Family Vacation Packing List: What to Pack by Person and Bag

The easiest way to pack for a family vacation is to pack by person, with one bag or set of packing cubes each, then add one shared bag for gear and a day bag you can reach quickly. Plan for five to seven days of clothes and do laundry on longer trips. Use the master list below, then add the extras for your climate.

How to organize your bags

• One bag or cube set per person. Everyone’s clothes stay together, and a lost bag does not take the whole family’s wardrobe.
• One shared bag for toiletries, first aid, chargers, laundry supplies and gear.
• A day bag for the airport, car or first day: snacks, water, wipes, a change of clothes and entertainment.
• A small backpack for each child old enough to carry one. A school-age child can hold a few toys, a water bottle and a book.
• Put one outfit for each person in your carry-on if you check bags, in case luggage is delayed.

Documents and money

• Plane, train or cruise tickets and booking confirmations, on your phone and printed.
• Driver’s license or other photo ID for each adult. The TSA does not require children under 18 to show ID on U.S. domestic flights, but airlines can have their own rules, so check yours. Adults need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID.
• Passports for everyone on international trips. If your child does not have one yet, start early with our kids’ passport guide.
• Health insurance cards and a list of children’s medications and allergies.
• Some cash, a credit card and a backup card stored separately.

For international trips, check the entry rules for your destination at travel.state.gov, including what is needed when a child travels without both parents.

Clothes, per person

For small children, add two extra outfits for accidents and spills, and a plastic bag for dirty clothes.

Toiletries and health

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, brushes and hair ties.
• Sunscreen, lip balm and bug repellent.
• A small first aid kit: bandages, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, a thermometer and any medicine your pediatrician has recommended.
• Prescription medicines in their original containers, in your carry-on.
• Hand sanitizer, tissues and wipes.

Liquids in a carry-on. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule allows liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-size bag per traveler. Some airports now have newer scanners with different procedures, so follow the instructions at the checkpoint. Breast milk, formula and juice for a child are exempt from the 3-1-1 limit, and you should tell the officer at the start of screening. See the TSA’s guidance for details. Talk to your pediatrician about what medications and supplies to bring for your child’s health needs.

Gear and comfort

• Phone chargers, a portable battery and a multi-port charger.
• Headphones for each child who uses them.
• Reusable water bottles and a few snacks. See our long-flight activities for ideas on keeping children busy.
• A comfort item for each young child, packed where you can reach it.
• A small bag of quiet toys, books or cards.
• Reusable shopping bag, a few zip-top bags and a small towel.

Extras for babies and toddlers

• More diapers and wipes than you think you need, plus a changing pad and disposal bags.
• A safe place to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against bed-sharing during hotel stays and recommends a portable crib or playard that meets current safety standards, which many hotels and rentals supply on request. See the AAP’s hotel safety tips.
• A car seat if you will be driving or using rideshares, or a plan to rent one. Check that any rental seat is the right fit for your child.
• A stroller that folds easily or a carrier.

Add-ons by climate

Ways to pack less

1. Plan for laundry. Many hotels and rentals have machines; pack a few detergent pods.
2. Mix and match. Choose a color scheme so every top goes with every bottom.
3. Wear the bulkiest items on travel day, including your jacket and heaviest shoes.
4. Buy or rent at the destination. Diapers, sunscreen and snacks are easy to buy, and many places rent strollers and beach gear.
5. Let children pack their own small bag with a limit of one toy, one book and one comfort item, then check it together.
6. Check baggage fees and weight limits with your airline before you pack, since rules differ.

Driving instead of flying? See our road trip packing list for car-specific items.

Bottom line

Pack by person, keep a day bag within reach, and pack for about a week no matter how long you are away. Put documents and medicines in your carry-on, add climate extras, and plan laundry so you can bring less. Start two or three days ahead and check every item off the list before you leave.

FAQ

How far ahead should we start packing?

Two to three days before departure is plenty. Make a list first, gather everything in one place, then pack the night before and keep a short list of last-minute items such as phone chargers and toothbrushes.

Should we use carry-ons or checked bags?

For short trips, carry-ons only is simpler and avoids lost luggage. For long trips with children, a checked bag can make the trip easier. Check your airline’s fees and size limits.

What should kids pack themselves?

Let them choose a comfort item, a few toys or books and their own small backpack. You can check the rest of their clothes, since children tend to forget practical items such as socks.

What do we forget most often?

Chargers, medicines, swimsuits and extra underwear are common ones. Keep a master list in your phone and update it after each trip.