How Do You Pack for a Family Vacation?
Packing for a family vacation means one thing - you need to be super organised.
Our co-founder, Kate, recently travelled to Dubai with her family - here she is sharing her tips on how to survive travelling with little ones - with as little hiccups as possible and relationship still intact.
1. Start with a Checklist
The first step in packing for any trip is creating a checklist.
The first time we took my kids on a trip, I made lists for a good month before we even left, by now I have a few go-to lists that I reuse every time.
Your checklist should include all the essentials like clothes for every family member, toiletries, suncreams, medications, travel documents, and all the toys and entertainment to keep the little ones busy.
2. Must Have: Baby and Toddler Carry On
I recommend a backpack changing bag like the ANA for ease of travelling with babies and toddlers - the compartments and pockets make it easy to find everything and the bag is very light weight to allow you to carry all of your essentials. It is water repellent and super easy to wipe clean - in case of any spillage or emergencies. Bonus: it includes the KARI changing mat, which is great to have on you for on-the-go as well. It also has a secret compartment that is fully waterproof lined acting like a wet bag which is great for any wet clothes or accidents or even their swim stuff!
For flying or road trips, I usually pack a few nappies, a pack of wet wipes and changes of clothes – a few for a small baby, perhaps just one or two for toddlers.
3. Toys and Other Essentials
I always add a good selection of toys, books and activities to the kids holiday checklist - dummies and anything they can’t sleep without is also a must. For toddlers, we usually pack the iPad as well in a travel-safe case - it’s always good to have on hand for those “I’m bored” moments.
4.Don’t Forget the Snacks
If you are not breastfeeding anymore, you know that leaving the house without snacks is the worst idea.
Pack a variety of healthy snacks to keep the little ones calm and full, and to avoid the airport cravings. Remember to also bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated and any milk they require, you can normally take your baby’s milk and baby food through airport security even if it’s over 100ml.
5.Leave Room for Souvenirs
Lastly, when packing for a family holiday, I always leave some extra space for souvenirs or gifts - after all, we are making memories! Just don’t bring the pool floats home!
I think packing for a family vacation doesn't have to be stressful. With careful planning and organisation, you can ensure that everyone has what they need without overpacking.
