Our Packing List for Family Travel Around the World
In the months leading up to our travels, I read A LOT of “How to Pack for Long Term Travel” blog posts. I complied all of the lists, put together our master list, and then… packed way to much! What? How is that possible? Every blog post warned me, “don’t overpack” and “you need so much less than you think”. Well, I’m pretty sure that overpacking was my answer to the anxiety that filled me about what the year would bring.
We donated and trashed handfuls of items throughout the first months of our travels, but for the most part, we used the majority of what we carried around the world.
Today, I’m going to share a few of our packing principles and, of course, our family’s entire packing list for our year around the world.
Do you want even more details about packing for family travel? My book How to Travel the World: Long Term Travel Planning covers everything from how to build your packing strategy to choosing your bag count and type of luggage to a list of our favorite packing essentials.
We set out to travel around the world with the bag count of:
3 Wheeled Suitcases (one hard sided, two soft)
1 Backpack-Style Luggage
3 Small Backpacks
1 “Snack Bag” - an IKEA market-style bag that we used for everything (our go-to airplane bag, beach bag, grocery shopping bag)
1 Purse
That’s it! And we did that count “3 rolling, 4 backpacks, snack bag, and purse” after every flight, getting off of the subway, leaving a hotel room. It’s not too much, it could be less. In the end, it worked for us!
PACKING PRINCIPLES
A few of our packing principles that helped us get into the right headspace when packing for a year of travel with kids.
1. CARRY ONS ONLY - There is no rule that I believe in more than Carry Ons Only. We may have overpacked, but we overpacked in carry ons. Carry Ons only means that we can fit into any taxi and (almost) easily carry our bags up and down subway stairs. We can also save money by not checking bags on most flights.
2. EVERY OUNCE COUNTS - Many hikers of the famous Pacific Crest Trail stick to the motto “every ounce counts”. My sister hiked the Pacific Crest Trail a couple of years ago and taught me this phrase and style of packing. Bringing this ruthless attention to living minimally on the road will bring so many benefits to your journey.
3. A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE - This principle has saved my sanity while I packed and unpacked and in our everyday life on the road! I always strived to achieve this organization principle at home, but simply had too much stuff to make it happen. (Did I mention that my nickname growing up was “pack rat”? I didn't? I’m trying to erase it from my history.) I’ve never been so diligent about routinely cleaning out my purse and being strict about where to pack items than when we traveled long term. It brings me sanity and saves me time and headspace. Find a practical place for each item and stick to it.
OUR FAMILY’S YEAR LONG TRAVEL PACKING LIST
Adult Clothes
Shirts (7)
Shorts (3)
Pants / Leggings (2)
Dresses (2)
Socks (3)
Shoes (2) - Tevas and running shoes with great tread.
Sandals (1)
Bathing Suits (3)
Rash Guards (1)
Hats (2)
Underwear (8)
Pajamas (1)
Sweaters/Sweatshirts (2)
Rain Jackets (1)
Down Jacket (1, purchased on our travels)
Kid’s Clothes
Shirts (7)
Shorts (5)
Pants / Leggings (3-5)
Dresses (4)
Socks (5)
Shoes (2)
Sandals (1)
Bathing Suits (3)
Rash Guards (2)
Hats (1)
Underwear (10, extra is best!)
Pajamas (4)
Sweatshirts (2)
Rain Jackets (1)
Down Jacket (1, purchased on our travels)
Toiletries
Toiletry Bag - a hanging one is a must!
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash
Face Wash, Moisturizer, Sunscreen
Toothbrushes, Toothbrush Cover, Toothpaste, Floss
Contacts, Contact Solution, Contact Case, Glasses
Hairbrush, hair ties, Dry Shampoo, Curling Iron
Nail clippers, nail polish, and remover
Makeup, Razors, Deodorant
Tampons, Diva Cup, Thinks Underwear (haven’t heard of these? Look them up!)
Q Tip, Round Pads
Kids’ Toys/School Supplies
(A detailed list of our kids favorite travel toys, electronics, and other items can be found here.)
Favorite stuffed animals or blankets
Pencil Bag - Crayons, Pencils, Pens, Scissors
School Books
Legos (so many legos!)
Magnet building toys
Little dolls/figurines
Deck of Cards
Electronics
Laptop & Charger
iPad & Charger
iPhones & Charger
AirPods & Headphones (and an adapter with the old school connection to go into the airplane jack)
Adapter Outlet (Bestek converters are the best!)
USB Sticks
Batteries (for any battery dependent devices)
Documents
Passport
Document Copies
International Driving Permit
Passport Photos
Immunization Book
Extra Cash
Medicine
Adult pain reliever
Heartburn
Anti-diarrhea
Kid pain reliever
Kid cough tablets
Dramamine
Thermometer
Melatonin
Benadryl
Ciprofloxacin (traveler’s diarrhea)
Azithromycin (traveler’s diarrhea for kids)
Amoxicillin
Oral rehydration solution
Benadryl itch cream
First Aid Kit -Bandaids, Cut Cleaner, Tweezers
Travel items
Eye masks, earplugs
Sunglasses
Snacks
Emergency toilet paper
Pool Float & Goggles
Headlamp (handsfree)
Sewing kit, Safety Pins
Bubblebum (travel booster seat)
IKEA Market Bag
Wet Bag (for bathing suits or keeping your stuff dry on boats)
Hand sanitizer, Wet Ones, Face/Body Wipes
Tide to go, Travel Hand Washing Laundry Detergent
Chapstick
Carabiner Clips
Deck of Cards
Is anything on your packing list that didn’t make mine? Do you have a travel must-have that you won’t go anywhere without?
