The Ultimate Holiday Checklist with Kids: Pack Smarter, Not Harder

Planning a family holiday should be exciting, not stressful. Yet somehow, the moment we start thinking about packing for the entire family, that familiar sense of dread creeps in. Will we forget something vital? Are we packing too much stuff? And why does it feel like we need to bring the kitchen sink just for a week away?

I’ve been there, standing in front of a mountain of clothes and wondering how on earth it’s all supposed to fit into our suitcases. After years of family holidays (and a few spectacular packing disasters), I’ve finally cracked the code to stress-free packing with kids. This essential packing list will help you prepare for your next trip without losing your mind in the process.

Why You Need a Family Holiday Checklist

Let me tell you why creating a family packing list is genuinely life-changing. First, it stops you from over-packing. When you write everything down, you can see exactly what you need and what’s just “nice to have.” Second, it means you’re far less likely to forget important stuff. And third – and this is my favourite bit – it means you can delegate! Get the older kids involved in packing their own bag, giving you a little bit of time to sort yourself out.

A good idea is to start your family holiday packing list at least a week before you leave. This gives you enough time to do a big shop for anything you’re missing, whether that’s new sun cream, a water bottle that doesn’t leak, or those essential items you’ve somehow managed to lose since your last trip.

Essential Documents and Travel Money (Sort This First!)

Before you even think about clothes, let’s talk about the only thing that actually matters: travel documents. Seriously, you could forget half your suitcase and still have a brilliant holiday, but forget your passports and you’re going nowhere.

Here’s what needs to be sorted:

• Passports – Check they’re valid for at least six months beyond your return date
• Travel insurance – Don’t even think about skipping this. Download your policy documents to your phone so you’ve got the details if you need them
• Printed confirmation – Booking confirmations, hotel reservations, hire car details
• Credit cards and bank cards – Take at least two different cards in case one doesn’t work
• Travel money – Order your currency in advance for better rates
• Driving licence – If you’re hiring a car, you’ll need this
• EHIC/GHIC card – Essential for European travel. Every family member needs their own card, and you can apply for free on the NHS website
• Any visas required – Check well in advance as these can take time

Before you travel, it’s worth checking the GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice for your destination. This gives you up-to-date information on safety, entry requirements, and any specific issues affecting travel to different countries.

Top tip: Take photos of all your important documents and email them to yourself. If anything goes missing, you’ve got backup copies.

Choosing the Right Luggage for Your Family

Right, let’s talk suitcases. If you travel regularly, investing in decent luggage is worth every penny. Look for four-wheeled cases because they’re so much easier to manoeuvre around airports, especially when you’re juggling kids and hand luggage too.

For a family of four or five, you’ll want at least two large checked suitcases. I also swear by packing cubes – they’re brilliant for keeping everyone’s clothes separate and your suitcase organised. When you arrive at your hotel room, you can just lift out each family member’s cube rather than rummaging through everything.

Hand Luggage for the Whole Family

Every family member should have their own bag for hand luggage. Even young kids can manage a small backpack with their essential items. This is a great way to teach them responsibility (and means you’re not carrying everyone’s stuff yourself!).

In your hand luggage, prioritise anything valuable, anything you’ll need on the plane, and anything you absolutely can’t do without for a day or two in case your checked luggage goes walkabout.

What to Pack in Your Kids’ Bags

Getting your kids involved in packing is genuinely helpful. For older kids, write out this list and let them pack themselves (though you might want to double-check!). For young children, pack together so they know what they’ve got.

Clothes for Kids

The golden rule: pack fewer clothes than you think you need. Kids can wear things more than once, and most accommodation has washing facilities if needed.

For a week-long summer holiday:

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• 1 sun hat
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 pair of swimming goggles
• 2 pairs of swim shorts (one to wear, one to dry)
• 1 rash vest or all-in-one swimsuit (brilliant for beach holidays as they provide extra sun protection)
• 5-7 casual outfits (shorts/t-shirts)
• 2 smarter outfits for nice dinners
• 1 light jumper or cardigan (hotels can be chilly with air conditioning)
• Enough underwear for each day plus a couple of spares
• 3 pairs of PJs
• 1 comfortable pair of sandals they can wear all day
• 1 pair of trainers (wear these on travel day)

The best places to shop for kids’ holiday clothes are H&M, Next, and sometimes even the supermarkets do brilliant holiday ranges. Do it all online in one big shop to save your sanity.

