Packing

What to pack for family travel

We travel with two Nevis 65 litre rucksacks by Mountain Warehouse. They come with detachable smaller packs which provide an additional 15 litres each. We use these for hand luggage on planes and for day trips.

We like the adjustable straps which fit us both well. The Nevis rucksacks come with rain covers, a padded internal laptop pocket, compression straps, lots of pockets, top and side carry handles, and a gazillion zips.

We use packing cubes to keep everything organised. Packing cubes are awesome!

Nevis Extreme by Mountain Warehouse

The kids also each have a small rucksack and carry their own bedtime snugglies, pens, books and toys. They love the responsibility of bringing their own things.

How to pack light for long-term family travel

Every family has different needs and travel styles.

We are on the road for weeks (and sometimes months) at a time so we have to carry everything we need.

We pack a small amount of versatile clothing that we can layer for different climates and weather conditions.

To reduce how much stuff we carry, we do laundry along the way.

We also occasionally post things home to ourselves such as books we’ve finished reading or small souvenirs. When we reached the end of our Australia trip we posted home a box with our swim suits, beach shoes and snorkelling gear. It cost us £40 but it saved so much effort lugging all that stuff around Japan!

This is our current packing list, refined over many trips. It works for us and our travel style.

Clothing (each)

7 x underwear
4 x pairs of socks
1 x long sleeve t shirt
3 x short sleeve t shirts
1 x hoodie jumper
3 x trousers or shorts
Shoes & outerwear (each)

1 x pair of slip on trainers
1 x pair of walking boots with quick-tie laces *
1 x pair of flip-flops or aqua shoes
1 x waterproof jacket

*No more time wasted tying kids’ shoe laces!
Toiletries

Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo and soap bar
Hairbrush
Deodorant
Razor, spare blades and shaving gel
Nail scissors
Electronics and tech

Mobile phones
iPads
Lots of charging cables
Global plug adaptor with multiple USB ports
Headphones
Battery packs
First aid

Insect repellent and bite cream
Sun cream
Thermometer
Plasters
Antiseptic wipes
Medications
Painkillers
Documents & money

Passports
Travel insurance
Vaccination certificates
Visas
1 debit card and 2 credit cards
Driving licenses
International driver permits
Swimwear

Baseball caps
Swimming costumes
Goggles
Thin and light microfibre travel towels
Snorkel masks
Other equipment

Totes for laundry and shopping
Spare glasses
Pens and notepads
Soft toys and small games
Books
Reusable water bottles
Enamel bowls, chopsticks and lightweight cutlery