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If you’re like us, you love the idea of exploring the world with your little ones. But the thought of packing and travelling with kids can be a bit daunting. Whether you’re travelling around the world, planning for a weekend away at the beach, or road-tripping with family, the key to a stress-free family trip is to pack light and travel light. Minimalist travels can essentially make or break a family vacation with kids.
Our family has been longtime advocates of packing light and travelling light. It’s this minimalist approach that has allowed our family to focus on our journey with the kids more than anything else. There has never been a time when I’ve regretted not bringing something. Instead, I always find myself using only half of what I’ve packed.
In this article, we’ll share 20 travel tips on how to pack light and travel light with kids on your next family trip and explain why less is more when it comes to travelling with a family.
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Table of Contents
Benefits to Pack Light and Travel Light with Kids
There are 3 main reasons why you want to pack light when travelling with kids:
Convenience. Time-Saving. Stress-Free.
Firstly, packing light reduces the physical strain of carrying heavy luggage. Travelling with kids requires enough energy and attention as it is, so eliminating the burden of heavy suitcases can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience. By packing light, you’ll feel more agile and flexible, allowing you to navigate crowded airports and busy streets with ease.
Secondly, travelling light saves time and eliminates unnecessary stress. When you have fewer items to pack, unpack, and keep track of, it becomes much easier to stay organised and focused. You won’t waste precious vacation time searching for lost toys or rummaging through a cluttered suitcase. Instead, you can spend more time enjoying quality moments with your family, exploring new places, and making lasting memories.
Additionally, packing light promotes a sense of freedom and spontaneity. Imagine being able to catch a last-minute flight without worrying about oversized bags or excessive baggage fees. Actually, this is the very reason that pushed our family from travelling around the world with hard-case luggage to minimalist travel with a backpack each.
By embracing minimalism, you’ll have the flexibility to seize opportunities and make impromptu plans without feeling weighed down by your belongings. This sense of freedom allows for a more authentic travel experience, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and create genuine connections with the people and places you encounter.
Life is so much easier when you have fewer options.
Skipping the queues at bag collection on arrival, getting into your hotel rooms quicker, spending less time picking what to wear, having less to organise and you get to places so much quicker. Little things like these will make your holiday much smoother and more enjoyable.
In our personal experiences, packing light has allowed us to be more flexible and spontaneous on our trips. We can easily hop on a bus or train, walk around a new city during transit, or even change our accommodation plans last minute without the burden of heavy luggage. Plus, it’s a great way to teach our kids about the value of simplicity and the importance of only carrying what we truly need. You’ll be surprised at just how little we need to be happy.
Overcoming Challenges to Pack Light with Kids
Travelling with kids can be a challenge, especially when it comes to packing. The thought of lugging around heavy suitcases, strollers, and car seats can make any parent feel overwhelmed. However, with the right mindset and some strategic planning, it is possible to overcome these challenges and enjoy a stress-free vacation with your little ones.
The Fear of Not Having Everything You Need
One of the biggest obstacles to light travel with kids is the fear of not having everything you need. As parents, we tend to overpack, thinking that we need to bring every possible item to keep our children happy and comfortable. But the truth is, most of the time, we end up not using half of the things we bring. By adopting a minimalist approach to pack light and travel light, we can eliminate unnecessary items and focus on the essentials, making our travel experience much more efficient and enjoyable.
Finding the Balance
Another challenge is finding the balance between packing light and still having everything we need for our children. It’s important to remember that kids are adaptable and can adjust to different environments.
Instead of packing their entire wardrobe, choose versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched. One pair of comfortable sneakers will do, or one pair of flip-flops for that tropical vacation will be enough. By prioritising the essentials and packing light, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without having to worry about excess luggage.
Kids’ Attachments
Kids often form strong attachments to their belongings and might resist the idea of leaving their favourite toys or clothes behind. They might not yet understand the concept of travelling and why they can’t bring everything they’re attached to.
