How to Travel Light with Kids (and Not Regret It) #travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #summerbreak #roadtrip #travelingwithkids

Travelling with kids often feels like preparing for an expedition: the packing lists, the gear, the snacks, the what-ifs and maybes.

So the idea of travelling light with children might sound like a fantasy - one reserved for minimalist influencers or families who only vacation at all-inclusive resorts.

But here’s the truth: you can travel light with kids and actually enjoy the trip!

Read on for our tips and you won’t just save money on baggage fees, you’ll save energy, time - and maybe even your sanity.



How to Travel Light with Kids (and Not Regret It)

If you’re ready to ditch the back-breaking luggage and still feel prepared for anything, this guide will show you how.

You’ll discover practical strategies, real-life examples, and mindset shifts that make light travel with children not just possible, but preferable.



Why Travel Light with Kids?

Before we dive into the 'how', let’s talk about the why.

Travelling light with children offers more than just convenience, it can fundamentally change your experience.

First, you gain mobility.

Whether you’re navigating the cobbled streets of a European city, sprinting through an airport, or hopping onto a train, fewer bags means easier travel and prevents delays.

Every parent knows the frustration of herding small kids and wrangling multiple suitcases at the same time.

It’s definitely a juggling act no-one signs up for!



Second, there’s the mental load.

Packing less isn’t just about weight, it’s about clarity.

When you simplify what you bring, you also simplify your decisions.

No more digging through layers of stuff to find one pair of socks.

No more anxiety about what might get lost or left behind.

Thankfully, fewer things mean fewer things to worry about.



Third, by getting kids involved in the decision making, you empower your children to become  independent travellers.

When they help pack their own small bags and understand what they’re bringing (and why), they become active participants in the adventure.



The Mindset Shift: From "What If..." to 'What Matters'

Most overpacking happens because of fear.

What if it rains? What if my child gets sick? What if they hate the plane ride and need 14 different entertainment options?

Travelling light starts with shifting your mindset.

Instead of trying to anticipate and control every variable, focus on adaptability.

Ask yourself: What matters most on this trip?



Do you need five outfits per child, or will two well-planned ones with interchangeable t-shirts suffice with access to laundry?

Do you need every possible toy and book, or will your child be just as content with one favourite and the novelty of a new place?

Simplifying begins with trust - in your ability to problem-solve, in your children’s resilience, and in the fact that most destinations have stores if you do really need something.



How to Choose the Right Luggage for Family Travel

Your luggage is the foundation of travelling light.

If your bags are too big, you’ll be tempted to fill them. If they’re too small, you’ll end up frustrated.

The goal is to find that Goldilocks zone: just enough space to carry essentials, but not so much you’re overwhelmed.

For families, a good rule of thumb is one carry-on-sized rolling bag per adult, and a small backpack per child.

Kids love having their own gear.

It gives them autonomy, even if you end up carrying it after hour three!




Look for bags with organizational compartments to avoid the need for extra packing cubes (though some minimalist families still swear by them).

For shorter trips, you may be able to fit everything into two carry-ons and avoid checked baggage altogether.



Streamlining Clothing Without Sacrificing Comfort

Clothing tends to be the biggest space hog, and the most common area of overpacking.

How many times have you come back from a trip knowing you only wore two-thirds of your packed clothes?

And with kids it’s even easier to fall into the trap of packing 'just in case' extras.


Choose versatile pieces that mix and match and think neutrals with one or two pops of colour, in fabrics that dry quickly and don’t wrinkle.

For kids, plan on:
  • 3–4 tops
  • 2–3 bottoms
  • 1–2 pairs of shoes (usually sneakers and sandals)
  • A weather-appropriate jacket or sweatshirt
  • Pajamas and underwear for 3–4 days



When travelling, layering is your best friend.

If you’re headed somewhere cold, opt for base layers and a compact, insulated jacket rather than bulky sweaters.

And laundry access is your secret weapon.

Most family-friendly accommodations offer washers and dryers, or can point you toward a laundrette.

A small bottle of travel detergent and a travel clothesline takes minimal space and gives you maximum flexibility.

You can wash out underwear each night in a wash basin and dry overnight, particularly in warmer places.



Smart Toiletries and Med Kits for Families

This is another area where more is definitely more.

Toiletries don’t need to take up half your suitcase!

Travel-size containers are your best friend, and you don’t need a different product for every person in the family.


