When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money

                                                                                       ~ Susan Heller

Once the initial euphoria of anticipating a holiday subsides comes the overwhelming idea of packing. But it needn’t be so. Earlier when we started travelling, apart from packing, unpacking after our holiday too was an ordeal for me! It not only made me reminiscent of the fun times we had but it also made me realize how terribly over-packed I was. Years of travelling later, I have somehow mastered (learned the hard way!) the art packing Light and Right. But I still tend to miss the boat when it comes to my kid sometimes. Packing for a laid back trip can be daunting especially when you are a novice traveller, travelling with kids or even a seasoned traveller. So to you help you with your packing woes, we bring you our Ultimate Family Travel Packing List – The LaidBack Way. This practical guide will make your packing effortless and fun and make you travel like a pro.

The Ultimate Family Travel Packing List & The Best Tips for Packing – The LaidBack Way

Packing light means ditching items that you think you might need and packing stuff you will really need. A famous Spanish saying goes by “On a long journey even a straw weighs heavy”. Travelling light has many advantages but at the same time you do not want to under-pack risking not being prepared. On the other hand, over-packing may cost you a fat extra baggage fees and you risk exhibiting your stuff at the baggage check-in counter too. Moreover, travelling light and right also helps you sashay around effortlessly stylishly. (This is what travelling is all about, ain’t it?).

Click here to see the ultimate family travel packing list, which is editable. You can choose to save or print it and customize it by editing as per your specific requirements.

Related read:    Earn travel benefits and perks with the right travel credit card. Compare travel credit cards.

Packing Strategy

1. Make a List and Keep it

Sit Peacefully and Day Dream! Just imagine what all you will doing on your holiday. Think of all the activities and events you have planned. Now visualize the stuff you need while doing those activities. Note them down (paper/ phone). This list must include everything – clothing, accessories, toiletries, money/cards, electronics, medication and documents. Out of these what things actually go into the bag; we’ll get to that later but right now the list should be comprehensive.

Pro Tip: Make sure to keep this list and strike off the items you didn’t use on your holiday. Keep amending this list with every trip. Over a period of time this list will be your Holy Grail of travel packing.

2. Check your baggage size and weight limits

Most airlines have a strict baggage size and weight policy. Read up before; measure and weigh your baggage so that they fit in the allowed dimensions. This will help in saving enormous amounts of money on extra luggage and also prevent unnecessary stress of rearranging your things on the baggage check in counter. I always use a Digital Luggage Scale like the one below to weigh my luggage.

3. Selecting the Luggage

This is the most important part. here are some pointers that I follow

(i) Size

Pick a Medium size suitcase. Bigger the bag, more are the chances of over packing. Always go for a lightweight bag with wheels as it is so much easier to drag along in case you are in a hurry.

(ii) Baggage with Wheels

Carry on Luggage make a lot of sense when you are travelling along. But with kids, fitting everything in a backpack is a job easier said than done. Plus you need to have a number of things handy so this is where a American Tourister Skittle Nxt comes into picture.

This is the best carry on luggage for kids. Its spacious enough to hold all the kid essentials- including items that will keep them busy while you get your  much needed breather. The biggest advantage is that it also adds up as a seat for tired tots, which comes in handy while waiting in long queues.

(iii) Choose a light weight Hard Sides / Shell Suitcases

These sturdy suitcases can also save you from unexpected rains and spillage. The hard shell also protects luggage from tear and rough handling. Moreover, in these times of corona-virus they are also easier to clean and sanitize. The best part is that they can keep your electronics safe from damage.

(iv) Carry on Bag for Kids

When travelling with kids you need to be prepared for any situation. So you need to carry extra clothing, diapers, wipes, sanitizers, snacks, medication… the list is never ending. A carry on bag especially packed for the kids will keep things handy. Make sure you also pack stuff that will keep the kids entertained.