In my experience, the key to overcoming these challenges is communication and involvement. We explain to our kids why we’re trying to pack light and involve them in the packing process. We also reassure them that they’ll still have plenty of fun on the trip, even without all their usual stuff.
The World as Their Playground
But here’s the beautiful part – once we’re out in the world exploring, we find that the world itself becomes their playground. With so many distractions and new things to discover, they soon forget about the toys they left at home.
For instance, a heart-shaped rock found on the beach can become a cherished treasure, a fallen branch can transform into a magical wand, and the great outdoors can turn into a giant playground for their imagination. They learn to create their own games within nature, using whatever they find around them.
The Rewards to Pack Light with Kids
In fact, some of the most memorable moments from our trips have come from these simple, spontaneous playtimes. Watching our kids invent a whole new game with just a few pebbles on a beach, or seeing the joy on their faces as they run around a park with a stick, has been more rewarding than any toy we could have packed.
So, while the idea of packing light might seem daunting at first, especially when travelling with kids, it’s worth the effort. Not only does it make our travels more enjoyable and less stressful, but it also opens up a world of creativity and imagination for our kids. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what travel is all about?
20 Packing Hacks: The Minimalist Approach to Pack Light & Travel Light
As parents, we’ve found that adopting a minimalist approach to packing and travelling has been a game-changer. It has transformed the vibes of our holidays entirely. Here are our top 20 rules to pack light and travel light when travelling with kids.
1. The ‘this or that’ rule.
The ‘this or that’ rule is a simple yet effective strategy we’ve adopted to simplify the packing process. Kids often struggle with decision-making when presented with too many options, leading to unnecessary meltdowns. To avoid this, we give our kids two options to choose from for each category of items. There’s no negotiation, no buts, and no fuss.
For example, when packing toys, we might ask our child, “Would you like to bring your teddy bear or your dolly?” This not only reduces the number of toys we need to pack but also makes our kids feel more involved in the packing process.
Another example, do you really need three different pairs of shoes for your child? Or can you get by with just one versatile pair that can be worn in various settings? By applying the ‘This or That’ rule, you can eliminate unnecessary items and make room for the essentials.
2. Limit Toys
When it comes to packing toys for your travels, less is definitely more.
Kids actually don’t need a lot of toys to keep them entertained while exploring new environments. In fact, we’ve found that our kids often become more interested in exploring their surroundings than playing with toys when we’re on holiday.
The key is to choose toys that are compact, versatile, and easy to manage. Here are some tips on the best types of toys to bring, based on our own experiences:
Avoid toys with many small parts: Toys like puzzles or building sets with hundreds of small, loose parts are easy to lose and hard to organise, especially when you’re on the move. Instead, opt for toys that are one piece or have fewer, larger parts. For example, a small set of larger building blocks can still provide plenty of creative play opportunities without the risk of losing small pieces.
Say no to noisy toys: Toys that make loud noises can be an annoyance in public places and might not be appreciated by fellow travellers or hotel guests. Instead, choose quiet toys like books, drawing pads, or soft toys.
By the way…
Did you know? We have our very own children’s picture book, written based on our real travel adventures.
Skip the large toys: Large toys can take up too much space in your luggage. Instead, look for smaller toys that offer big play value. A small doll or a compact board game can provide hours of entertainment without taking up much space.
Avoid battery-operated toys: Toys that require batteries can be a hassle on the road. You’ll need to pack extra batteries, and there’s always the risk that the toy will run out of power at an inconvenient time. Plus, battery-operated toys are often heavier. Opt for simple, manual toys instead.
Choose versatile toys: The best travel toys are those that can be used in a variety of ways. For example, a small pack of playdough can be used for sculpting, a stress reliever, or even a fidget toy.
Consider the toy’s material: Choose toys made from durable, easy-to-clean materials. Toys made from fabric or plush can get dirty easily and are harder to clean, especially when you’re on the road.