Pool Toys and Beach Bag Essentials

Don’t underestimate how important pool toys are! If your young kids see other children with toys in the pool, they’ll want them too, and they’re always twice the price at the hotel shop. A few sand toys, diving sticks, or inflatable toys can keep little ones entertained for hours.

Pack a decent beach bag that’s big enough for towels, toys, sun cream, and snacks. A plastic bag inside is handy for wet swimsuits on the way back to your room.

Kids’ Entertainment for Long Flights

Long haul flights or even just a few hours in the air can feel endless with young children. Pack their own entertainment:

• Tablet or iPad loaded with films, games, and shows
• Kids headphones (the cheap ones always break, so invest in decent ones)
• Headphone adaptor if needed
• Colouring books and pens
• Small toys or Lego
• Playing cards
• A new book or magazine as a special treat

Family Toiletries and Medical Items

I always buy new toiletries for holidays rather than decanting what we use at home. It means everything can be packed in advance, and I’m not scrambling around on the morning we leave trying to remember whose toothbrush is whose.

Essential Family Toiletries:

• Sun cream – Factor 50 for kids, plus a roll-on for faces
• Hair and body wash
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste (consider buying cheap “holiday toothbrushes” that live in your travel washbag)
• Insect repellent
• After-sun lotion
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair bobbles and clips
• Nail clippers
• Cotton buds

First Aid Kit and Medical Items:

You don’t need a huge first aid kit, but pack these essential items:

• Paracetamol for adults
• Calpol or children’s paracetamol
• Plasters in various sizes
• Insect bite relief cream or antihistamine gel
• Any prescription medications your family needs
• Rehydration sachets (brilliant for upset tummies)
• Motion sickness tablets if anyone in the family suffers
• Allergy relief medication
• A basic thermometer

If you’re travelling somewhere exotic or with specific health risks, check NHS Fit for Travel for country-specific health advice and vaccination requirements. They recommend seeing your GP at least 6-8 weeks before travel if vaccinations might be needed, as some require multiple doses over several weeks.

What to Pack for Babies and Toddlers

Travelling with a baby or toddler does require a little bit of extra planning, but you don’t need to pack everything. Remember, most essentials can be bought at your destination if needed.

Baby Gear and Essentials:

• Travel pushchair (lightweight ones are easiest)
• Baby carrier (genuinely life-changing for getting through airports and for long journeys)
• Car seat if you’re hiring a car
• Nappies for the journey plus a few days’ worth (buy more when you arrive)
• Swim nappies
• Baby wipes (pack loads, you’ll use them for everything)
• Nappy bags
• Baby’s comfort toy or teddy
• Portable changing mat
• Baby monitor if you’re staying in a villa or suite
• Baby food for the journey
• Bottles and formula if needed
• Bibs
• Sun hat with neck protection

Top tip: Most hotels and family-friendly resorts can provide a cot, high chair, and other baby gear. Always ask in advance rather than lugging it all with you.

Adult Packing List

Right, now for the bit where we actually think about ourselves! The key to packing for adults is choosing versatile pieces that work for different occasions.

Your Suitcase:

• 2-3 swimsuits (so you’ve always got a dry one)
• 4-5 easy dresses or outfits for daytime
• 2-3 smarter outfits for evenings
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• Light layers (a cardigan or wrap for air-conditioned restaurants)
• 1 pair of comfortable walking sandals
• 1 smarter pair of sandals or shoes
• Underwear for each day
• 2-3 bras (including one strapless if needed)
• PJs or nightwear
• Sun hat
• Designer sunglasses
• A couple of pieces of jewellery
• Beach towel (check if your hotel provides them first)

Your Toiletries:

• Face SPF
• Face cleanser and moisturiser
• Body lotion
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Makeup (pack just the basics)
• Hair styling tools if needed
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Razor
• Sanitary items
• Lip balm with SPF

Decant larger toiletries into small travel bottles to save space and weight. Silicone bottles are brilliant as they’re easy to squeeze and less likely to leak.

