Packing for a family holiday can be a difficult thing to get right, especially if it’s the first time you’re doing it. Forgetting something could be a minor hiccup, or it could be a massive problem, depending on what it is you’ve forgotten.
You can never be too well prepared, so doing a little research into what other families take is a great place to start. You will find countless family bloggers out there who will be more than happy to share their experiences of this travel drama, to help you get it right the first time.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are eight of the best packing lists from family bloggers, many of which have printable lists for you to tick things off as you go.
Travel Mamas
This colourful and helpful site is great for all aspects of family travel, but you will find sample lists on here for many different situations, all broken down into useful, and easy to read pages. You’ll find a packing list for babies and toddlers, one for school age kids, what to take on a road trip, and a list for what to take on the plane when you’re travelling with babies and toddlers.
Where’s Sharon
This particular family went on a long trip to South East Asia, and they made a few packing mistakes, as they admit on the site; the great thing about that is the fact they tell you their mistakes packing-wise, and how they have learnt from it, giving you a first-hand account on what not to do. They are due to head off on a 10 weeks’ long trip to the USA and Caribbean, and tell you exactly what they’re going to take, so you can gleam some valuable advice.
Trips with Tykes
Here you will find plenty of information on family travel, as well as comprehensive advice and information on every type of trip you might be about to take. You’ll find sample lists, including the ‘just in case’ items which everyone needs to think about, literally, just in case.
Real Simple
A sample cheat sheet is a great idea to print off and then tick off items as you pack, striking off those you don’t need, and adding anything else you think of. This particular site splits it down into categories, including accessories, health, entertainment, clothes etc.
Mums Net
We know that when you travel with children you have to think outside the box, and you have more things to take. On this particular site you will find lists for different types of travel, because different trips mean different things to remember; you’ll find lists for ski holidays, what to take on a flight, beach holidays, and camping holidays.
Minitime
The great thing about this Tempat Wisata di Solo site is that it is very well organized, which is exactly what you need when you are trying to find information like this. You’ll see a list of different types of trips, which means you can simply identify the trip you want, preview it and print it – it’s easy! You’ll find carry-on lists for ages 4-7, lists for kids ages 8+, toiletries to bring, what to bring for babies and toddlers, as well as different types of vacations, such as cruises.
Family Vacation Critic
This site allows you to create a personalised packing checklist, including a baby and toddler carry on list, what to take for entertainment, important necessities, personal items, hygiene, what to have in a first aid kit, and much more. Breaking it down into areas allows you to focus much more easily.
Travel with kids, About.com
This is another useful site with sample packing lists, but it also gives you advice on how to pack everything you have on that list, how to save space, and how to have certain things close to hand – interesting and useful advice!
