What to Pack for an Overseas Trip with Kids: A Family’s Guide to Stress-Free Travel

As a travelling family, packing for an overseas trip can feel like a huge task. With kids in tow, you need to balance packing all the essentials with ensuring everything stays organized (and that you don’t forget anything important!). Over the years, we’ve learned the best packing hacks to make our trips smoother, and now we’re sharing them with you! From clothes to snacks and everything in between, here’s our ultimate packing guide for overseas travel with kids.

1. Luggage and Bags

Choosing the right luggage is key to ensuring everything fits and is easy to access when you need it.

• Suitcases with wheels: Go for lightweight, durable suitcases with four spinner wheels. Trust me, they’ll make getting through airports a breeze!
  
• Backpacks for everyone: We always carry a day pack for each of us. These are great for snacks, travel documents, and anything you’ll need on the go.
  
• Packing cubes: These are a game-changer. They help organize clothes by type and age, making it easier to find what you need without digging through the entire suitcase.
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: If you’re flying internationally, consider a backpack with a hidden security pocket to keep your valuables safe when you’re out exploring!

2. Clothes for the Whole Family

Packing clothes for kids is always tricky because they seem to need a new outfit every five minutes! But planning ahead can save you from over-packing.

• Light layers: We always pack lightweight, breathable clothing that can easily be layered. This is especially useful if we’re heading somewhere with varying temperatures.
  
• Comfortable shoes: Opt for comfy shoes that can handle long walks. We recommend sneakers or sandals with good support.
  
• Swimwear: If your destination has a pool or beach, don’t forget swimwear! Even if you’re unsure about swimming, it’s always good to have it on hand.
  
• Rain jackets: A small, packable rain jacket for each family member is a must for unexpected weather.
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Always pack a few extra sets of clothes for the kids in your carry-on, just in case of spills or accidents during the flight.

3. Travel Essentials for Kids

Traveling with kids means you have to be extra prepared for the unexpected. Here are the essentials to keep your little ones comfortable, happy, and entertained.

• Travel pillow and blanket: These make long-haul flights so much more bearable for kids. They’ll be able to sleep comfortably, which is crucial for long travel days.
  
• Kids’ headphones: If you’re flying, noise-canceling headphones are great for blocking out the noise of the plane and keeping your kids entertained with movies or music.
  
• Entertainment: Pack a small bag with toys, books, and electronics. We love travel-sized games and coloring books for younger kids.
  
• Snacks: Pack a variety of healthy snacks (and some treats!) to keep kids satisfied and avoid the dreaded “I’m hungry!” meltdown during the trip.
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Pre-pack snack bags for the journey so that you’re not scrambling at the airport for overpriced treats. We like to pack granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and small packets of crackers.

4. Travel Documents

Keep all your essential documents in one place to make your journey through customs, immigration, and boarding as smooth as possible.

• Passports and visas: Always double-check your passport’s expiration date before you leave! Some countries require at least six months of validity.
  
• Travel insurance: We never travel without insurance! It covers unexpected medical costs, flight cancellations, and lost luggage.
  
• Emergency contacts: Write down emergency contact numbers for your family, embassy, and any hotels you’ll be staying at, just in case.
  
• Flight information: Keep a copy of your flight details, hotel reservations, and other travel plans in both digital and hard copy format.
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Keep a digital copy of all important documents (passports, visas, insurance details) in your email or cloud storage for easy access in case anything is lost.

5. Toiletries and Health Items

Health is always a priority, especially when traveling to new places where you might encounter different climates or bugs.

• Personal hygiene items: Pack travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and other personal items in a clear bag for easy airport security checks.
  
• Kids’ medication: If your child takes regular medication, make sure to pack enough for the entire trip (along with a prescription note from the doctor, just in case).
  
• First-aid kit: A small, well-stocked first-aid kit is essential. Include band-aids, pain relievers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
  
• Travel sickness remedies: We always bring travel bands or medication to prevent motion sickness, especially for longer journeys.
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Always carry a small travel-sized sanitizer and wipes to clean hands after eating, touching public surfaces, or playing in parks.

6. Electronics and Gadgets

When traveling with kids, electronics can be your best friend (in moderation, of course!).

• Tablets or phones: We always load up our devices with kid-friendly games, movies, and apps before the trip. It helps keep them occupied during long waits or flights.
  
• Portable chargers: A must-have for long days out exploring. We make sure to bring a portable charger to keep our devices powered up.
  
• Camera: Don’t forget to bring a camera (or use your phone) to capture all those special family moments!
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Invest in a travel adapter that works for all your devices, so you don’t have to worry about finding different ones when you land.

7. Money and Currency

It’s important to have access to both local currency and international payment methods when traveling abroad.

• Local currency: Be sure to exchange a small amount of local currency before you go. This is handy for things like taxis, tips, and small purchases.
  
• Credit cards: Most places will accept major credit cards, but it’s good to let your bank know about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being flagged.
  
• Travel wallet: We like to keep our money, credit cards, and important documents all in one safe, secure place.
  

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Some countries charge foreign cardholders higher fees. If you can, withdraw cash from ATMs in your destination for better exchange rates!

8. A Travel Journal

Finally, don’t forget to bring a travel journal! We encourage our kids to keep a small journal of their travel experiences. It’s a great way to encourage their creativity and reflection on the trip.

Summer Wanderlust Tip: Let your kids add little drawings, stickers, or ticket stubs from their adventures, it makes the journal more fun to look back on!

With these packing tips in hand, you’ll be well-prepared for your next overseas adventure with your kids. By thinking ahead, you can make sure that your trip is stress-free, fun, and full of amazing memories. Whether it’s the journey to the airport or your destination, being prepared will make everything go that much smoother!

Happy travels, and enjoy every moment of your family adventure!