Vacation Ideas

Basic Vacation Packing List For Family And New Hacks 2023

By Familywave Team Published on Mar 26, 2024

All the families were ready for the trip with their luggage in their hands
Source : cnbc

Vacation packing list for family should be made before traveling to avoid cramming at the last minute. Items like clothing, medicines, snacks and other accessories must be included in every luggage.

While packing for a trip, one runs the risk of either packing too much or forgetting an important item. No matter how long or short your holiday is, packing plays a vital role in it. 

You can turn packing into a streamlined activity that helps you enjoy your vacation with your loved ones by making a plan and getting to know about packing tips and ideas.

Family Vacation Packing List

The vacation packing list for family should be analyzed properly while packing the goods. Traveling with kids is quite difficult and there are lots of responsibilities.

You should think and make up your mind on many things such as the type of weather, clothes required for different occasions and so on. These things play a vital role in deciding what you need to pack.

So, for your ease here we have the list of the basic things you should pack while traveling with your family. 

Clothing

The first thing family vacation checklist includes is packing clothes for each of the family members. While packing clothes you need to focus on their choice and preferences, and at the same time, you should also give priority to the weather.

Clothes being packed for the trip
Source : istockphoto

Some of the lists of the clothes are:

1. Undergarments

2. Socks

3. Bottoms include pants, jumpsuits, jeans, skirts, and so on.

4. Bathing Suits

5. Jackets, Sweater or hoodies

6. Belts/Ties/Scarves

7. One Formal outfit for each member

8. Swimsuits 

Toiletries

Even though you will live in hotels and will have special arrangements for your vacations it is important to pack your own toiletries. The brand of the product you use would not be available in the hotels.

The best way to pack travel toiletries
Source : pinterest

Some list of toiletries you should pack for your family vacation are:

9. Shampoo and Conditioner

10. Soaps

11. Body Lotion

12. Perfumes

13. Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

14. Facial Cleanser

15. Cosmetics Items

16. Shaving Cream and Razor

17. Feminine Hygiene Products

Shoes

You may want to pack different types of shoes for your family as per the location and the activities that you have planned to perform in that place. Going to the beach and hiking requires different shoes. Focusing on the style you should also focus on the comfort and durability of the shoes.

Some shoes you may prefer to pack for your family are:

18. Casual Shoes

19. Heels or Dress Shoes

20. Boots for Hiking

21. Swimming Shoes

22. Winter Boots

23. Sandals

Personal Items

For making your traveling smooth and easy going you need to pack some essential items that will help you in your work. Meanwhile, you should also pack the non-essential goods as well to make you and your loved ones entertained.

So, thinking of that here we have a list of essential as well as non-essential items you would prefer while packing the bags.

24. Laptops

25. Chargers of all electronics

26. Cameras

27. Mobile phones

28. Headphones

29. Toys

30. Journals or Books

31. Coloring Books for kids

32. Playing Cards

All the personal things are packed in the luggage
Source : nytimes

Outdoor Protective Accessories

It is essential to pack outdoor protective accessories even if your family plans to stay indoors. All the members should be prepared enough for all the weather to protect their skin while they are enjoying outdoor activities.

Some of the items are:

33. Sunglasses

34. Hats

35. Sunscreen

36. Umbrellas/Raincoats

37. Water Bottles

38. Insect Repellent

Medical Equipment

While traveling with family you should carry out the medical equipment together. You can buy a pre-packed first aid kit or create your own as per your family's needs. Making your own kit you need to pack medical necessities which will help you in emergencies and also pack the medicine that your family uses on a regular basis.

The bag full of travel first aid kit
Source : hopkinsmedicine

Some of the items to be included in the kit are:

39. Bandages

40. Gauze Pads

41. Hand Sanitizer

42. Dettol

43. Thermometer

44. Insurance Cards

45. Disposable Gloves

46. Anti-itching Cream

47. Sanitary Pads for ladies

Products of Toddlers

When traveling with babies it is important to pack their specific needs which include the items you require while feeding them, and entertaining and keeping them busy in the trip.

The packed suitcase of Toddlers
Source : youtube

Some of the basic items are:

48. Baby Toys

50. Blankets

51. Wipes

52. Baby Carriers

53. Diapers

54. Diapers Ointment

55. Extra Clothes

56. Baby Food, their favorite Snacks

57. Child-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush

58. Nursing Equipment

59. Strollers

60. Sippy Cups

Food

When traveling with families you need to pack the extra food as they prefer to have it from time to time. Having food while traveling is the next level of happiness. You should focus on the taste and preferences of your loved ones while choosing the correct food.

The perfect way to pack the dried and packed products
Source : rei

Some list of packed food is:

61. Chips

62. Gums

63. Peanuts

64. Energy Chews

65. Pretzels

66. Crackers and many more.

Packing Hacks and Tricks

Different types of family travel hack and tricks should be applied for a safe, hassle-free, and organized vacation. Choose the best hacks for your trip as the little things make a big difference.

A man packing his suitcase for the trip
Source : travelandleisure

So, for your comfort, we have gathered some packing hacks for vacation. Hope you will enjoy and apply this one on your next vacation.

  • First of all, you should create a list of packed goods for all the family members. You can also write down the number of outfits needed for each one. 
  • Make a Plan by checking the weather.
  • Bring a foldable souvenir.
  • For each kid provide one small carry-on bag.
  • Pack days in advance which avoids burdening at the last minute.
  • Use a mini pouch to store airplane essentials such as chargers, earbuds, eye masks, and so on.
  • Use clear packing cubes as this will be easier for you while unpacking goods.
  • While packing clothes tightly fold and roll shirts and jeans. Make sure that you put the larger goods in the bottom as you can squeeze smaller items on the sides of the luggage.
  • You may use a vacuum seal for the clothes like jackets, and others to shrink their sizes in your bag.

The Best Packing Cubes For Travel

Packing cubes are durable, hold more, and tend to fit more naturally in most luggage than in something like a plastic zipper bag. They are also more environmentally friendly.

The benefit of packing in cubes is that it helps limit how much you can take with you. You can provide a certain amount of cubic inches for all the members to put their stuff to that limit. They also subdivide your packing space, organized items, compress the large items into the smaller space, and provide easy storage space.

There are varieties of packing cubes available in the market and many online stores and the list of some of them are:

Adults Packing Cubes

  • Shacke Packing Cubes
  • Calpak Packing Cube Set
  • Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes
  • Peak Design Packing Cube
  • Bagail Ultralight Packing Cubes

The best packing cubes for adults in four different colors
Source : nytimes

Kids Packing Cubes

  • Itzy Ritzy Packing Cubes
  • Osprey UL Packing Cube Set
  • Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
  • Fairy Girl Pink Floral Butterfly Cubes
  • Happy Halloween Cute Witch Cubes

Tips for Purchasing Packing Cubes

  1. Compare the purchased one with your regular packing cubes.
  2. Consider the type of luggage you use.
  3. Go through the sets that include multiple sizes.