(v) A foldable Shoulder Bag

This bag should be foldable and waterproof. You can dump it in your suitcase and use it when you go sightseeing or to the beach. It always comes handy to stuff kids stuff. It can also double up as an extra bag to get your souvenirs back home.

(vi) Lock ’em Up

I prefer to play it safe than be sorry later. Baggage theft is not so uncommon occurrence at airports and hotels. To maintain your peace of mind always lock your luggage. If your suitcase doesn’t have an in-built lock, you can always get a TSA approved lock that is tamper proof and difficult to break. Make sure you get one for your carry on luggage too.

(vii) Mark Your Bag

I always breathe easy when I spot my luggage on the conveyor belt much before it reaches me. The trick is to buy uncommon colors or else you can also decorate your luggage as I do. A splash of colored ribbon tied to the handle or the child’s favourite cartoon sticker does the trick for me.

4. Pack in advance

This is one tip that is very essential for travelling light. Take your own sweet time to plan and pack your items so that you don’t end up over packing. If you are stressed on time chances are that you will end up packing unnecessary stuff in a rush. Or may even end up missing on essential items.

5. Get the Ball Rolling

Roll not fold is the golden rule. T-shirts, shirts, dresses, jeans, kids wear, socks and everything else. Just roll them and see how you you are left with room for more. The heavier items like jeans can be placed at the corners and lighter items in the center. The best part is you can see all the items of clothing without rummaging through the folded stacks.

6. Pack heavy items at the base

Heavy items go at the base of the suitcase and lighter ones come at the top. This rule works for suitcases as well as for backpacks. This helps the baggage stay stable. Always pack the item the you will be wearing first right at the top. You will spare the efforts of digging up the entire luggage.

7. Pack travel friendly Outfits

Some blends like linen are more prone to wrinkles so its better to leave them at home. When on a holiday you do not want to be wasting precious time ironing your clothes when you can be busy exploring. Wrinkle free clothing are also light weight. But if you cannot do without ironing then you can also carry a Travel Iron as it may not be a standard fixture in all hotels, although some hotels do provide it on request.

8. Packing Cubes

This one is my favorite. Packing cubes are a blessing when you are packing for a kid or if you are sharing a suitcase. The packing cubes make the items well organised and conveniently stored. It makes unpacking at the hotel a breeze. Moreover they can be used for segmenting dirty clothing too. They also keep the wrinkles away from garments. We have recently started experimenting with activity based packing in each cube and it seems to be working.

9. Tick off the items that you can buy at the destination

Many hotels provide basic toiletries like hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste so no need to pack these unless you are picky about the brands. Moreover there are drug stores where you can pick up them up any time.

10. Keep essential medication and expensive items on your person

Always carry basic medication when travelling with kids. You never know when you need them. Keep them in your carry on bag (in permissible limits and with prescription of course). The golden rule is to leave expensive / irreplaceable items and jewelry at home itself. But in case you must carry them ensure that they are with you at all times. Please do not put them in the check-in baggage. You run the risk of baggage delay, loss and theft. Meanwhile, currency, cards, electronics, passports and other valuable documents all stay on your person.

11. Toiletries

If you cannot do without your particular brand, ensure that you carry all the toiletries in travel size portions. I prefer to fill kids toiletries in travel size containers. The size depends on the number of days you will be staying. In case of liquids ensure they are packed separately in a water proof bag like these. One bag easily fits toiletries and make up for our family of three. Also, ditch the trimmer and its accessories and go back to space saving razors.

12. Comfortable, Multipurpose shoes

Holiday pictures are all about flaunting yourself on Instagram, but it is not advisable to over-stuff your luggage with different types of shoes. Lightweight comfortable walking shoes are a must and the other pairs depend on the type of destination.

13. Double Check the List

Double check everything on the list. Documents and reservations especially. This will avoid an unnecessary stressful situation later on.

