What Should I Pack for a Family Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

Going on a family vacation can be an exciting and unforgettable experience. However, packing for the trip can be stressful and overwhelming. With so many things to consider, it’s easy to forget essential items that you’ll need during your holiday.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of things you should pack for your family vacation. Here are some of the essentials:

Clothing

When packing clothes for your family vacation, it’s important to consider the weather at your destination. If you’re heading to a beach location, pack light clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and swimsuits. For colder destinations, pack warm jackets, sweaters, and boots.

  • Underwear (including extras)
  • Socks
  • T-shirts/tops
  • Pants/shorts/skirts/dresses
  • Jacket/sweater
  • Raincoat/umbrella (if necessary)
  • Sleepwear

Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking around and exploring your destination.

Toiletries

Toiletries are essential items that should never be overlooked when packing for a family vacation. Here’s a list of some of the basic items you shouldn’t forget.

  • Toothbrushes/toothpaste/floss/mouthwash
  • Shampoo/conditioner/body wash or soap
  • Hairbrush/comb/hair ties/clips/barrettes/bobby pins/headbands
  • Lotion/sunscreen/lip balm/chapstick/moisturizer
  • Razor/shaving cream

Medications

If you or any family members require medication, make sure to pack enough for the entire trip and a little extra. Here’s a list of some of the medication you might need:

  • Pain relievers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
  • Allergy medicine
  • Prescription medications
  • Vitamins/supplements

Entertainment

During downtime on your vacation, it’s important to have something to keep everyone entertained. Here are some ideas:

  • Books/magazines/e-readers/tablets
  • Board games/card games/playing cards
  • Music player/headphones/speakers
  • Movies/TV shows on DVD or digital download/Netflix subscription

Miscellaneous

Finally, here are some other items that can make your family vacation more comfortable and convenient:

  • Cash/traveler’s checks/credit cards/debit cards/id & passport copies/travel itinerary copies/onward tickets/travel insurance documents/vaccination records
  • Snacks/water bottle/gum/mints/candy/chewing tobacco/energy bars/dried fruits/nuts/yogurt sticks/pretzels/crackers/popcorn etc.
  • Tote bags/backpacks/purses/fanny packs/waist bags/belt bags/luggage tags/passport holders/fanny pack wallets/kid leashes (if necessary)

Make sure to double check your packing list before leaving for your family vacation. With everything on this list packed, you’ll be prepared for any situation and will be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest!