Travelling with Family Essentials
Quick answer: The travelling with family essentials are mix-and-match clothes, packing cubes, a few small toys, plenty of snacks, a compact umbrella stroller and a bag of convenience items such as wipes, zipper bags and a first-aid kit. You can’t lower fuel prices or get more room on a plane, but packing smart makes any family trip more fun and relaxing.
Whether you are going on a family road trip or flying the (un)friendly skies, the potential hassles of travelling with family are endless. You can’t make a fussy, bored toddler suddenly interested in the scenery either. What you can do is arm yourself with entertainment ideas, essential items and practical advice. Here is everything you’ll need.
Travelling with Family Essentials: Packing the Right Clothes
Babies and toddlers tend to go through more than one change of clothing a day. To minimise the number of items you carry, bring clothes that coordinate with several outfits. A blue T-shirt, for example, might pair with grey, black or navy bottoms, so if the trousers get soiled the top still matches another pair and you won’t need to change the whole outfit.
If you are travelling to a destination where you can easily buy these items, you can pack less and save quite a lot of luggage space.
As for your own clothes, you might want to travel in leggings, but every trip is a special occasion. Don’t forget to pack a few special maxi dresses and high heels if you feel comfortable wearing them. Minimalist packing isn’t always about basic clothes – it’s about wise choices you can enjoy.
Organising with Packing Cubes
When travelling with children, sorting clothing into sturdy yet lightweight canvas zipper bags removes the stress of constantly digging through your luggage. Packing cubes are one of the most useful travel accessories you can take on the road.
- Label every cube so each family member has separate cubes for tops, bottoms and so on.
- Keep a laundry cube – once you’re on the road, dirty clothes go into one designated cube.
Toys for Entertainment
Toys are one category where packing light makes a big difference. Your little ones will be in new environments where everything is different and interesting, so there’s no need to bring large, bulky toys. A few favourite smaller toys are more than enough to keep children entertained.
Toddlers can even pack their own backpack with things to occupy themselves during the flight or drive, such as crayons, colouring books or a tablet.
Snacks for the Road
Photo by Perfect Snacks on Unsplash
To avoid pricey concessions and airport vending machines, pack plenty of snacks in separate plastic containers. Good options include:
- Crackers
- Cheese
- Raisins and other dried fruit
If you are flying with a baby or toddler, you are generally allowed to bring breast milk, infant formula and juice in greater quantities than the usual liquids limit. You must, however, tell the security officer at the checkpoint that you are carrying them.
Rethink the Stroller
Bigger is not always better here. Unless you have a very small infant, a collapsible umbrella stroller may be the best option: it folds and unfolds very quickly and takes up very little luggage space.
Even toddlers may welcome a stroller, especially if you plan long excursions through a park or zoo during your trip.
Don’t Forget the Convenience Items
Small, cheap items often save the day when travelling with family. Make room for:
- Zipper bags or plastic grocery bags – for wet or soiled clothing, or for gathering small items such as crayons, snacks and hair accessories.
- Disposable wet wipes – for everything from changing nappies to wiping hands and faces or cleaning up spilt drinks.
- A small first-aid kit – including children’s pain relievers, bandages, antibacterial ointment and a thermometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important family travel essentials?
Mix-and-match clothes, packing cubes, a few small toys, snacks, a compact stroller, wet wipes, zipper bags and a small first-aid kit cover most family trips.
Can I bring baby formula and breast milk through airport security?
Yes, breast milk, infant formula and juice are usually allowed in greater quantities when flying with a baby or toddler, but you must tell the security officer at the checkpoint.
What kind of stroller is best for travelling?
Unless you have a very small infant, a collapsible umbrella stroller is often best because it folds quickly and takes up little space.
How many toys should I pack for a toddler?
Just a few favourite small toys. New surroundings keep children interested, so bulky toys aren’t needed.
Conclusion
When travelling with family, less truly is more. Use this list of essentials to give yourself and your family more freedom and a real chance to relax on your trip.