Instead of bringing a full pharmacy, pack a small family first-aid kit with:
  • Pain/fever reducer (like children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
  • Band-aids
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Any necessary prescriptions
  • One or two remedies for common issues (like motion sickness or allergies)

If your child has unique medical needs, of course, prioritize those items, but be honest about what’s truly essential.

Most destinations have pharmacies if you need backup.

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Entertainment Without the Overload

One of the biggest fears for parents is: What if my child is bored on the plane/train/long car ride?

The temptation is to pack a full bag of books, toys, crafts, electronics, and backups of all the above.

But experience shows that kids don’t need much to be entertained, especially in new environments.

And it's likely they will find some new playmates quickly, too.

Instead of overpacking, curate a small collection of tried-and-true favourites:
  • One beloved stuffed animal or toy
  • A few surprise items (stickers, a new book) that you pull out mid-trip

Use your destination as entertainment, too.

New places offer endless opportunities for exploration - nature walks, people watching, different foods, or playing in the hotel pool.



Feeding Kids Without the Bulk

Snacks are essential for travel with kids, but you don’t need a pantry’s worth of food.

A few non-perishable, protein-rich options (like granola bars, nuts, or crackers) are usually enough for the journey.

Bring a couple of reusable snack bags or snack containers and a compact water bottle for each person.

You can always restock once you arrive. There is nowhere bar Antarctica where you can't buy food!

Pro tip: Airports and train stations often have healthy options. Don’t feel like you have to pack every meal. Just be strategic, and always have something on hand during transitions when hangry tantrums are most likely.



Managing Baby Gear Like a Pro

TravelLing with infants or toddlers comes with special gear challenges.

But even here, less is more.

Instead of bringing your full-sized stroller and car seat, consider:

Ask your accommodation if they provide cribs or high chairs. Many do.

You can also find baby gear rental services in most major cities and resort areas.

Instead of packing a full baby changing bag, assemble a compact essentials kit with nappies, wipes and a change of clothes.

Put these in a fold out portable baby changing pad for maximum flexibility and so you have everythng on hand.

Then refill as you go. You’ll find supplies almost everywhere.



Involve Your Kids in the Process

When you involve your kids in packing and planning, they’re more likely to cooperate - and it adds to their excitement about travelling.

Let them pick their clothes (within your capsule wardrobe limits).

Have them choose a favourite toy or book.

Teach them how to roll their clothes and explain why packing light matters.

This builds confidence and teaches real-life skills.

It also turns packing into a fun, shared activity rather than a stressful solo job for parents.



Real-Life Packing Example: A 7-Day Family Trip

Here's the packing list for a family of four, consisting of two parents, a toddler and a seven-year-old, heading on a 7-day trip to southern Spain in spring.

Here’s the luggage they need to pack light:

Inside the bags:
  • Each person has 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 1 pair of PJs, 1 jacket, 4 sets of underwear and 2 pairs of shoes
  • Each child carries one toy, one book and an activity
  • Nappies packed for 2 days, the rest purchased on arrival

No checked baggage. No overstuffed bags. Just what’s needed - and nothing more.



Holiday Packing Tips

Still wondering how you'll fit it all in to those tiny bags?

Follow these tips:
  • Pack heavier items near the wheels.
  • Pack awkward shapes items first so you can see where the space is left.
  • Put underwear and socks in your shoes to maximise spaces.
  • Roll rather than fold clothes as they will take up less room and be less creased when you get there.
  • Take a spare pillowcase for dirt laundry.
  • Place a cotton wool ball over powder or blush in a compact to stop it shattering.
  • Pack toiletry bags into plastic bags in case of leaks.



The Biggest Secret: Trust That You’ll Figure It Out

Every family trip is an adventure, and even the best plans sometimes go sideways.

The secret to stress-free travel isn’t in packing perfectly - it’s in believing you’ll handle whatever comes up.

Maybe you forget something. Maybe it rains unexpectedly. Maybe your child gets bored.

When you travel light, you keep your load - both physical and mental - manageable.

That gives you the freedom and flexibility to adapt.

And that, more than anything, makes for better travel with kids.



Travel Light, Live Big

TraveLling light with children isn’t about deprivation. It’s about intention.

It’s choosing experiences over excess, memories over material things, and presence over perfection.

It may feel risky the first time you leave all the 'just in case' gear behind.

But as you move more freely, unpack less, and breathe easier - you’ll realize that light travel isn’t just for backpackers.

It’s for families who want to spend less time lugging stuff around and more time enjoying the world together.

So next time you’re planning a family trip, challenge yourself.

Ask: What do we truly need? What can we live without?

Then pack lighter than you think you can. You might be surprised at how good it feels!


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