When you’re traveling with kids, it’s easy to pack items you don’t really need. As parents, we have a tendency to pack unnecessary items just because we want to be extra prepared. This usually leads to a suitcase filled with excessive items and extra hassles!
If you want to travel light, it’s important to have the right mentality. In this blog post, we’ll be giving you some tips on how to pack light for a 2-week vacation with kids. Stay tuned until the end because we’ve created a downloadable packing list for your 2-week trip!
How much to pack for a 2-week trip?
Even for a 2-week trip with kids, the golden rule of packing applies.
Pack a week’s worth of clothes max. You should always be able to re-wear items, especially shirts and tops.
7 tips on packing light for travel with kids
The ultimate goal of packing light is to pack only the essentials. Non essential items can either be bought or rented at your destination. It’s truly a freeing feeling to pack light, knowing that your luggage only contains what you need.
1. Take a carry on suitcase or share a suitcase? – The first (and most important) tip is to choose the right bag for each member of your family. Most light packers choose to travel with carry-on only. That means each person takes a carry on suitcase and a personal bag, only.
But, we feel there are two options in our opinion:
✓ Each person takes a carry on suitcase
✓ Share a suitcase / pack the whole family in one suitcase
➤ Make sure to separate the kids by color coded clear cubes (more on packing cubes below)
If you’re planning on bringing only a backpack as your personal item, try the the Swiss Gear Lightweight Bungee Backpack. For kids, the Deuter Kikki Kid’s Backpack is a best seller. It features a fun design but has enough room to store all your kid’s essentials for the airplane and daily activities.
2. Pack neutral clothing – You can’t go wrong with neutrals! Of course with kids, that can be a bit boring for them. Pack at least two tops with bright prints for the little ones. For the parents, picking a neutral palette is the best way of coordinating your entire suitcase. So opt for beiges, brown, black and grey pieces. Avoid white clothes as they tend to stain easily. To add some pop to your outfits, pack bolder-colored accessories such as scarves, belts and necklaces. These accessories won’t take up as much space in your bag or luggage.
3. Hand wash the delicates (only once!) – Bring a travel-size laundry detergent in your toiletry bag. Wash undies and socks in the sink and let them air dry in the hotel overnight. Do this once about half way through the trip! Done and done.
4. Keep bottoms minimal (3-4 max) – For a two-week trip, you’ll want to bring bottoms you can wear with almost any top.
✓ 1 pair of jeans
✓ 1 pair of black jeans / pants
✓ 1 pair of khaki jeans / colored jeans
✓ 1 pair of leggings (bring more if you plan on working out / do more hiking)
5. Only bring 3 pairs of shoes – Shoes can take up a huge amount of space in your luggage. Do your kids really need matching shoes for every outfit?
When it comes to shoes, pack the most comfy. Also, pack the ones you actually wear – what a thought right? Here’s what you should pack for each person:
✓ 1 pair of comfy walking / daily shoes
✓ 1 pair of dinner shoes (booties for mommy)
✓ 1 pair of flip flops / sandals (only if the destination has warm weather)
6. Share toiletries – Of course, if you have teenagers who can’t live without their favorite moisturizer or lotion, let them take their own Extra Small Toiletry Bag. But the family can share other items such as:
✓ Shampoo / Conditioner
✓ Toothpaste
✓ Body wash
✓ Sunscreen
7. Clear packing cubes are a MUST – When it comes to packing light for a 2-week vacation, strategic packing is the way to go. These clear cubes are perfect for organizing each person’s luggage, separating items by category and keeping everything in its place! Even more, when arriving at your destination, no need to unpack. Simply take out the cubes, place them on a flat surface and use them as “traveling drawers.”
Each person taking their own carry on?
Buy a Starter Set for each family member and let them organize their luggage in their own special way. Or you can give them some tips we recommend below. This packing cube set comes with four cubes in one of each size (perfect for organizing a carry-on).
What about sharing a larger suitcase?
We recommend using the Complete Bundle (which comes with double the amount of cubes compared to the Starter Set and includes some sweet accessories like a Laundry and Shoe Bag. You can even select a “two color option” for this set, so half your suitcase is pink and half is blue! Your kids will love having their own colors and you’ll be thrilled everyone is staying organized.