In our travels, we’ve found that the best toys are often the simplest ones.
During our 250-day journey around the world, our 2 & 5-year-olds’ favourite toys were the plastic ball-shaped cases of those blind capsule toys we bought them at a resort pool for just $2. They loved hiding random treasures inside the balls, using them as cups and bowls for bubble play in the bath, and even cupping them over their mouths to make funny noises. They became bowls for a collection of rocks, leaves, and all sorts of weird and wonderful things they found during our travels. Here are a couple of travel photos where they’re proudly showing off their beloved ‘cups’. It just goes to show, the best travel toys are often the simplest ones!
3. Pack Versatile Clothing & Only One Under Each Category
When it comes to packing clothes for your travels, a minimalist approach can make a world of difference. The key is to pack only one item under each category and choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched.
For each category of clothing – such as tops, bottoms, underwear, and outerwear – try to pack only one item. This not only reduces the amount of clothing you need to pack but also simplifies decision-making when getting dressed each day.
When choosing these items, focus on versatility. Opt for clothes that can be worn in different settings and can be layered to adjust to different weather conditions. For example, a pair of jeans can be dressed up or down, a T-shirt can be layered under a jumper or worn alone, and a light jacket can be worn over different outfits.
Instead of packing heavy coats or jumpers, pack layers. This allows you to adjust to different weather conditions without overpacking. For example, pack a short-sleeve tee, a fleece and a light water-resistant jacket that can be worn separately or together, depending on the weather.
Ladies, consider packing lightweight dresses for your summer vacations. They look good on camera and cover both your top and bottom with just one piece of clothing. Plus, they can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Another tip is to consider buying locally-made clothing or accessories from the markets in your destination. This not only supports the local economy but also gives you a unique memento from your trip.
Remember, the goal is to pack as light as possible while still ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. With a bit of planning and smart choices, you can pack light and still have plenty of options.
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4. Bring Clothes/Things That Are Near the End of Their Life
Another invaluable packing tip is to consider items that are nearing the end of their lifespan. These are things you wouldn’t mind leaving behind in a foreign country. This strategy not only frees up space in your luggage for souvenirs or new purchases, but it also promotes sustainability by ensuring that these items are used until they’re worn out.
For instance, do you have an old hat that’s been gathering dust in your wardrobe? Why not bring it along and leave it behind before returning home?
During our trip to Fiji, we packed old clothes and items that we were ready to part with. We used them throughout our trip, and upon learning that new clothes were hard to come by on the remote islands of Fiji, we donated them to the locals. They appreciated our generosity so much that it made us realise just how lucky we are to live in a country like Australia.
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Remember, the aim of packing light and travelling light extends beyond merely reducing the weight of your luggage. It’s about simplifying your travels, minimising waste, and potentially making a positive impact along the way. By adhering to these tips, you can travel light, have everything necessary for a comfortable and enjoyable trip, and perhaps even do some good deeds along the way.
5. Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save a lot of space in your suitcase. Plus, it helps prevent wrinkles! We’ve been using this method for years, and it’s amazing how much more you can fit into your suitcase when you roll your clothes.
6. Limit Shoes
Shoes can be one of the bulkiest items in your luggage, and it’s easy to overpack them. However, most of the time, you’ll find that you only wear one or two pairs during your trip.
Try to limit each family member to one pair of versatile shoes that can be worn in different settings, and perhaps an extra pair for specific activities like hiking or swimming.
Our motto for our journey around the world was ‘chasing sun, sun and simplicity in flip-flops‘, so we only brought a pair of Havaianas each. In hindsight, there were only a couple of instances where a pair of good hiking trainers would’ve come in handy, but we managed to hike those easy trails with kids in flip-flops regardless, including hiking down to the crater of Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This ‘pack light, travel light’ minimalist approach saved us a lot of space in our luggage. We picked up disposable slippers from hotels along the way, and most of the time, we didn’t need any more options than our pair of flip-flops.