Packing List

“He Who Would Travel Happily

Must Travel Light” 

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

1. Clothes

(i) Pack according to the Weather

Before even opening your closet first see the weather forecast of the place you are visiting. Pick out outfits accordingly. You do not want to be in a middle of a downpour without an umbrella.

(ii) Duration of the Holiday

Check the number of days / nights you will be out and decide the number of outfits depending on that. Whether you will be repeating the clothes also needs to be factored in.

(iii) Keep a Check on any special events or activities

If you are to attend a formal event do not forget to carry formal shoes along with the dressy outfit. Also if you have already decided on some holiday activity like scuba diving pack accordingly.

(iv) Mix n Match

Mix n Match your outfits to create a different look. It also reduces the packing load. I like to carry neutral colored bottoms and match them with colorful tops.

(v) Accessorize

A chunky necklace, belt or scarf can instantly add zing to any outfit and make it look completely different. This trick works well if you want to repeat your outfits.

(vi) Slim and Lightweight

Jackets, jumpers, shoes better be slim and lightweight. The bulkier ones can stay back home. Pack thin fleece hoodies that thick woolen cardigans. In case you cannot do without your heavy jacket, better wear it on person that put it in the luggage.

(vii) Always carry a Stole

The versatile stole has many uses. Apart from doubling up as a warm wrap for the kids but it can also be used as a trow over your dress or as a sarong.

2. Shoes

As a personal rule, three pairs of shoes are more than enough for any type of holiday. A comfortable pair of walking shoes / sneakers, a pair of flip flops / flats and a formal shoe. Next come the specialty shoes that cover the activity you have planned such as hiking shoes, water shoes, athletic shoes, cycling shoes etc. If you are planning a trekking holiday then replace the dressy shoe with trekking shoes. The bulkier shoe will be used for travelling. Quality of the footwear (shoes and socks both) is important to avoid painful blisters on your holiday. My kid is always prone to shoe bites so I always make sure that her shoes are worn in. As we do a lot of walking around on our holidays footwear is one category where comfort matters the most.

While packing shoes the tip I follow is to stuff socks inside them and always pack them in shower caps to avoid staining the clothes.

3. Electronics

(i) Travel Adapters

A Universal Travel Adapter is the first item I put in my electronics bag. It is a pre-requisite for travelling to any place.

(ii) Chargers

Phone, laptops, camera, tooth brush all these chargers come next in the list. Always make sure to charge everything full before you leave your house. I always carry extra batteries for my camera. Power bank is also essential these days. Make sure to bind the cables together, to avoid detangling the mess later.

(iii) Cameras

Its better to segregate the DSLR and the GoPro in different bags. Each with its own accessories. This keeps it organised ans easy to locate. However I prefer travelling with my HERO8 Holiday Bundle Pack.

(iv) Fire TV Stick

Hotel rooms have limited TV entertainment options and if your are not familiar with the local language then your choices are further limited. This is where you must pack a Fire TV Stick to maximize the value out of your hotel room. It will also keep the kids busy and help you stay sane.

(v) Hard Drives

Hard Drives come in handy when you keep taking loads of pictures everyday and want to keep them organised. Make sure to pick a sleek light weight option. My personal Favorite is WD My Passport SSD External Drive. Its sleek, lightweight and so easy to fit in any pouch.

(vi) Kids Entertainment

 I-pad or kindle whatever the kid uses keep them well charged and available. They are a blessing when hit with unplanned blocks and delays. Keep them well stocked with new content. We have an I pad Mini and it works for us. Since my kid is fond of drawing. I always keep handy a compact sketch book and colors.

4. Travel Documents

Do not forget your passport, visa, foreign currency, credit cards, debit cards, sim cards, Forex cards, tickets and hotel reservations. Always keep a photo copy of your passport, visa and travel insurance for safety in your checked-in. If you are wondering which Card is best suited for you, check out My 5 Best Travel Credit Cards for 2020 in India.

