Our Full-Time Travel Packing List (With Kids)
What We’re Actually Taking for a Year Abroad as a Family of Four
Why Packing Light as a Family Feels Like a Joke (But We Did It Anyway)
When you picture a family of four packing for a year of travel…the word minimalist probably doesn’t come to mind.
Neither did it for us—at first.
But when you’re heading to Latin America for a full year, hopping between climates, and trying to carry everything you need on your backs (plus maybe a few cuddly extras from home)… you get real clear on what matters. Fast.
This is our full, honest breakdown of what we’re packing, how we chose it, and what we will leave behind based on previous travels (even though it hurt a little).
How We Approach Packing as a Family
First things first: we’re not ultralight backpackers.
We’re also not rolling six suitcases through cobblestone streets. We wanted a middle ground, travel light enough to be flexible, but still have what we need for parenting, working, learning, and living abroad.
Here’s how we set our packing rules:
1 large backpack per adult (40–50L)
1 carry-on/daypack per kid (they carry their own toys/snacks/tablets)
Packing cubes + strict categories (no rogue stuffing “just in case” gear)
Everything weighed—if it didn’t fit the weight limit, it didn’t come.
This took weeks of test-packing, revising, asking questions on subreddits, previous travels and laying things out in the living room only to say “nope, not gonna fit” and start again. But it’s worth it to avoid overpacking and regretting it later.
@travelventurefour Packing for kids should be an Olympic sport. Here’s me trying to fit an entire universe into one little Trunki. We’re keeping it simple for our upcoming adventure, but man—those toys, books, and random “essentials” add up fast 😅 Any packing hacks I should know about before we hit the road long-term? #familytravel #dadlife #fyp #travellingwithkids #traveltiktok #familyadventure #travelfamily ♬ All The Small Things - blink-182
Clothes Breakdown (By Family Member)
We planned for three seasons: warm, hot, and cooler nights at altitude. No true winter gear (we won’t need it in South America where and when we plan to go), but enough to layer.
The Kids
Each Child Has:
5 tops
3 bottoms
1 hoodie
1 rain jacket
1 swimsuit
1 sun hat
1 pair sandals, 1 pair trainers
1 travel towel
5 pairs socks & underwear
1 set of sleepwear
1 “nice-ish” outfit for cities or restaurants
We’re aiming for 5–7 days of wear before laundry, max. And yes some of this will need to be replaced or re-sized as we go.
Adults
We kept it simple and versatile:
4–5 tops
2–3 bottoms (shorts + lightweight trousers)
1 dress (My wife) / 1 collared shirt (me)
1 hoodie/sweater each
1 packable rain jacket
1 swimsuit each
1 pair sandals + 1 pair trainers each
Merino wool layers (lifesavers in cooler regions)
1 travel towel per person
7 pairs underwear, 3–4 socks
Packing tip: choose things that mix and match easily, and fabrics that dry fast.
We also each packed a few comfort clothes (aka: well-worn t-shirts that make us feel human again after a long day on a bus).
Grab your FREE copy of our printable packing list
Toiletries + Health
We share almost everything in this category, packed into one waterproof dopp kit and a small zip pouch for meds.
What’s inside:
Solid shampoo & conditioner bars
Toothbrushes + paste
Deodorant
Razor + nail clippers
Minimal makeup (her)
Sunscreen (reef-safe)
After-bite cream
Basic meds: paracetamol, plasters, antihistamines, motion sickness tabs
Tweezers + thermometer
Rehydration sachets
Kid-safe bug spray
We intentionally kept this light because most of these things can be bought locally no need to carry 12 months of toothpaste.
Electronics + Work/School Gear
We’re working and roadschooling while traveling, so we made room for a few non-negotiables here.
What we packed:
2 laptops (one for work, one shared for school/media)
1 iPad + Bluetooth keyboard
Headphones (2 adult + 2 kid-size)
2 phones + universal SIM
Kindle
Portable charger
Cable bag (chargers, adaptors, backup USBs)
DJI Osmo pocket 3
We try to use what we already own instead of upgrading for the sake of it. The most important thing is having backups for cables and charging everything on-the-go.
Bags + Packing Systems
Our setup took many iterations. Here’s what stuck:
2 Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L packs (carry-on approved, fits everything)
2 Decathlon kids’ backpacks (they each chose their own)
Compression packing cubes – huge game changer
Hanging toiletry bag
Drawstring laundry bag
Shoe bags (so we’re not stuffing dirty soles next to clean shirts)
Ziplocs & carabiners (for chaos control)
We had the kids do “test runs” of wearing their bags adjusting straps, checking weight, and practicing airport-style sprints down the hallway.
They thought it was a game. We considered it pre-training.
“Extras” We Can’t Travel Without (But Almost Didn’t Pack)
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This is the stuff that doesn’t fall into clean categories but makes our travel life so much easier (or more comfortable).
For the Kids:
Favorite soft toy (each gets one)
Headphones + tablet (long travel days = sanity savers)
Kids’ journal + a few colored pens
Tiny pack of LEGO + a card game (Uno or Dobble) plus Pokemon cards for Atty.
We gave each kid a small “entertainment pouch” that they manage. It fits in their carry-on and has to be repacked by them. Built-in responsibility
For Sleep:
- White noise app (seriously, lifesaver in hostels or cities)
- Eye masks (the kids love these more than we expected)
A light blanket or sarong (multi-use: beach, shade, plane, fort-building…)
Random But Useful:
Collapsible water bottles
Reusable straws + spork sets
Microfiber towel (for spills, beach, whatever)
A mini clothesline + sink stopper for washing things on the go
Zip ties, safety pins, and duct tape (you laugh now…)
Stuff We’re NOT Bringing (And Why)
This was just as important to decide as what we were bringing.