7. Wear Your Bulky Clothes
One of the best ways to save space in your luggage is to wear your bulkiest clothes during transit. If you’re travelling to a cooler destination, wear your heaviest jumper or coat, and your bulkiest shoes. This can free up a significant amount of space in your suitcase.
If you’re like us and prefer chasing the sunshine, you might not have many bulky items to wear. In that case, bring a comfortable and light fleece jacket or bomber jacket for the occasional cold nights. Personally, I love these zip-up jackets.
8. Leave ‘Just in Case’ Items Behind
Avoid packing items ‘just in case’ you need them. More often than not, you won’t use these items and they’ll just take up valuable space. If you find that you really need something, you can usually buy or hire it in the local shops at your destination, maybe at a better price too.
How do you know if they’re the ‘just in case’ items?
What are the items that you had only used once or twice on previous trips? Those are the things you can leave behind when packing for your next holiday. Don’t overload yourself with bags when you need both hands (or more) for your kids.
For example, we needed snow gear for a week’s trip up the mountains of Ruapehu in New Zealand, but we’re a family of sun lovers and we usually choose tropical destinations. So we decided to hire thermal clothes, snow jackets and boots at a local shop.
9. Pack for a Week
No matter how long your trip is, try to pack enough clothes for a week. You can always do laundry on the road. Most hotels and resorts guesthouses offer laundry services, many holiday apartments include a washing machine and in many countries, you can find affordable local laundromats.
On our 250-day trip around the world, we packed a week’s worth of clothes for each family member, including underwear. We mostly hand-washed our summer clothes during our stays at hotels and resorts, and we prioritised choosing holiday apartments with a washing machine when the loads piled up.
10. Minimise Toiletries to the Essentials
When it comes to toiletries, it’s easy to overpack. However, by minimising your toiletries to the essentials, you can save a significant amount of space and weight in your luggage.
Start with the basics: a toothbrush and toothpaste. These are, really, the only essential items to pack in your toiletry bag.
Many hotels around the world provide complimentary toiletries like soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, shavers, and combs. Not only are these items compact and lightweight, but they also save you from having to pack your own.
We collected the unused items during our stays and brought just enough to get us by for the next two weeks. This not only saves us from having to pack these items ourselves, but it also reduces waste by ensuring that these items are used up.
We also swapped our toiletry bags for clear ziploc bags. These disposable bags are lighter, more compact, and also easier to replace when worn out. What prompted us to make this change was the hassles of taking everything out at security checks at the airport. Having our toiletries in clear ziploc bags made the process much easier.
By minimising your toiletries to the essentials, you can significantly reduce the weight of your luggage and make your travels more enjoyable. Remember, the goal is to pack light and travel light, and every little bit helps!
11. Digitise Everything
In the digital age, we have the luxury of carrying a world of entertainment and information in our pockets. By digitising everything possible, you can save a significant amount of space and weight in your luggage.
Entertainment: Instead of packing physical books, board games, or toys, consider digital alternatives. E-books, audiobooks, movies, and educational apps can provide hours of entertainment without taking up any physical space in your luggage.
During our 7.5-hour-long Glacier Express and 5-hour-long Bernina Express journeys from Switzerland to Italy, our tablet was our saving grace. It not only kept our children entertained but also saved us from packing a separate bag of books and toys.
Documents: Digitise your travel documents wherever possible. Most airlines now offer electronic boarding passes that can be stored on your phone. Similarly, you can store digital copies of your travel insurance, hotel bookings, and other important documents in your email or a cloud storage service. This not only saves paper but also ensures that you have access to all your important documents even if you lose your physical copies.
💡Insider Tip!
If you’re planning an extended family trip, digitise kids’ immunisation records, birth certificates, and all important documents. This will ensure you have them handy in case you need them while overseas.
