
- Spare SD card for camera
- Camera charging equipment
- Portable modem
Family holidays with Families Worldwide
We want you to have a stress-free family adventure, and that includes your holiday packing! Our friendly and knowledgeable team are on hand to answer any holiday queries prior to your departure, including packing advice.
We can also offer a handy holiday checklist to help you ensure that you're packing the right clothes and accessories, and nothing you won't need!
Ready to take your children on an adventure of a lifetime? Check out our family holiday destinations today, or contact our expert team today.
