If you’re looking for an ultimate travel packing list, you’ve come to the right place. Scroll down to read my tips on how you can pack for summer with your family. Plus, some other ultimate packing travel list for other occasions or trips as well.
This Ultimate Travel Packing List was written by Disneyland travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with your summer travel plans? Could you use some family travel hacks? Would you like an ultimate travel packing list for families with children?
Family travel can be stressful. Whether you are flying overseas or doing a mini road trip close to home, there are many things to think about. Over the years, I’ve figured out a few ways to make it easier on myself. For me, planning is key. I like to feel organized and prepared. Here are my top summer travel tips for moms:
Do KonMari on Your Home (or at least your closet)
If you haven’t heard about KonMari, it’s a method of organizing your home by purging anything you don’t need (or like) and finding a place for everything. We tried it last fall, and it’s made our lives so much easier.
The first step of KonMari is to pile up all your clothes from your entire house. That means go through your closet, the laundry room, the coat closet, your car, seasonal clothing packed away, anything in your donation pile, etc.
Then, you pick up each item of clothing and decide if you really love it or if you are ready to let it go. There is no maybe pile.
When my husband and I did this, we ended up with 17 bags of clothes, shoes, and accessories to donate. I could finally see what was in my closet. It’s made packing so much easier to know what I have and what I need.
Plus, I’m very careful when I shop, only purchasing items that I truly love and know I’ll wear.
If you’re able to fully do KonMari at home, you’ll see that packing takes much less time when you actually know where everything is located.
You won’t have to run around your home looking for charging cables, camera equipment, noise-canceling headphones, your favorite travel bag, travel-sized items, etc. Instead, you can go to the one spot with everything you need.
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Clean Out Your Car
If you are heading on a road trip, this is a no-brainer. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your car, and you’ll want it to feel as nice as possible.
Our cars tend to accumulate toys, preschool artwork, and snack wrappers, so it’s a good idea to escort them out of your vehicle. We also like to get our cars washed before/after a road trip.

But this also makes sense if you are heading to the airport. You’ll want as much trunk space as possible for your luggage. You’ll also want to get all the trash out of your car, so it won’t smell when you’re gone.
My son left a straw cup of milk in my car while we were on a summer trip, and it exploded…all inside my car. It was one of the most disgusting smells ever.
Start Your Travel Packing List Early
For most of us, life is busy. When we prepare for a family trip, we do massive loads of laundry and dishes and try to get everything done quickly. Chances are, you start packing for your family the night before your trip. And, chances are you forget a few items you need.
So, you spend the first day of vacation looking for the items you’ve forgotten. Is that really how you want to start your family vacation?

HERE’S MY ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST FOR YOUR FAMILY:
- Write down all the dates you’ll be in a destination.
- Fill in each date with any scheduled activity.
- Then, add in potential activities.
- From this list, you’ll be able to determine which specialty clothing items, shoes, gear, etc., you’ll need to pack (or purchase at your destination).
- Next, add the rest of the clothing for everyday wear (keeping in mind whether you’ll be doing laundry on your trip or will need enough clothes for each day.)
- Think about any medications, sleep machines, diaper creams, or personal items you must pack. This includes specific brands for pacifiers, bottles, formula, wipes, etc.
- Do your kids have a special routine for bed? Should you bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal? Do they use a sleep sack? And where will your kids be sleeping? Sometimes, I bring my own sheet for a pack-and-play.
- Think about how you are getting to your destination. Do you need a carry-on bag for the plane? Do you need road trip activities?
- And what about meal times? Should you bring your own sippy cups
? Do you need a portable high chair?
- Finally, buy snacks ahead of time! No matter how you’re getting to your destination, you’ll want to have food on hand to keep your family happy. It’s cheaper to buy at home. I like stocking up on pouches, granola bars, mixed nuts, etc., and putting them in my luggage. Then, I keep more fragile snacks (like crackers, pretzels, and whatever else my kids are obsessed with) in my carry-on bag.
Create Busy Bag Activities
Fortunately, my kids are usually okay just looking out the window when we drive up to Vancouver, BC, or down to Portland, OR. However, on drives longer than that, they get a bit restless. That’s where road trip activities for kids come in.

