Family Vacation Packing Tips | How to Pack for Success

Traveling with a family can be daunting, but incredibly rewarding if planned correctly! 

We’ve compiled a few tips that will help make you feel more organized and prepared for your upcoming family vacations. 

Check weather in advance

Always check the climate and weather of your destination.

Is your destination cold? Hot? Humid?

If your trip is in a nearby location and/or is starting in a couple of weeks, you can get a stronger prediction using a 14 day weather forecast. Keep in mind that weather tends to fluctuate and 14-day forecasts are not always accurate. 

If you're planning on traveling to a foreign area or an unfamiliar destination, google the general climate and weather forecast for that month.

 I.e. Google: “Weather in Costa Rica in March?”

This way, you will be able to get a general idea of how hot, cold, and how much rain there will be. Then, pack accordingly depending on the weather forecast.

Make a list

Whether you're packing a suitcase or just a carry-on, ensure that you have everything that is needed to enjoy your trip.

We recommend categorizing your list to stay organized and easy to read. Categorize between people (yourself, children, whoever else you might be packing for), types of items (clothing, toiletries, miscellaneous) or a mix of both. 

When curating your list, keep in mind how many days you and your family will be away for. If you’re away for x days, how many pairs of socks will you need? Focus on essentials and versatile pieces. 

Purchase travel sized toiletries

Most airport regulations only allow a quart sized bag of liquids onto the plane in a carry-on. 

According to the TSA, “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item” (2022).

Even if you’re checking in luggage, packing full sized products can use up valuable space. For example, it’s very unlikely that you and your family will use up a whole tube of toothpaste within a week. Depending on how long your trip is, travel sized products are typically more than enough.

Looking for the ultimate toiletry bag? Check out our ethically made and eco-conscious Dopp Kits. For more ideas on how to expertly pack your toiletries, check out this blog post. 

Bring medications from home

In packing both adult and child doses of over-the-counter medications, have peace of mind knowing if medical ailments arise, everyone in your family will be covered.

If you don’t pack an over the counter medicine stash, or happen to run out, make sure you know the general name of the medication. Brand names of generic medications are different in different countries. For example, you might not find Tylenol in a foreign pharmacy, but you will find paracetamol or acetaminophen.

Leave bulky shoes at home

Shoes often take up the most space in the luggage. When packing shoes for a trip, make sure to only bring versatile pairs you’ll get plenty of use out of. Consider one pair of running shoes/sneakers for outdoor and everyday use, a pair of flip flops as indoor slippers or for the beach, and a final pair that can be dressed up for any occasion. 

Travel Hack: Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane, and stuff your other shoes with smaller items such as socks! 

Family Friendly Carry-On Bags

Ever consider just packing carry-ons for you and your family? At least an hour can be shaved off travel times if you skip the bulky luggage. Skip the long check-in and wait for the luggage carousel, and opt for a carry on. Did you know our weekender bags were designed to perfectly fit below an airplane seat or an overhead compartment?

Looking for a high quality yet family friendly carry-on bag? We’ve got you covered. 

Wool Weekender Bag

Our wool weekender bag is designed with a modern, eco-conscious approach to a traditional carry-on bag. The sustainable Italian wool exterior naturally wicks away moisture, resists odors, and lets the stuff inside breathe, making it the perfect duffel bag for any season. Hand-stitched using UV and ROT resistant thread for lifetime durability.

Tote Bag

Our tote bag is handcrafted using our signature eco-conscious wool, complemented by a vegetable-tanned leather base and double stitched vegetable tanned leather handles. It features a large exterior pocket for quick access of your essentials, with an interior zipper pocket for those items that need safekeeping. Carry it with your hands, or free them up with our detachable vegetable tanned leather shoulder strap. Hand-stitched using UV and ROT resistant thread for lifetime durability. 

Looking for more travel tips? Check out our Revenge Travel blog post for tried and true tested tips.