During the trip, take photos of their doodles, drawings, and arts and crafts instead of letting the papers pile up. This will help you preserve their memories and keep your space tidy.
Last but not least, bring a portable hard drive to ensure you don’t run out of capacity on your devices. I had a devastating incident in Niagara Falls, Canada where I lost most of our photos there due to storage issues.
I hope these tips help you plan a successful and memorable trip!
Maps and Guides: Instead of carrying physical maps or guidebooks, use digital alternatives. There are many great travel apps that offer offline maps, travel guides, and local information. These can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to navigate a new city or find the best local restaurants.
By digitising everything, you can travel light without sacrificing the comforts and conveniences of home. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce your environmental impact and make your travels more sustainable.
12. Simplify Organisation: Bring Less to Organise
One common misconception about packing is that the more organisers you have, the better. However, this can often lead to overpacking and unnecessary complexity. Instead, consider this: the fewer items you bring, the less you’ll need to organise.
Rather than filling your suitcase with various organisers, such as packing cubes, folders, sacks and bags, opt for a simpler approach. All you really need is one large gadget bag like these for all miscellaneous loose items and a roll of ziploc bags. This minimalist approach not only saves space but also makes it easier to find what you need when you need it.
While it might seem like a good idea to have a separate bag or box for every category of items, ask yourself: how likely are you to maintain this level of organisation while travelling? And what happens when you need to quickly find something at the airport security check? The last thing you want is to be rummaging through multiple organisers looking for that razor that set off the X-ray machine when you have a plane to catch.
If you find that organisational bags are essential for your travel style, choose ones that are flexible and soft, without rigid corners or hard cases. These types of bags can adapt to the shape of your luggage and the other items you’re packing, making them much more space-efficient than rigid organisers. They’re also typically lighter, which can help keep the overall weight of your luggage down.
For instance, soft drawstring bags or zippered pouches can be great for organising clothes or keeping dirty laundry separate from clean items. Similarly, a soft cosmetic bag can keep all your toiletries together without taking up more space than necessary.
Remember, the goal is to maximise space and minimise weight, so choose your organisational tools wisely. The less rigid structure and extra weight you have, the more room you’ll have for the things that truly matter on your journey.
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13. Swap Your Suitcase for a Backpack
Consider swapping your suitcase for a backpack to avoid baggage fees. Backpacks are more versatile and can make travelling, especially with kids, much easier. They allow you to have your hands free, which is a huge advantage when you’re juggling luggage, tickets, and wriggly little ones. Plus, they’re easier to manoeuvre on uneven surfaces, stairs, or in crowded places.
Avoid Baggage Fees: Many airlines, like Ryanair, only allow one personal item for free. A backpack can often fit under the seat in front of you and be considered a personal item, whereas a carry-on suitcase would come at a cost. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially on budget airlines.
Skip the Queue: With a backpack, you can skip the queue at the airport luggage collection. This can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re travelling with tired kids during unfriendly flight hours. It also means you can start your holiday as soon as you land, without having to wait around for your luggage.
Ideal for Rail Travel: If you’re travelling in Europe where rail travel is common, a backpack can save you baggage storage fees during transits and allow you to explore the city at each stop. Instead of waiting at the train station, you can use those couple of hours to explore a new city.
Space-Saver on Crowded Trains: In top European destinations like Lake Como and Cinque Terre, trains can get crowded, and there’s often no room for large suitcases. A backpack is much easier to manage in these situations.
Navigate Cobblestone Streets: In places with cobblestone streets, like Sicily in Italy and Prague, a suitcase can be hard to lug around. A backpack, on the other hand, makes it much easier to navigate these charming but challenging streets.
So, for your next trip, consider swapping your suitcase for a backpack. It might just transform your travel experience!
14. Merge Your Bags: Who Says Each Person Needs Their Own Bag?
A common assumption when packing for a trip is that each person needs their own bag. However, this isn’t always the most efficient way to pack, especially when travelling as a family. Merging your bags can save space, make it easier to find what you need, and even help distribute the weight more evenly.
