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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.
But what does that even mean?
In case you missed our post shedding light on why packing light feels so hard with kids, be sure to check it out.
In this post, 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.
Let’s jump straight into it.
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.
When deciding on what items to bring, choose from only two options for each category of items.
There’s no negotiation, no buts, and no fuss.
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 during our trip around the world.
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.
Say no to noisy toys
Toys that make loud noises can be an annoyance in public places.
Instead, choose quiet toys like books, drawing pads, or soft toys.
Speaking of books, our very own picture book series may be a good travel companion!
Into Joah’s World (5-Book Series)
Joah and his best friend, Hoppy the cricket, are on an exciting quest to unlock the magic of the legendary map. Will you join them?
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
Battery-operated toys are often heavier and can be a hassle on the road.
You may need to pack extra batteries, and there’s always the risk that the toy will run out of power and trigger a meltdown.
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.
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 the 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
Pack only one item under each category – such as tops, bottoms, underwear, and outerwear – and choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched.
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.
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.
With a bit of planning and smart choices, you can pack light and still have plenty of options.
4. Bring Clothes/Things That Are Near the End of Their Life
Another valuable packing tip is to consider packing items that are nearing the end of their lifespan.
These are things you wouldn’t mind leaving behind in a foreign country.
This strategy frees up space in your luggage for souvenirs or new purchases as you travel.
During our trip to Fiji, we packed old clothes and items that we wouldn’t mind losing.
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 most of our clothes 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.
If this post has helped you, a cup of coffee is all it takes to make my day. Thanks a latte!
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.
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.
We only brought a pair of Havaianas each for the 250 days we were travelling, so there were no shoes in our backpacks.
In hindsight, there were a couple of instances where a pair of good hiking trainers would’ve come in handy, but we managed to hike the easy trails with kids in flip-flops.
We even walked down to the crater of Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in flip flops. 😂
We even 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 even have many bulky items to pack.
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.
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.
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 instead.
9. Pack for a Week
No matter how long your trip is, try to pack enough clothes for just a week.
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.
10. Minimise Toiletries to the Essentials
Minimising your toiletries down to the essentials 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.
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 already, made the process much easier.
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, like e-books, audiobooks, movies, and educational apps.
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.
Documents
Digitise wherever possible ensures you have access to all your important documents overseas, even if you lose your physical copies.
You can also find things much quicker by using the search feature and keep things organised.
These may include:
- Travel documents
- Travel plans
- Identification documents other than your passport
- Immunisation records
During the trip, take photos of documents, travel brochures, your children’s drawings or arts and crafts to avoid collecting papers along the way.
Last but not least, bring a portable, quality hard drive to ensure you don’t run out of capacity on your devices.
If you need a 2-1 SD card readers for your camera, drone or any other gadgets, don’t forget to bring one too.
I had a devastating incident in Niagara Falls, Canada where I lost most of our photos there due to storage issues.
12. 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 one of 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.
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.
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13. Swap Your Suitcase for a Backpack
Swapping your suitcase for a backpack comes with so many perks:
- Avoid baggage fees
- Skip the queue at the airport baggage collection
- Low risk of losing your backpack
- Have your hands free
- Easier to get around on uneven streets and stairs
- Space-saver in crowded places
- Save on baggage storage fees
So, for your next trip, consider swapping your suitcase for a backpack. It might just transform your travel experience!
14. Merge Your Bags
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:
- Bag #1: My clothes and both of our kids’ clothes.
- Bag #2: Tech and gadgets
- Bag #3: Food, water and snacks
- Bag #4: 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.
15. Choose Multi-Purpose Items
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:
- A high-quality backpack with multiple pockets and compartments
- A travel pillow case where you can stuff it with clothes to use as a pillow during your flight.
- Small laundry / magnetic clips for food storage clips or hang items to dry.
- Silicone plates for snacking, as trays or even use them as toys for kids.
- A sarong can be used as a towel at the beach, a sunshade when it’s hot, a cover-up when visiting religious sites, or even a makeshift pouch.
- Ziploc bags can be used for almost all the small, loose items.
16. Accessorise Wisely
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.
If this post has helped you, a cup of coffee is all it takes to make my day. Thanks a latte!
Unless you’re travelling for a special glamorous event, consider the time and effort required to use all these items.
Ask yourself: Would you have time to perfect your makeup each morning when you have a jam-packed itinerary?
It’s okay to have one or two going-out outfits and accessories, but don’t go overboard.
A pair of classic earrings and a simple necklace can add a touch of glamour to any outfit without taking up much space in your luggage.
As for makeup, 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.
P.S. You can post-beautify yourself with a click of a button on most photo apps now. No one will know!
17. Choose Collapsible Items
Investing in collapsible travel gear can really help you pack light and travel light.
Here are some ideas:
- Collapsible food containers
- Collapsible cups
- Collapsible strollers
- Collapsible baby gear
- Foldable duffel bags
18. Ditch the Photography Gear
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 to your suitcase and to your body.
Unless you’re a professional travel photographer, you might want to consider a simpler, lighter alternative: your smartphone.
I personally like the photo quality from Google Pixel phones and have been using one myself for years.
You can find our detailed discussion on DSLR vs smartphone cameras in the post below, where we talked about whether it’s worth carrying a full camera kit in the age of AI.
19. Be Mindful of Your Load
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.
Digital Detox
Vacations are a great time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with your family and the world around you. So consider leaving unnecessary digital devices at home.
Limit Souvenirs
Souvenirs can add a lot of weight to your luggage and clutter to your home, so consider collecting digital memories like photos or videos, or even better, experiences.
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?
Use a Packing List
A packing list can help you stay organised and ensure you don’t overpack.
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
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.
In reality, vacations are often filled with activities, and downtime might be spent exploring or resting.
A happy medium may be downloading an eBook or audiobook on your device.
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.
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
Travelling light is about freeing your mind from unnecessary worries, decluttering your thoughts, and making room for meaningful 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, lighten up.
Embrace the freedom that comes with travelling light and remember, the most valuable thing you can bring back from your travels is the memories you make.
Last Notes
To sum it up, there are 3 main reasons why you want to pack light when travelling with kids:
- Convenience
- Time-Saving
- Stress-Free
In our personal experiences, packing light has allowed us to be more flexible and spontaneous on our trips.
Life is so much easier when you have less on your shoulders.
Besides, 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.
We hope this post has sparked an idea or two for your next trip, and you’ll feel a lot lighter – physically and mentally – on your next adventure.
If you’re still finding it impossible to pack light with kids, take a moment to read this post.
Happy travels!
∞ Kida
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∞ Kida