Best Packing Tips for Traveling with Kids
I distinctly remember packing for a cross-country trip with six kids ages 16 and down for a wish we had with Kid’s Wish Network for my daughter Hannah. We would be flying Southwest Airlines from Columbus, Ohio, to LAX. Packing for kids for a week-long trip is challenging but then flying into LAX on top of it gave me a little bit of angst. My anxiety had me envisioning those moms, and we’ve all seen them dragging strollers, screaming kids and luggage through the terminal. I just knew I was going to look like that. So I set on a mission to streamline my packing. I knew I couldn’t control the moment my kids would melt down into a screaming mess, BUT I could control the packing monster.
These are my five tried and true pack tips for traveling with kids.
Clothes: Pack Only What You Need +1
Packing clothes for kids is like a math problem gone wrong. Johnny needs X amount of clothes for the trip, but then Johnny gets sick; how many clothes will Johnny need?
The trick is to count the days you will be gone, from the day you leave to the day you return, and then pack that many clothes, plus one day more. If you’re gone for four days, pack for 5. For example, five shirts, five pants and five undies, and then the extras like one jacket, one ball cap, etc.
Clear a counter or a table and layout the piles for the child, and get a visual of the needed clothes.
HINT: Make a check-off list as you go and then save it in Google Docs for the next time you are traveling.
Pro Tip: Never pack for more than a week
Packing Kids Clothes
Pro tip: get a good suitcase
I’ve watched so many YouTube video’s on how to pack efficiently, and everyone has great ideas and ways; however, if you don’t have a good suitcase, no matter how you pack, it’s going to be difficult. I’ll share my suitcase preference, but you’ll have to find one that works well for you.
My favorite is the Eddie Bauer Expedition Drop-Bottom Rolling Duffel – Large size. These suitcases are lightweight and highly durable. Something I really dislike in the airport is when I stop to help a child, and I need to let go of the suitcase’s handle. What happens? BOOM, the darn thing falls over, the handle slams onto the floor, and the noise echos through the terminal. This suitcase has you covered; its design allows the bag to stand securely on its own, whether empty or fully loaded.
So, whether you roll your clothes, pack like Marie Kondo, or by folding clothes normally, a good solid suitcase will make this step easier.
How to Pack Toiletries and Medication
The challenges of the dreaded toiletries! Who needs what? What sizes are allowed in carry-ons? This step is always the hardest for me. I have chronically ill children, and I have always had a box for medical needs that has to come, NO MATTER WHAT, it has to fit somewhere. I have girls, which means we need hairspray, hair bows, and make-up. Boys = deodorant. The list goes on and on.
KEY: Mom’s suitcase has all the toiletries, and create a master list. (if you don’t read any further, this concept is a must)
Toiletries: Make your master list first, print a copy, and save it in Google Docs.
Find a flat surface where you can gather the needed items and pack them into the toiletries bag. Tick them off one by one; before you know it, you have everything you’ll need. ONLY PACK WHAT YOU NEED! After you’re done, this bag gets packed into the mom’s suitcase.
If you know where you are staying, call ahead to see what they provide. For example, most hotels have hair dryers and soap. Leaving these items behind can save room in your suitcase.
Medication: Get a gallon zip lock bag or Medication organizer for this step. Gather all your family’s needed medicines and put them into this bag. NEVER….ever…pack this into your checked luggage. Prescribed medications should always be with you in your carry-on. Did I mention NEVER check your prescriptions into checked baggage!
Pro tip: Toiletries go into mom’s suitcase
Travel Backpacks for Kids
This is a LIFESAVER for family travel. All the kids have their own backpacks for air or car trips. My rule has been that if it fits in your backpack, it can go, and if it doesn’t fit, it has to stay home. Easy enough, right? However, it’s hard when the favorite stuffed animal was won at the Ring Toss game at the fair.
Creative bribery is absolutely essential when helping the kids pack these bags. This is their backpack, and I really want them to own what they are bringing. It makes them feel part of the process and teaches reasoning skills.
What is in a travel backpack?
All kinds of things can be in this pack. Favorite toys, coloring book and crayons, snacks, and a book, just to name a few items.
On longer trips, I will buy a few surprises for the kids, and every so often, they can open the backpack and take out a gift-wrapped treat. These are usually colored pencils, a favorite goodie to eat, or a travel game.
Pro tip: Make sure the backpack fits the child well
5) Relax!
Pro tip: Sip your favorite beverage as you pack
Seriously, packing can stress you out, so try to relax. You’ve made your lists, you’ve checked them twice, don’t get too crazy with the worry of, “What if I forget something?” So what if you do forget something! There is always a nearby Wal-Mart and Amazon Prime, and often hotels will have that similar item on hand for you. You’ll survive for a minute without that forgotten object until you can find a replacement.
Travel can be stressful, so make lists, pack light and enjoy the journey!
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
Brandy has been married for 27 years, is a mom of 8 children, and has five grandchildren. She has traveled thousands of miles with these kids in tow. Feel free to send her a message with any travel questions or tips you might have.
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