When we say we travelled the world on a backpack each, it wasn’t one backpack for each person. Instead, we organised our belongings by category and packed them into separate bags. For example, one backpack held my clothes and both of our kids’ clothes. Another was dedicated to tech and gadgets, while the third backpack was for our dry food and snacks. My husband carried his own backpack, of course.
This approach made it easier to find what we needed without having to rummage through multiple bags. It also allowed us to distribute the weight more evenly. For instance, the backpack with the clothes was lighter than the one with the tech and gadgets, which helped balance the load.
So, next time you’re packing for a trip, consider merging your bags. It might take a bit of planning and organisation, but the benefits are well worth it!
15. Choose Multi-Purpose Items to Travel Light
Items that serve multiple purposes can be a lifesaver when trying to pack light. By choosing multi-purpose items, you can reduce the number of items you need to pack and still have everything you need. Here are some examples:
Multi-Purpose Backpack: Invest in a high-quality backpack that can fulfil various roles. Ideally, it should have multiple pockets and compartments to cater to the diverse needs of a baby bag. For instance, an insulated compartment is perfect for keeping food and snacks at the right temperature, side pockets for wet wipes and a water bottle, while a padded pocket provides a safe space for your laptop.
A separate layer for extra clothes can also come in handy, transforming the backpack into a day bag. This multi-purpose approach ensures that you have everything you need in one convenient and organised place.
Having such a versatile backpack is one of the reasons we were able to stay organised while travelling without the need for additional organisational bags and cubes.
We bought ours from Temu, but you can also find quality travel backpacks like the one below on Amazon.
Travel Pillow Case: We mean the travel pillow case only! You can stuff it with clothes to use as a pillow during your flight without adding to your luggage weight. A genius hack! Just don’t mind the wrinkles.
Shop travel pillows on Amazon »
Laundry / Magnetic Clips: These small, lightweight accessories are incredibly versatile. Use them as food storage clips, hang items to dry, secure your bags to fixed objects, or even keep curtains closed in your accommodation.
Something like this is perfect.
Silicone Plates: Silicone plates are lightweight, unbreakable, and can be squished into any available space. They can be used for eating, as trays for small items and as a cutting board. Our kids even use them as toys!
Shop for silicone plate & bowl sets on Amazon »
Sarong: A sarong is one of the most versatile items you can pack. It can be used as a blanket on a chilly plane ride, a towel at the beach, a sunshade when it’s hot, or a cover-up when visiting religious sites. It can even serve as a picnic blanket or a makeshift bag!
Smartphone: A smartphone can replace many other items in your bag. It can be used as a camera, a map, a guidebook, an entertainment device, a flashlight, and even a mirror. With the right apps, it can also be your translator, currency converter, and travel planner.
Travel-size Laundry Detergent: Instead of packing a week’s worth of clothes, pack enough for a few days and a travel-size laundry detergent. You can wash your clothes in the sink or bathtub of your accommodation. This not only saves space in your luggage but also means you can pack your favourite outfits without worrying about running out of clean clothes.
Ziploc Bags: Ziploc bags can be used for storing toiletries, keeping electronics safe from water, organising small items, and even packing snacks for the day. They’re lightweight, take up minimal space, and can be reused throughout your trip.
16. Accessorise Wisely: Do You Really Need All That?
When packing for a trip, it’s easy to get carried away with accessories and beauty products. However, it’s important to consider what you really need and what you can leave behind.
A friend of mine wouldn’t dream of travelling without her entire collection of fashion accessories and her makeup bag. The bottles and brushes alone take up a carry-on suitcase. While I respect her way of travel, it’s not very practical when travelling with kids.
Unless you’re travelling for a special glamorous event, consider the time and effort required to use all these items. Would you have time to perfect your makeup each morning when there is so much to explore? And let’s be honest, who dresses up rushing to the airport or goes hiking in heels anyway?