Here’s what to pack in each cube:
✓ Extra Small Cube: Travel size 3 ounce toiletries (this size cube is TSA Approved too)
✓ Small Cube: Underwear, socks, bras, bathing suit
✓ Medium Cube: Shirts, blouses, leggings, etc.
✓ Large Cube: Jeans, sweaters and jackets
Packing list for a 2-week Trip with Kids
When it comes to packing light for a 2-week vacation with your kids, the simpler the checklist is, the better. So we have curated a simple packing list for 2 weeks below. This packing list will work for every member of the family too. But remember, some toiletries and first aid kit items can be shared!
CLOTHES
Mom Packing List
5 to 7 Tops
3 to 4 Shorts / Pants
1 to 2 Dresses
2 Sweaters / Jackets
1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
1 Pair of Nicer Shoes
7 Pairs of Underwear
4 Bras
7 Socks
2 Pajama Sets
1 Workout outfit
1 Bathing suit
Dad Packing List
5 to 7 tops
2 pairs of pants
2 pairs of shorts
1 pair of joggers
2 Sweaters / Jackets
1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
1 Pair of Nicer Shoes
7 Pairs of Underwear
7 Socks
Little Lady Packing List
3 dresses
4 tops
Hoodie / Sweater / Jacket
2 pairs of pants
2 pairs of shorts
Leggings
Bike shorts
7 pairs of underwear and socks
1 bathing suit
2 Pajama sets
1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
1 Pair of Nicer Shoes
Little Boy Packing List
5 to 7 tops
2 pairs of pants
2 pairs of shorts
2 Pajama sets
7 pairs of underwear and socks
1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
1 Pair of Nicer Shoes
Swimming outfit
FAMILY TOILETRY
Shampoo / Conditioner
Body Wash / Soap
Facial Wash / Cleanser
Facial Moisturizer
Foldable / Travel Size Toothbrush
Mini Toothpaste
Mouthwash tablets
Floss
Deodorant
Razor
Lotion
Sunscreen
Detangler Wet Brush
Pads / Tampons
Cotton Buds
Nail Clippers
Facial Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Tweezers
Contact Lens + Solution
Hair Ties / Scrunchies
MAKEUP KIT
Foundation
Concealer
Blush, Bronzer & Highlighter Set
Mascara
Eyebrow Pencil
Eyeliner
Lipstick / Lip Tint
Lip Balm
Travel Size Brushes
MEDICINE KIT
Prescribed Meds
Advil
Tylenol
Decongestant / Cough Relief
Cetirizine for allergies
Sore Throat Lozenges
Anti-Diarrhea
Antacids
Electrolytes
Polysporin
Iodine Ointment
Bandages / Band Aids
Alcohol Swabs
Gauze Pad & Medical Tape
Blister Pad / Moleskin
Non-latex Gloves
Burn Pad
Tweezers
Mosquito / Insect Repellent
Digital Thermometer
Eye Drops
Dental Pain Relief
KIDS’ GEAR
**Thanks to The Traveling Child for this photo! Lightweight / Foldable stroller
Carrier
Car seat
Travel Potty
ACTIVITY KIT FOR KIDS
Paper and crayons / pencil
Favorite small toys
Small board story books
Coloring Book
GADGETS / ELECTRONICS
**Thanks to Laurie for this cute photo! Camera with batteries & charger
Portable charger & charging cord
Laptop / Tablet & charger
Cell Phones & charger
Earphones / Headsets
Travel power adapter
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passport / ID
Boarding Pass
Itinerary
Contact Information
Credit / Debit Card
Cash
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
Snacks / Candies
Travel Shoe Bag
Travel Laundry Bag
Sippy Cups
Sunglasses
Reusable Water Bottles
Tote bag
Inflatable foot rest
Quick-dry travel towels
Who said packing light with kids is impossible? Remember to pack only the essentials and make use of packing cubes to organize everybody’s luggage.
Want more tips for traveling with kids? Check out this blog post!
Happy Travels!
– The Junyuan Team
Ten articles before and after
January 2019 Customer of the Month –Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
Packing Cubes Review 101: All You Need to Know! –Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
February 2019 Customer of the Month –Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
How to Travel With Kids (2020): Best Tips for Parents –Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
Toddler Travel Essentials: Helpful Guide for Moms –Junyuan Bags | Professional Bag Manufacturer
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