5. Travel Insurance

Earlier like many others I too didn’t care much about Travel Insurance. But it is a good idea to get insured in today’s scenario. It is always advisable to read the terms and condition and also the cancellation policy before buying an insurance. This will be helpful if you have to cancel your travelling plans at the last minute. Also, do check the travel insurance offers available on your credit cards.

Related Read: Everything you need to know about Travel Insurance

6. First Aid Box

Last but definitely not the least, a must have for kids and adults both is a compact Travel First Aid Kit for small emergencies. Things could get tricky in an unknown land, so this item might come handy when needed.

7. Snacks

Hunger in kids can strike anytime! Even within minutes of leaving the house. Plus if you have a pick eater then this part comes comes before anything else in the list. Always carry snacks. Everytime! Everywhere! Fast food is an easier option but will make the kid lethargic. We prefer healthier options like nuts and whole grain home baked cakes. But the best solution I have is to buy local fruits and use them as munchies.

8. Toys and Games

Unsuspecting roadblocks, long transit can make anyone grumpy, leave alone a kid. Moreover new places can be a little unsettling for a kid. Having some toy they love makes them feel secure. My kid always travels with her favorite doll. More than often its lying in her carry on bag but just the knowledge that its there makes her happy.

9. Baby Specific Items

Travelling with kids does get easier as they get old. Additionally the items to pack for them also reduce. But travelling with a baby has its own perks and it will be perfect if you have all your baby specific items with you. So carry diapers, diapers and more diapers! Make sure you carry travel size toiletries that suit your baby. Experimenting in a new place is not always good. Also, do not forget to carry change of clothes in your carry on luggage. For your baby and for you too!

10. Ponchos

When expecting rain at your destination I prefer to carry ponchos than umbrellas. The ponchos are fold-able, light weight, take up considerably less space, easy to wear and dries up easily.

11. Bio Degradable Garbage Bags

These always come in handy. Put soiled used clothes or shoes in these bags to keep your clean clothes segregated. My kid is a beach bum and never misses a last chance to go to the beach. This is wear the bags come in handy to pack the wet swimwear.

12. Reusable Water Bottle

Many airports do let you carry filled bottles so always keep a reusable water bottle handy to fill at the available water filling stations. This is one tip we learned the hard way. I prefer the Eureka Forbes Aquaguard Personal Purifier Bottle so that filtered water is always available to us wherever we go.

13. Sanitizers, Wet wipes and the works

Maintaining basic hygiene is a big worry while travelling with kids. That makes Disinfectant Wet Wipes, Hand Sanitizers and Surface Sanitizers indispensable. When no proper restrooms are available, especially during long hours of road travel I recommend Pee Safe Toilet Seat Sanitizer Spray to keep our small brats with smaller bladders infection free.

14. Books

Being a laidback traveller we do get a lot of free time to catch up with our reading while travelling. Trust me there is nothing better in this world than to curl up on a lounge chair with a good read in a resort, basking in the awesome view of the mighty mountains or a serene seaside. But we do prefer eBooks while travelling due to the space and weight constrains. I have my personal favorite list of books to read while travelling here at My Top 10 Books to Read when Travelling. My lil one is also an avid reader and you can check out her Book Reviews on  her favorite books here.

15. Download a Travel App

A language translator apps works like a blessing when travelling to a country where you are not familiar with the language. Similarly, maps are equally important to avoid being lost in a new place.

Before You Leave for your Holiday

Packing is a art that is only mastered with time. These tips will keep definitely help make your packing easier. But there are some points to be followed before you leave the house.

• Switch off all the electrical appliances and switch modes
• Close all the taps and faucets
• Make necessary provisions for your pets (if any)
• Water the plants and can use any hack so that they stay hydrated
• Inform your bank about your travel so that you can use your credit cards without any issue
• Check the refrigerator items and discard items which might go bad
• Throw out the thrash
• Double check the locks on doors and windows
• Request friends to keep a tab on your house
• Enjoy your holiday!