Introduction:
Traveling light has countless perks, especially when you’re traveling with kids. Before parenthood, I used to pack endless outfit combinations for every trip, filling the car with more than we ever needed. Those days are long gone. Now, we streamline our packing to make family travel easier, and it’s been a game changer!
Pack Only What You Need:
When packing for a family trip, we stick to the essentials. For a five-day trip, we pack only enough clothes for those five days. That means five tops and five bottoms (or the equivalent in dresses) per person. For adults, we often plan to re-wear bottoms like jeans or skirts at least twice. However, if your trip involves messy activities, you might want to bring extra clothing. Don’t forget to pack enough undergarments and weather-appropriate clothes. If it’s chilly, we tie jackets or sweaters onto our backpacks to save space in our luggage.
Swimwear Strategy:
When heading to the beach, we make sure to pack two or three swimsuits per person. It’s likely you’ll be swimming more than once a day, and no one enjoys putting on a wet swimsuit! Swimsuits are lightweight and don’t take up much room, making them easy to pack in multiples.
Simplify Your Shoe Choices:
Shoes can take up a lot of luggage space, so we’re mindful about what we pack. For relaxing beach trips, we stick to just flip-flops. For active trips that involve walking or hiking, we pack tennis shoes and slip a pair of flip-flops into the bag. Pro tip: Wear your bulkiest shoes while traveling to save space in your luggage. Also, if you plan to dine at fancy restaurants, account for that with your shoe and clothing choices.
Minimalist Toiletries:
Toiletries are where we really keep it simple. We bring only the basics: a hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. We use the shampoo and conditioner provided by hotels or Airbnbs. As someone who doesn’t wear makeup or use tons of skincare products, this minimalist approach works perfectly for us.
Benefits of Packing Light for Family Travel:
Being mindful of what you pack and avoiding the temptation to bring items “just in case” makes a big difference. On our most recent five-day trip, we managed to fit all our family’s clothes into just two carry-on bags. Personal items like electronics, chargers, and toys went into our backpacks, which fit perfectly under the airplane seats. Traveling through airports was hassle-free, and loading up the rental car was a breeze.
The Beauty of Simplified Travel:
Deciding what to wear each day becomes a no-brainer when you travel light. You simply choose from the limited options and get on with your day’s adventures. Trusting that you’ve packed exactly what you need—not more, not less—leads to a stress-free experience. Once you try packing light, you’ll never want to go back to overpacking!
Conclusion:
Packing light, especially when traveling with kids, is the key to a smoother, more enjoyable trip. By following these tips and being mindful of your packing choices, you can simplify your travel routine and focus on what really matters—making memories with your family!