Lydia Colman is the number one fan of pleasure traveling and living an adventurous life. Last year, she traveled around Europe for nine months, visiting England, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Portugal. England, in particular, holds a special place in her heart, as she loved every part of that experience. Prior to her travels, Lydia left behind a successful career as an interior designer to pursue her passion for adventure and self-discovery. Now, she hopes to inspire others by sharing her journey. Here she tells us her expert tips on traveling light with kids and minimising luggage on your next family vacation.
Planning a family vacation is exciting, but when it comes to packing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Traveling with kids often means packing extra clothes, toys, snacks, and essentials to keep everyone comfortable and happy. However, with a few clever packing strategies, you can travel light with kids and still have everything you need for a memorable trip. Here’s how to master the art of family packing and traveling light with kids, so you can focus on making memories—not managing bags.
Plan Ahead and Prioritize Essentials
If you want to travel light you need to plan strategically. Make a packing list of absolute must-have items and avoid the temptation to bring “just in case” extras. When possible, plan to pack only enough clothing for half the trip and do laundry along the way. Think of the items your family can’t do without, like medications, comfort items for the kids, and essential toiletries. By streamlining what’s necessary, you’ll free up space for the real essentials.
Tip:
Invest in compact, travel-friendly items, such as collapsible water bottles, travel-sized toiletries, and lightweight clothing that’s easy to layer. These small items save precious luggage space and make your travel experience smoother.
Opt for Multi-Use Items to Maximize Packing Space
Choosing items that serve multiple purposes is one of the best packing tricks out there. Look for travel gear that can do double (or triple) duty:
- Convertible clothing: Pack reversible shirts or dresses, lightweight jackets that work as rain gear, and scarves that can be used as blankets, shawls, or even beach towels.
- Multi-functional gadgets: Consider packing a lightweight tablet that can double as an entertainment hub for the kids, replacing the need to carry multiple books or games.
- Stroller with storage: A stroller that comes with a spacious storage basket underneath is invaluable. It keeps your hands free and gives you easy access to essentials while on the go.
Kid-Specific Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation
Packing for children requires some extra thought, but these hacks can help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary items.
Create “Kid Kits” for Each Child
A “Kid Kit” is a small bag filled with items tailored to each child’s needs, like a few snacks, a water bottle, coloring books, and a small toy. By having everything in one place, you reduce the need for separate bags and keep children entertained on the journey. Plus, if you’re flying, these kits can double as carry-ons, reducing the number of bags you need to manage.
Limit Toys and Gadgets
While it’s tempting to pack a variety of toys to keep kids entertained, the truth is that most kids love exploring new places and need fewer toys than you might expect. Limit each child to one or two favorite items, like a plush toy or tablet, which will help lighten your load.
Pack Outfits in Sets
To simplify dressing and avoid overpacking, try packing outfits together in sets for each day. This way, you don’t end up with extra clothing, and kids can easily find their outfit for the day. Packing cubes or resealable plastic bags are perfect for keeping outfits separate, organized, and easily accessible.
Keep Toiletries Simple and Light
Toiletries can take up a surprising amount of space, but many family vacation essentials are easy to find at your destination, especially if you’re traveling within the same country. Instead of packing large bottles, consider transferring items into travel-sized containers.
Many hotels and rentals provide shampoo, soap, and even lotion. But if you prefer bringing some comforts from home, limit it to just enough for the first few days. You can always buy more if needed, and this trick saves you a lot of space from the start.
Tip:
Don’t forget to travel with your favorite perfume in a mini spray bottle. It’s a small luxury that can make you feel refreshed and at home, even in unfamiliar places.
Invest in Compression Bags for Clothes
Compression bags are game-changers when it comes to packing efficiently, especially if you’re bringing bulky clothing like sweaters or jackets. These bags work by squeezing out excess air, allowing you to pack more into a smaller space. Simply roll or fold the clothes, seal the bag, and remove the air using the bag’s valve system. This method is also helpful for keeping clothes organized and wrinkle-free.
Compression bags come in various sizes, so consider smaller ones for kids’ items and larger ones for adult clothes. Just remember not to overfill your suitcase; while compression bags help, they can make a suitcase heavier if you’re not careful.
Choose Lightweight Luggage to Reduce Weight
Lightweight luggage can make a big difference, especially when you’re traveling with kids and might have to carry extra bags. Look for suitcases or duffel bags made of lightweight materials, such as polycarbonate or soft nylon. These types of luggage not only reduce weight but are also durable and easier to maneuver.
For carry-ons, consider a large, lightweight backpack or tote with compartments to organize essentials. Having a hands-free option can be a lifesaver when you need to keep up with kids, check in at the airport, or carry items without constantly juggling bags.
Pack Only What You Truly Need
A minimalist mindset can make a big difference in packing light. Many items—especially things like extra snacks, diapers, or even children’s medications—are available at most destinations. By only bringing what you need to get started, you reduce the weight of your luggage and make room for things you can’t find everywhere, like special dietary items or unique comfort objects for the kids.
- Medications: Always bring enough for the entire trip if your child has special medication needs, but limit the rest to what you’ll use for the first day or two.
- Baby Supplies: If you’re traveling to a location with readily available baby supplies, bring only enough for the journey itself, knowing you can replenish when you arrive.
Create a Family Packing Checklist
A packing checklist might sound basic, but it’s one of the best ways to avoid overpacking. Creating a simple checklist not only helps you stay organized but also prevents you from packing duplicates or unnecessary extras. Start by writing down each person’s essentials, then review the list to see if anything can be left out. For example, limit each family member to two pairs of shoes or consider sharing certain items, like toiletries or charging cables. Download our Kid & Coe Family Vacation Packing List.
To travel light with kids might feel challenging, but with the right hacks, it’s entirely possible. By prioritizing essentials, investing in multi-use items, and staying organized with tools like compression bags, you can streamline your packing process without feeling overwhelmed. Keeping things light and simple also means you can focus more on the joy of the journey and less on managing excess baggage. Here’s to a fun, family-friendly adventure with just the right amount of packing!