It’s okay to have one or two going-out outfits and accessories, but don’t go overboard. Instead of packing a different accessory for each outfit, choose a few versatile pieces that can go with multiple outfits. A pair of classic earrings, a simple necklace, and a stylish scarf can add a touch of glamour to any outfit without taking up much space in your luggage.
As for makeup, consider a minimalist approach. A tinted moisturiser with SPF, a mascara, and a lip balm can keep you looking fresh and ready for your travel photos without the need for a full makeup kit.
Remember, travel is a time to embrace new experiences and step out of your comfort zone. Learn to be happy with yourself just the way you are. After all, the best accessory you can wear is your smile and the joy of exploring a new place!
17. Choose Collapsible Items
Investing in collapsible travel gear can really help you pack light and travel light. These items are designed to fold down or collapse when not in use, saving valuable space in your luggage. Here are some examples:
Collapsible Food Containers: These are great for packing snacks or meals for your kids. They collapse flat when empty, saving space in your bag. Plus, they’re reusable, making them a more eco-friendly option than disposable containers.
Collapsible Water Bottles: A collapsible water bottle can be flattened when it’s empty, taking up minimal space in your bag. It’s a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to buying bottled water during your travels.
Collapsible Bowls and Cups: These can be handy for meal times, especially if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation or going on a picnic. They take up very little space when collapsed.
Collapsible Tote Bags: A collapsible tote bag can be folded down into a small pouch when not in use. It’s handy for those unexpected shopping trips or when you need an extra bag for beach or day trips.
Collapsible Strollers: A one-piece collapsible stroller can be easily folded and stored when not in use. They’re typically lightweight and compact and some newer models even fold down small enough to be carried on as hand luggage on a plane.
Of course, a collapsible stroller may not be sturdy enough to serve your needs. Depending on the age of your children and the type of family vacations, find a compact stroller that has the right balance.
Collapsible Baby Gear: If you’re travelling with a baby, consider collapsible versions of baby gear like high chairs, cribs, or bathtubs. These items can fold down to a fraction of their size, making them much easier to pack.
Quite frankly, we adopted the approach that if our grandmothers could raise us without all of these fancy gear back in the day, we could too. So we never bought any extra baby gear when we were on the road.
18. Ditch the Photography Gear: Embrace Smartphone Travel Photography
Many families are passionate about capturing high-quality travel photos and videos, often bringing along an entire kit of camera gear – DSLR, GoPro, drone, and all the associated accessories like batteries, chargers, cables, tripods, housing, remotes, and cleaning solutions. While these tools can certainly help capture stunning images, they also add significant weight and complexity to your luggage. Unless you’re a professional travel photographer, you might want to consider a simpler, lighter alternative: your smartphone.
Modern smartphones, especially the latest models, are equipped with highly capable cameras that can rival the image quality of many DSLRs. I personally vouch for Google Pixel phones and have been using one myself for years. Most of my travel photos now come from my Google Pixel, and the quality is more than sufficient for web use and even some print applications.
You can find a detailed and comprehensive discussion on DSLR vs smartphone cameras in this article. We talked in-depth about whether the difference in quality is worth the hassle of carrying and managing a full camera kit, especially in the age of AI technology advancement.
Spoiler alert: for most travellers, especially those with kids, the convenience and weight savings of a smartphone far outweigh the marginal improvement in image quality offered by a DSLR.
So, before you pack that heavy DSLR and all its accessories for your next trip, consider whether your smartphone might be able to meet your photography needs. You might be surprised by how much lighter your luggage can be and how much easier your travels can become.
19. Be Mindful of Your Load: Emotional, Digital, Physical
When we talk about travelling light, it’s not just about the physical weight of your luggage. It’s also about the emotional and digital load you carry with you. Here are some tips to help you lighten all aspects of your load:
Digital Detox: Consider leaving your laptop and other unnecessary digital devices at home. Vacations are a great time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with your family and the world around you. If you must bring a device, consider a tablet or a smartphone that can serve multiple purposes.
