Travel essentials for kids: What to pack for stress-free family trips

Taking a family vacation can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing and getting everyone from point A to point B. But once you’ve arrived and settled in, it’s always worth it. The organising, on the other hand? Not so much.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a traveling with kids checklist to help streamline the packing process and make family travel a little less stressful (and a lot more enjoyable).

What to pack for kids 

Although they’re small, kids often come with a surprising amount of ‘stuff’, which can make packing feel intimidating. To make things easier, here’s a list of must-have travel essentials for kids to help your trip run smoothly.

1. Clothing and accessories

Kids can go through several outfits a day at home, so when adding in holiday adventures, you may need some spare outfits at the ready. You’ll also want to factor in whether your accommodation has clothes washing facilities, or if you can go to a laundromat to wash clothes during your vacation. 

• Clothing: Comfortable pieces suitable for the weather, along with pajamas, underwear and socks. Light layers for warm weather and heavier jackets for cooler weather.
• Shoes: Sneakers are perfect for everyday adventures, but it’s also worth packing an extra pair of shoes, like sandals for warm evenings or boots for cooler weather or dressier outings.
• Accessories: Pop in a hat, a swimsuit (if it’s a beach vacation) and sunglasses if your kids wear them.

2. Toiletries

Your kids may not require many toiletries, but there are a few essentials you won’t want to forget.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Bandaids
• Kids’ pain relief 
• Kids’ shampoo and soap
• Hairbrush
• Wet wipes
• Insect repellant
• First aid kit
• Any medication they’ve been prescribed
• For babies, you’ll need to factor in things like diapers and diaper rash cream

3. Miscellaneous travel essentials

These are items that not every child will need, but are essential for certain ages. 

• For smaller kids, you might like to bring a travel stroller or baby carrier
• The same goes for a portacot for smaller kids, especially if your accommodation doesn’t provide one
• A diaper changing mat
• Formula and bottles, if required
• A white noise machine for sleeping
• Any soft toys or blankets your kids might need to sleep

What to pack for the plane

If you’re flying to your destination with kids, it’s a good idea to pack a separate carry-on bag filled with kids' travel essentials. These items will keep them occupied and happy on a flight.

4. Entertainment

Keeping kids entertained while in transit can be challenging, so it’s worth packing plenty of entertainment, especially for flights. 

You might like to consider putting together a custom travel kit for kids, filled with new and interesting items to keep them entertained throughout the trip. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made travel kits designed specifically for children.

• A tablet or iPad loaded with movies and TV shows
• Headphones
• Books
• Coloring or activity books and coloring pencils
• Small toys, games or puzzles

5. Food 

Snacks are another great way to keep kids occupied and satisfied while traveling. Pack a lunchbox filled with easy-to-grab options.

• Crackers, muesli bars or popcorn
• Fresh or dried fruit
• A refillable water bottle

6. Travel accessories

Alongside entertainment and snacks, there are a few travel accessories you’ll want to bring on the plane for your kids. 

• Documents like passports, vaccination records and travel insurance details (very important!)
• Eye mask for sleeping
• Small blanket
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Travel sickness medication, if required 
• You might also like to pack a spare change of clothes in your carry-on in case your kids need a change mid-flight

Packing tips

Being organised can make traveling with kids much smoother. Here are a few packing tips to help keep things simple and stress-free.

• Create a packing list: Writing a personalized packing list for your child helps ensure you don’t forget any essentials (especially their favorite toy!). Use this article and the checklist below as a guide to build your own.
• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes make it easier to stay organised and keep everyone’s belongings in order. If you’re sharing a suitcase, they’re especially helpful for separating each child’s items and ensuring nothing gets mixed up.
• Create an easy-to-grab bag: Keep all your must-haves in one handy pouch or tote that’s easy to reach while traveling. Include essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, and small toys or games to make the journey smoother.

Ready to make future vacation planning just as straightforward? This is where Paylater Travel comes in, letting you lock in the best flight deals now and spread out the cost of your flights with a payment plan that works for your pay cycle. 

Our flexible layaway model lets you secure your family’s trip today with just a small deposit, so you can focus on planning the fun parts, not stressing about the budget.