We left behind:
Guidebooks – Too heavy. We’ll use digital maps + local advice.
Toys that require lots of pieces – They get lost, fast.
Big medical kits – We packed basics, but we’ll buy what we need as we go.
Multiple shoes – Each person gets two pairs max: one for walking, one for beach/casual.
“Just in case” gear – If it’s not essential, we’ll get it locally if needed.
Minimalism isn’t about suffering. It’s about travelling light enough to move freely. That’s our north star.
What We’ll Probably Regret (But Are Bringing Anyway)
Let’s be real. There are always a few wildcard items that feel like gambles. For us, that includes:
- A full-sized travel yoga mat (me)
- A small drone (Contemplating getting, might not)
- A mini Bluetooth speaker
- The kids’ nature notebooks + glue stick (aka: scrapbook dreams)
Will they earn their space? TBD. But we wanted to give ourselves permission to try without guilt. If it flops, we’ll gift/donate it along the way.
With drones, somne countried do not allow them and they will be took off you and not allowed in the country.
Packing Tips We Swear By (After Many Fails)
The Repack Test: Can you fully repack your bags in under 10 minutes? If not, it’s too full.
Roll, don’t fold: Saves space and wrinkles. (I’m a rolling pro)
Do a final “Why?” audit: For every item, ask: Do I truly need this or am I afraid without it?
Keep laundry in mind: Pack enough for 5–7 days max, then build a laundry routine into your travel rhythm.
Give kids some autonomy: Let them choose a few favorite things so they’re not just stuck with a list of your practical choices.
Use compression cubes wisely: Don’t overstuff. The goal is to organise not hide more stuff inside.
What Each of Us Is Actually Carrying (Mini Breakdown)
Dad’s Pack:
Tech gear (laptop, chargers, camera, mic)
Travel docs + admin stuff
First aid kit + meds
One pair of trainers, one pair of sandals
5 tees, 2 shorts, 1 long pant, 1 button shirt, 1 hoodie
Mum’s Pack:
- Kids’ emergency clothes (because someone always spills)
Snacks (always)
All toiletries (shared bag)
Kindle + journal
2 dresses, 1 pair of leggings, 2 tops, 1 sweater, 1 raincoat
Atticus (age 7):
Clothes for 5 days
Activity pouch: notebook, pens, mini book, Uno
Flip-flops + trainers
Favourite plushy + sunglasses
Mini headlamp (loves this way too much)
- Pokemon Cards
Aurielia (age 5):
4 outfits + 1 backup in mum’s bag
Teddy bear + water bottle
Small toys in a packing cube
Noise-canceling headphones (lifesaver)
Each kid has a small backpack they carry with their comfort items + entertainment. They’re not lugging full loads but they are part of the team.
Packing for Different Climates (Without Overpacking)
This one trips up most long-term travellers, especially with kids. We’ll be moving between beaches, cities, and mountains. Here’s how we’re handling it.
Layering is king.
Instead of bulky coats, we’re using base layers + lightweight rain shells.
Merino wool shirts go the distance (and the smell test).
Everyone has one “warm” outfit that we layer into.
Footwear tip:
We made peace with only 2 pairs each. Flip-flops + comfy runners can take us just about anywhere.
Laundry every 5–7 days means we don’t need 2 weeks of clothes.
We also plan to buy cheap extras locally if climates shift dramatically (and donate them before leaving). That’s cheaper and lighter than lugging a jacket we’ll use once.
The Mental Side of Packing Light (Especially With Kids)
This isn’t just about stuff. It’s about mindset.
We found ourselves asking:
“Will this make life easier, or just heavier?”
What surprised us:
We attached emotion to objects—even practical ones.
Kids are better at letting go than we are. They just need time and choice.
Every item is a commitment. Carry it, use it, maintain it.
Packing for long-term travel isn’t about prepping for every possible scenario. It’s about trusting you can adapt. That’s what we want our kids to learn most of all.
Our Packing Timeline (What Helped Most)
Packing wasn’t a weekend task, it was a slow unraveling of everything we own.
Here’s what helped:
✅ Start 2- 3 months out with a first test pack (This is the stage we’re at now)
✅ Create a shared checklist with your partner
✅ Assign “zones” in the house for different stages: donate / maybe / definitely pack
✅ Involve kids early so they’re used to the idea of less
✅ Keep a “questionable items” box, if you don’t reach for it in 3 weeks, it doesn’t go
Pro tip: take photos of packed bags at every stage. Makes it easier to repack fast on the road (or retrace your chaos when something goes missing).
Packing for Long-Term Travel Isn’t Just Logistics — It’s Letting Go
This whole packing thing? It’s emotional.
We weren’t just choosing outfits. We were deciding what version of ourselves we wanted to carry forward.
Packing for a year taught us:
To get real about what we value
To trust that less really is enough
That kids don’t need much stuff to feel safe they need consistency, flexibility, and snacks
Every item that made it in had to earn its place. Not because we’re ruthless but because we’re choosing freedom over clutter. Movement over maybe.
Want to Steal Our Packing List?
You can use it to pack for:
A 2-week family trip
A long-term sabbatical
Or just to get your life a little more organized ✨
Planning a long trip with kids? Follow @TravelVentureFour for real, unfiltered tips on family travel, what’s working (and what’s not), and how we’re making it up as we go.
