Packing with care when traveling with kids makes all the difference in the world.  Being organized reduces chaos, logistics, and stress, plus having necessities readily available makes travel easier and more enjoyable.

These days, it’s important to pack smart and light given that most airlines charge incremental fees for checked bags. One of the reasons I love Southwest Airlines is that checked bags are free—this saves hundreds of dollars (literally) when you are traveling as a family. 

We’ve written about packing tips a few times on Ciao Bambino.  Since this is a top 10 list, I’ve included a few of my own tips, as well as recommendations from travel writers’ Dana Rebmann and Nancy Solomon.

1.  Choose lightweight and versatile carry-on bags

Whether it lasts four hours or fourteen, a plane flight can feel like an eternity if you’re not prepared. Your child’s carry-on is a big key to your success. Make sure your child’s bag is light when it’s empty. You’re going to put enough in as it is, don’t add unnecessary weight. Look for a carry-on that rolls, but can also double as a backpack. Rollers come in handy, but there are moments (think escalators and rental car bus shuttles) when you’ll be thankful your little one can put their bag on their back and go.

2.  Have your kids pack with you

This get’s more important as your kids get older. What you think your kids need, and what they really want, might be two very different things.

3.  Be prepared for munchies

It doesn’t matter if they just had a six-course meal, kids get hungry. And if they stay that way, they get grouchy. So be prepared for when the munchies strike. Pack some snacks for the air. A sweet or two is ok, but try and pack something easy that will hold them until their next solid meal. Apples, crackers and peanut butter, and granola bars are popular with the younger set, and easy to eat on the go. Get more carry-on travel packing tips on Ciao Bambino.

4.  Pack the essentials

Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario. Deal with it when and if it happens. It’s a lot easier, and a lot more fun, to go shopping for underwear and a new sweater, than spend three weeks schlepping around an extra ten pounds of clothes you’ll never wear. There are all sorts of packing formulas out there. When it comes down to it, how much or how little you take, is a personal choice. Once your bag’s packed, take it for a practice spin. If your kids will be responsible for handling a bag, this especially applies to them.

5.  Include a few random yet useful basics

Sometimes the little things make all the difference. Tuck a handful of Ziploc bags into your suitcase (gallon and sandwich-size). They work for everything from loose markers, to ocean pebbles to holding a picnic lunch. Small, disposable ponchos weigh next to nothing and take up even less space. They will keep you dry, and kids love wearing them! Duct tape can fix everything from a ripped suitcase to broken flip-flops. Baby wipes aren’t just for babies. They can clean dirty hands, dirty faces and come in real handy when there’s no toilet paper to be found in the public restroom.

6.  Bring something to hold trip souvenirs

Roll up a lightweight flexible duffel bag and tuck it in your suitcase. If you find you start to collect things along the way, pull it out.

7.  Think through baby supplies and equipment needs

Bring just enough diapers to get you through the first few days of your trip.  Packing two-weeks worth of diapers takes up too much room. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to Europe or Australia—they have babies too and diapers can be purchased locally. 

Things like formula and food are a bit trickier.  Specific formula brands are not available everywhere so it’s best to bring your own.  For baby food, it’s best to do some research ahead of time to determine if you’ll be comfortable with the brands on sale at your destination.

Most hotels provide rental cribs (some are portable vs. wooden).  Be sure and request this at the time of booking if you plan to leave your pack-n-play at home.  Also, many independent rental properties do not supply cribs and highchairs—be sure to research this ahead of time.

8.  Bring the right toys

Portable entertainment is critical for family travel success.  Over a few-week-trip, kids will tire of the same old stash so it’s helpful to have treats you can pull out along the way.  Nancy Solomon co-authored an entire post about entertaining kids on planes.  There are great ideas here for games and toys that are easy to pack and fun.  See travel activities for kids to get the scoop. 

9.  Electronics save the day

As kids get older, fewer toys and more electronics come into play.  The good news is that devices with music, games, and movies are more portable and robust than ever now. If you have an iPhone or iPad, be sure and check out Tales2Go, a family travel must-have according to Nancy).

The most important tip around electronics is to charge them! This seems obvious, but it is amazing how often I find myself leaving for a trip with half-charged electronics only to discover that half-way through the flight everything is out of juice.

10.  Use a packing check list

Make a list and check it twice to ensure you don’t forget anything important. LobotoME’s Pack Me Notepad gets rave reviews. 

See our family travel packing tips article for links to more great tips from family travel writers and bloggers.

Amie O’Shaughnessy is the Editor of CiaoBambino.com, a family travel resource offering tips and advice for traveling with kids, as well as comprehensive reviews of the best kid-friendly hotels and resorts.

See Also:

-Toddlers: How to Eat Healthy on the Road

-Traveling with Children: Tips You Need to Know

-What are Your Tips for Traveling with Kids?