I like to use Ziploc bags and put individual activities in each bag. Then, I can pull out a bag to give to my kids. I usually hit Dollar Tree and the Target Dollar Spot to get some ready-made items.
These are inexpensive, and our hearts won’t be broken if they get lost. Insider tip: Don’t leave crayons (or any meltable items) in a hot car. Trust me.
We recently started bringing LEGOs with us. You can make a travel Lego kit using the Lego tape inside a travel diaper wipes case. It’s an easy way to keep them all together. You can also change out the LEGOs for each trip to make it a different activity.
Or add instructions to make different color patterns/combinations.
I like to bring plane activities for kids that work well with the tray table for long flights. That means individual coloring sheets with triangular crayons (that won’t roll off the table.) I also like to bring Play-Doh
, Silly Putty
, stackable toys
, etc.
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Get Active
One of the best tricks I learned as a new Mom was to wear workout clothes as soon as I woke up. Let’s be honest: most of the time, I SLEPT in my workout gear. It’s kind of a mental trick.
Since I was already dressed to go for a walk or do some stretching, it was much easier to just do it. Physical activity is also great for clearing your head so you can stay focused.

I’ve found with little kids, I’m much more likely to sit on the floor and play with them if I’m wearing my yoga pants. It makes me feel like a more engaged Mom.
Plus, I can also chase them around the house immediately or head to our neighborhood park without changing. Dressing in yoga wear makes me active all day.
When I did KonMari on my closet in the fall, I realized I own a ton of yoga wear. However, I wore most of the pants when I was pregnant, and the waistbands are all stretched out.
Plus, the clothes that I wore pre-pregnancy just don’t fit the same. So, I was walking around constantly, fidgeting with clothes that didn’t fit correctly.
YogaClub sent me a sample subscription box, and I totally get it. First of all, they send you a questionnaire to get a better sense of your style. I usually tend to buy black or neutral yoga wear. I’ve been too nervous to try something more bold.
But that’s why YogaClub is fun! I said I’d be open to patterns, and they sent me some yoga pants that were bolder than I’d normally buy but not too crazy.
They also sent me a cute athletic bra and top. These items are trendier than anything I would normally try at the store. For me, that’s a really good thing. I never know what’s fashionable and always think I can’t pull it off so I don’t even try.
Take Time for Yourself
One of the most overlooked things you must do to prepare for a summer vacation is to take time for YOU. With all the running around, planning, and packing, don’t forget about self-care. You don’t want to run yourself ragged and then get sick on your trip. That happened to me when we went to Spain last year, and it sucked.
Personally, I really like to sit and meditate. It’s something that I started doing when dealing with fertility issues years ago. It did wonders for my mental health, so I try to do it as often as I can.
It’s especially helpful when preparing for a long flight with kids or a trip with people who might stress you out. Here are the steps I take:
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Find a quiet spot.
- Listen to Marconi Union’s “Weightless” song (you can find it on YouTube here.)
- Get into a comfortable position.
- Breathe and relax your brain.
In between trips, make sure to carve out time for yourself. Hire a babysitter to watch your kids while you get a massage, go to the spa, shop kid-free, or do whatever makes you feel cared for.
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More Ultimate Travel Packing List Different Occasions or Seasons
When it comes to packing, the purpose of your trip can really change what you need to bring. Here are some tips and other packing guides tailored for different kinds of getaways:
Camping Trip
Camping is all about being prepared, and that starts with packing the right gear. A sturdy tent, warm sleeping bags, and a well-stocked first aid kit are must-haves. Don’t forget your insect repellent—it’s essential for keeping those pesky bugs away.
To make the most of your luggage space, pack your travel-sized toiletries efficiently and use packing cubes to keep everything organized.
A reusable water bottle and some hand sanitizer will keep you fresh and clean out in the wild. And, of course, layer up with clothes that can handle chilly nights by the campfire.
Ski Trip or Winter Vacation
If you’re headed to the mountains for a ski trip or a cozy winter vacation, your packing list will look a bit different.
Think thermal layers, a reliable jacket, and don’t forget a sun hat—yes, even in winter! The sun’s rays can be strong on the slopes.
Keep your luggage space in check with packing cubes and stash your lip balm and travel-sized toiletries in easy-to-reach spots. If you wear contact lenses, pack an extra pair and solution—better safe than sorry!
Anniversary or Romantic Trip
For a special anniversary or romantic trip, you’ll want to pack with a bit more style in mind.
A pair of dress shoes for fancy dinners, neutral colors that you can mix and match, and maybe a cute sun hat for those sunny strolls.
If your kids are with you, there’s no reason why they can’t help you have an enjoyable romantic dinner. Dress them up, too, and make sure to squeeze in some activities, or find food in the menu that they will like.
International Travel or Longer Trips
When it comes to international travel or longer trips, being organized is key. Start with your travel documents—keep them in a safe place where they’re easy to access.
Pack clothes that you can layer and mix, and bring along a versatile sun hat for different climates. Don’t forget your essential travel gear like a travel pillow for those long flights and insect repellent if you’re headed somewhere tropical.
Use packing cubes to make the most of your luggage space and keep everything in order. A first aid kit and any medications should go in your carry-on bag for quick access.
Ultimate Packing List Wrap-Up
Successful family travel is all about being prepared and packing smart. By following this ultimate packing checklist, you’ll have everything you need for a smooth trip, whether it’s a beach vacation, a ski trip, or an international adventure.
Plan ahead and customize your packing to fit your trip, so you can focus on enjoying your time with your family instead of stressing about what you might have forgotten.
I hope that this ultimate travel packing list I prepared would come in handy for your next trip!
Editor’s Note: YogaClub sent me the product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.