Hand Luggage Essentials for Adults

Your hand luggage should contain anything valuable, anything you need on the plane, and anything you’d be lost without for 24 hours.

• Passports and travel documents
• Purse with cash and cards
• Phone and charger
• Portable charger (essential for long journeys when everyone’s phones are dying)
• Headphones
• Book or Kindle
• Medication
• Change of clothes (in case luggage goes missing)
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Water bottle (empty through security, then refill)
• Snacks for the journey
• Wet wipes
• Sunglasses
• Pen (for filling in landing cards)

Tech and Gadgets

The amount of tech we travel with these days is honestly ridiculous, but it does make life easier!

• Phone chargers for each device
• Tablet chargers
• Plug adaptors (check what type you need for your destination)
• Universal USB adaptor (brilliant if you’ve got multiple devices)
• Camera and charger if you’re not just using your phone
• Empty SD card
• Portable speaker for the hotel room or beach
• Earphones or headphones for each family member

Make sure everything is fully charged before you leave and pre-load tablets with entertainment for the kids.

Beach Holiday Extras

If you’re heading for a beach vacation, there are a few additional bits that’ll make your life easier:

• Beach towels (lightweight ones that dry quickly are best)
• Large beach mat or blanket
• Pop-up beach tent for shade for young children
• Inflatable toys for the pool or sea
• Snorkelling gear if you’ve got keen swimmers
• Waterproof phone case
• Cool bag for drinks and snacks
• Beach bag big enough for everything
• Rash guards for extra sun protection
• Waterproof bag for wet clothes

Winter Vacation Additions

If you’re lucky enough to be heading somewhere for a winter vacation or even Christmas holidays, your packing list will look a bit different:

• Warm layers that can be added or removed
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
• Thermal underwear for very cold destinations
• Warm socks
• Sturdy walking boots or warm shoes
• Lip balm (cold weather is brutal on lips)
• Heavy moisturiser

Car Trips and Long Road Trips

Road trips need their own consideration, especially long journeys with the whole family:

• Travel sickness tablets
• Plenty of snacks and drinks
• Entertainment for the kids
• Blankets and pillows for comfort
• Paper maps as backup (yes, really!)
• Spare phone charger that works in the car
• Plastic bags for rubbish (and travel sickness, let’s be honest)
• Wet wipes
• Change of clothes for young kids in an easily accessible bag
• Toilet paper (you never know!)

For hire cars, remember you’ll need appropriate car seats for young children. Some airlines let you check these for free.

Things to Do Before You Leave

A great way to reduce stress is to have a pre-holiday checklist. These are jobs to do the night before or the morning you leave:

• Check you’ve got your travel insurance details on your phone
• Download any boarding passes or tickets
• Check in online if possible
• Pre-load tablets with entertainment
• Charge all devices
• Make packed lunches for the journey
• Prepare easy breakfast for the morning
• Check the weather at your destination
• Set multiple alarms
• Remove anything from the fridge that’ll go off
• Empty the bins
• Ask a neighbour to put bins out if needed
• Water the houseplants
• Turn off electronics at the plugs
• Lock all windows
• Cancel the milk (if that’s still a thing where you are!)
• Leave a key with someone trustworthy
• Clear space on your phone for holiday photos

My Top Tips for Stress-Free Family Packing

After many years of family holidays, here are the things that genuinely make packing easier:

Start your packing list a week ahead. This gives you time to buy anything you’re missing without last-minute panic buying. It’s also enough time to sort out any travel health requirements – the NHS recommends getting travel vaccinations at least 6-8 weeks before departure if you’re heading somewhere that requires them.

Do one big online shop for everything you need rather than multiple trips to different shops. It’s cheaper, less time-consuming, and you can see exactly how much you’re spending.

Involve older kids in packing their own suitcase. Give them their list and let them get on with it. It teaches them valuable skills and takes pressure off you.

Pack a separate bag for the journey with snacks, entertainment, and anything you’ll need in transit. Don’t bury it in your suitcase!

Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce creases.