Limit Souvenirs: While it’s tempting to bring back mementos from every place you visit, remember that these items can add a lot of weight to your luggage and clutter to your home.
Instead, consider collecting digital memories like photos or videos, or even better, experiences. For instance, instead of buying a trinket from a local market, why not try a cooking class and learn to make a local dish? This way, you’re bringing back a skill and memories that last a lifetime, without adding to your luggage.
If you’re the type of tourist that can’t leave the country without a souvenir, choose the ones that aren’t fragile (ceramic magnets) and bulky.
Pack Early: Don’t leave packing to the last minute. Packing early gives you time to think about what you really need and avoid overpacking. We usually start packing a week before our trip. This gives us plenty of time to make sure we have everything we need, and it also reduces the stress of last-minute packing.
Re-evaluate: After you’ve packed your bags, take a moment to re-evaluate. Is there anything you can leave behind? Can you make do with less? On our last trip, we realised we had packed too many clothes, so we removed a few items. It’s amazing how much you can reduce your load with a little bit of re-evaluation.
Use a Packing List: A packing list can help you stay organised and ensure you don’t overpack. We provide an interactive, comprehensive family packing list right here! It’s a great way to make sure we don’t forget anything important, and it also keeps us from packing unnecessary items.
The Ultimate Family Packing List
Crafted by a mother of 2 with a focus on minimalist travels, this family packing list is all you need for a stress-free packing experience.
Reconsider Your Reading Plans: We all have that favourite book we’ve been meaning to read and think, ‘This is the perfect time for some personal development’. However, in reality, vacations are often filled with activities, and downtime might be spent exploring or resting.
In-flight magazines and entertainment often provide ample distraction. Unless you’re travelling alone to a remote island, the chance of you having the free time to zone out into a book is pretty slim. If you’re bringing a tablet, consider downloading an eBook or audiobook. This way, you can still enjoy a good read without the extra weight or space a physical book requires.
My husband would carry the same book with him on every family trip, and he never made it past page 5. Heh.
Leave Valuables at Home: Travelling with expensive items can add unnecessary stress to your trip. The constant worry about losing or damaging your valuables can detract from the enjoyment of your travels.
That Chanel bag or diamond ring might be better off safe at home. Travelling low-key not only keeps potential thieves away but also allows you to focus on the experience rather than worrying about your belongings.
20. Embrace the Freedom of Travelling Light: Make Room for Adventures
Travelling light is about more than just reducing the physical weight of your luggage. It’s about freeing your mind from unnecessary worries, decluttering your thoughts, and making room for more meaningful experiences.
When you travel light, you’re not just carrying less in your suitcase; you’re also carrying less on your mind. You leave your stress behind, stay present with your family, and open yourself up to new experiences. Travel does wonders for our souls. It’s an opportunity to broaden your perspectives, set new goals, and truly immerse yourself in your surroundings.
So consider this: the reason why we pack light and travel light isn’t just about making our trips more manageable. It’s about enhancing our travel experiences, not sweating the small stuff and not burdening yourself with every possible item we might need. It’s about embracing the experience, the adventure, and the unexpected.
So, lighten up. Go anywhere and everywhere. Embrace the freedom that comes with travelling light and enjoy your adventure to the fullest. Remember, the most valuable thing you can bring back from your travels is the memories you make.
The Final Word on Minimalist Travel
Embracing a minimalist approach to packing and travelling can significantly enhance your travel experiences. When you pack light and travel light, you’re not just making your journey more comfortable and convenient, you’re also opening up space for spontaneity, adventure, and deeper connections with the places you visit and the people you meet. It’s about making travel less about the stuff you carry and more about the experiences you gather.
So, as you prepare for your next trip, remember to pack light, travel light, and let the joy of minimalist travel guide your way.
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