Additional Family Travel Tips
Tips and Tricks For a Safe Summer in the Pool With Your Family
KonMari Packing Tips for Families
Summer Family Travel Tips from The National Children’s Cancer Society
Self-Care Tips for Moms after Family Travel with Kids
My Top Tips for Flying with a Baby
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I definitely agree that organizing your home makes packing for travel so much easier!
Yes, I hate cleaning but have realized how much time I save when I do 🙂
These are great tips! Where did you get the backpacks? They are so cute!
Aren’t they cute? Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2HMea1v
Planning activities and then packing sounds like a really smart way to travel
It’s easy to overlook this and then find out later you didn’t pack the right stuff for your planned activities.
These sound like really great tips to maximize what you pack and I like the tip to take time for yourself, it seams to be forgotten a lot while traveling
Yes, I am usually so busy making sure everyone else is taken care of. It’s important to take a few moments (or more!) for yourself!
Great post! I love the KonMari idea! I know I need to do that with my closet……..well everyone’s closets to be honest, lol! Thanks! xoxo
You will be SHOCKED how much stuff you purge!
This is super helpful! I loved all your ideas and advice, perfect to organize ourselves and enjoy the trip!
Just trying to pass along what I’ve learned so far!
Amen to cleaning out the car! I think it helps you start any trip feeling fresh and organized. I also like to do a deep clean and quick clean up of the house so that we can come home to a neat, clean space after a long trip!
We also clean the house! No one wants to come home to a messy home!
Some things are universal like clean out the car that is something I always do and also to start the travel packing list early is a good way to don’t forget things that essential for the trip eheh
Amalia
I hate cleaning out my car, but it’s always a good idea when I get around to it!
Good tips! I love the idea of cleaning out one’s car and starting to pack early. I started to pack for my next vacation (in about a couple weeks) yesterday. This way I will be less likely to forget packing something that I may potentially need.
It really helps to make sure you know where all your stuff is, that clothes are clean, and reminds you what you still need to get.
Packing for a trip is already difficult but having to pack for kids is even harder! Thank you for the tips, I’ll definitely have to look back on this on our next vacay.
Yes, it’s so much harder with kids! I feel like I have to start so much earlier!
I love the busy bags idea! We’re going on a road trip at the end of June and my 7-year-old would love that.
Yes! It’s easy to buy/assemble activities!
I’m not a mom, but travel tips fall into the category of things my brain loves to soak up. These are great!
Those travel tips are pretty universal!
We travel frequently with our young children, and these are great tips! I hadn’t heard of the KonMari method before but I really need to try that, especially with my closet! I’m pretty sure I would be down to maybe four tops! lol
Haha! Yes! You’ll be shocked to see what’s left in your closet that you actually enjoy wearing!
This is a great post and well laid out! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Glad to help!
Super help post! Thank you!
So glad you found it helpful!
Thanks a lot for sharing this awesome article. Your tips are very helpful for me and to many travellers out there.
Yay! Thanks so much for letting me know!