Wear your bulkiest items on travel day – that means trainers for the kids and your heaviest shoes for you.

Pack a change of clothes in hand luggage for each person, just in case your checked luggage doesn’t arrive with you.

Take photos of your suitcase contents before you close them. If luggage goes missing, you’ll know exactly what to report.

Create a visual packing list for young children with pictures of each item. This helps them understand what they’re packing and why.

Don’t pack too much stuff. Honestly, you can buy most things at your destination, and nobody’s judging if the kids wear the same outfit twice.

Remember: personal items can usually be bought. Forgotten toothbrush? Not the end of the world.

What Not to Bother Packing

Right, here’s a long list of things you absolutely don’t need to lug halfway across the world:

• Every single toy your child owns (trust me, they’ll play with a cardboard box)
• Your entire bathroom cabinet
• Six different types of shoes (one comfy pair will do)
• Travel hairdryer (hotels have them)
• Travel iron (hotels have them, or use the travel steamer)
• Baby bath (use the sink or shower with them)
• Towels (unless you’re self-catering)
• Full-size toiletries (decant or buy travel sizes)
• Books you’ll never read (one or a Kindle is plenty)
• The “just in case” outfit (you know the one)

Special Considerations for Different Types of Trips

Your family vacation packing list should adapt to your type of trip. Here’s what to consider:

Family-friendly resorts: These usually provide loads of stuff (cots, high chairs, some toys) so check what’s available before you pack. They often have washers too, so you can pack lighter.

Self-catering accommodation: You’ll need to pack or buy basics like washing-up liquid, bin bags, and kitchen essentials. Also bring some basic food for the first night.

Camping holidays: That’s a whole different kettle of fish and needs its own dedicated list!

City breaks: Pack smarter clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and probably ditch the pool toys.

Multi-destination trips: Packing cubes are essential. Each family member gets their own cube, making it easy to pack and repack as you move around different places.

A Final Word on Overpacking

Look, I know the temptation to pack everything and anything “just in case.” We’ve all done it. But here’s the thing: overpacking makes everything harder. Your suitcase is heavier (hello baggage charges), you spend ages looking for things, and you’ll probably only wear half of it anyway.

The reality is, wherever you’re going, there will be shops. If you forget something or don’t pack enough of something, you can buy it. Genuinely, the only thing that matters is your travel documents, your medication, and maybe your children’s comfort toys. Everything else is just stuff.

Pack smart, pack light, and spend more energy on actually enjoying your next trip rather than worrying about whether you’ve got enough spare pants.

Create Your Family Holiday Checklist

Here are some things you can add to your own family holiday checklist:

BEFORE YOU GO

• Check passport expiry dates (6+ months validity)
• Apply for GHIC cards if needed
• Purchase travel insurance
• Check GOV.UK travel advice for the destination
• Book/confirm accommodation
• Arrange airport parking or transfers
• Order travel money/currency
• Notify the bank of travel dates
• Check visa requirements
• Arrange pet care/house sitter
• Check travel vaccinations needed

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

• Passports
• Travel insurance documents
• Booking confirmations (flights, hotel, transfers)
• Driving licence (if hiring car)
• Credit cards (at least 2)
• Debit/bank cards
• Travel money/currency
• GHIC/EHIC cards
• Printed itinerary

ADULT HAND LUGGAGE

• Wallet/purse with cards and cash
• Phone and charger
• Portable battery pack
• Headphones
• Book/Kindle
• Sunglasses
• Prescription medications
• Empty water bottle
• Snacks for journey
• Wet wipes
• Pen (for landing cards)
• Change of clothes (in case luggage lost)

KIDS’ HAND LUGGAGE (PER CHILD)

• Small backpack
• Water bottle
• Lunch box with snacks
• Tablet/iPad (pre-loaded with entertainment)
• Kids headphones
• Headphone adaptor (if needed)
• Colouring books/activity books
• Small toys/games
• Comfort toy/teddy
• Change of clothes (for younger children)

KIDS’ CLOTHES (PER CHILD)

• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Swimming goggles
• 2 x swimwear
• Rash vest/swim shirt
• 5-7 x casual outfits (shorts/t-shirts)
• 2 x smarter outfits
• 1 x light jumper/cardigan
• Underwear (1 per day + 2 spare)
• 3 x pyjamas
• 1 x comfortable sandals
• 1 x trainers (wear for travel)
• 2 x pairs socks

ADULT CLOTHES

• 2-3 x swimsuits/swim shorts
• 4-5 x casual day outfits
• 2-3 x evening outfits
• 1-2 x pairs shorts
• Light cardigan/wrap
• Comfortable walking sandals
• Smart shoes (optional)
• Underwear (1 per day)
• 2-3 x bras
• Nightwear
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses

FAMILY TOILETRIES

• Sun cream SPF 50
• Sun cream roll-on for faces
• After-sun lotion
• Toothbrushes (all family)
• Toothpaste
• Hair and body wash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hair bobbles and clips
• Insect repellent
• Insect bite relief
• Wet wipes/baby wipes

ADULT TOILETRIES

• Face SPF
• Face cleanser
• Moisturiser
• Makeup essentials
• Perfume/aftershave
• Body lotion
• Hair styling tools
• Shaving kit/razor
• Sanitary products
• Lip balm with SPF
• Contact lenses/solution (if needed)

MEDICAL/FIRST AID

• Adult paracetamol
• Children’s paracetamol/Calpol
• Plasters (various sizes)
• Antihistamine tablets
• Motion sickness tablets
• Rehydration sachets
• Prescription medications
• Basic thermometer
• Any specific allergy medications

BABY/TODDLER ESSENTIALS (IF NEEDED)

• Nappies (enough for journey + few days)
• Swim nappies
• Nappy bags
• Baby wipes (lots!)
• Nappy cream
• Baby carrier
• Lightweight pushchair
• Car seat (if hiring car)
• Comfort toy/blanket
• Baby food/formula for journey
• Bottles (if needed)
• Bibs
• Baby monitor (for villas/suites)
• Baby sun hat with neck protection

BEACH/POOL ESSENTIALS

• Beach towels (check if hotel provides)
• Beach bag
• Beach mat/blanket
• Pool toys/diving sticks
• Sand toys
• Inflatable armbands/swim aids (if needed)
• Snorkelling gear (optional)
• Waterproof phone case
• Pop-up beach tent (for babies/toddlers)

TECH & GADGETS

• Phone chargers (all devices)
• Tablet chargers
• Plug adaptors (correct type for destination)
• Portable charger/power bank
• Camera + charger + memory card
• Universal USB adaptor
• Portable speaker (optional)
• Nintendo Switch/gaming devices (optional)

CAR HIRE/ROAD TRIP EXTRAS

• Driving licence
• Car seat(s) for children
• Booster seats for older kids
• Travel sickness tablets
• Plenty of snacks and drinks
• Entertainment for journey
• Blankets and pillows
• Plastic bags (for rubbish/sickness)
• Paper map (backup)
• Spare phone charger for car

NIGHT BEFORE DEPARTURE

• Check in online (if available)
• Download boarding passes
• Charge all devices fully
• Pre-load tablets with entertainment
• Make packed lunches
• Prepare easy breakfast
• Set multiple alarms
• Check weather at destination
• Empty fridge of perishables
• Take out bins
• Water plants
• Turn off electrics at plugs
• Lock all windows
• Leave key with trusted person
• Clear phone storage for photos

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Packing cubes (highly recommended!)
• Travel steamer
• Reusable shopping bags
• Laundry bag for dirty clothes
• Zip-lock bags for liquids
• Travel pillow
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Playing cards/travel games
• Binoculars
• Guidebook/phrasebook

Planning a family holiday is so much easier when you’ve got a solid checklist. Use this guide to create your own family packing list, adapted for your family’s needs and the type of trip you’re taking.

Remember, every family is different. What works for us might not work for you, and that’s absolutely fine. The best family holiday packing list is one that suits your family, your destination, and your travel style. Use this as a starting point, adapt it, and make it your own.

Now stop reading about packing and actually start doing it! Your summer holiday awaits, and trust me, even if you forget something, you’re still going to have an amazing time. That’s what holidays are all about.

Safe travels, and don’t forget your passports!