What to Pack for a Family Trip to Montenegro
A Practical Packing List for Parents (Who’ve Stepped on LEGO at 4am)
Packing for Montenegro with kids is part strategy, part survival. We’ve done the trial runs, packing too much, forgetting the one thing that melts down a 5-year-old, and learning what actually gets used. Here’s what makes the cut when we pack for family travel through Montenegro’s beaches, old towns, and mountain hikes.
Packing for Montenegro: The Family Reality
Montenegro throws a bit of everything at you:
Sunny beach days
Breezy mountain mornings
Old town strolls with cobblestones galore
Surprise downpours in shoulder season
So your packing list needs to flex. Here’s what we actually brought and what we’d leave behind next time.
Gear We Recommend for Families
We travel with:
Two backpacks for adults
One shared carry-on
One mini backpack each for the kids
Packing cubes are our sanity savers. We use compression ones to divide gear by person. These are the Amazon cubes we use.
👉 Related: How many days do you need in Montenegro
What to Pack for the Kids
Each child packed:
4–5 tops
2 bottoms
1 hoodie or fleece
1 rain jacket
1 swimsuit
2 pairs of shoes (sandals + runners)
Hat (sun or warm, depending on season)
5–6 pairs socks and underwear
Extras that made a difference:
Lightweight pajamas
Favorite bedtime toy or book
Reusable water bottle
Small sketch pad + markers
Audiobook player (like a Yoto or similar)
What Worked for Us (Adults)
3–4 breathable tops
2 pairs of pants/shorts
1 warmer layer
1 rain/wind shell
Swimsuit
Walking shoes + sandals
Light scarf (for temples, sun, warmth)
Tip: Even in summer, Montenegro’s mountain regions get chilly. We had 10°C mornings in July in Žabljak.
Want to see the gear we’re actually using? We’ve added it all to our Amazon shop — real stuff we’ve tested and packed for our family year abroad.
Toiletries and Health Basics
Toothbrushes, shampoo bar, conditioner bar
Sunscreen (good quality is pricey in-country)
Bug spray (especially near lakes and rivers)
First aid kit with kids’ meds
Rehydration sachets
Nail clippers, tweezers
Useful Extras
Passports + backup copies
Health and travel insurance docs
Ziplock bags for wet clothes or tech
Universal plug + chargers
Mesh laundry bag
Quick-dry towel
Lightweight shopping bag
Sink plug + travel laundry detergent
Baby or Toddler Add-Ons
Compact stroller (go sturdy, not stylish)
Soft carrier for uneven terrain
Travel crib or baby cot
Portable booster or high chair cover
Diapers and wipes (available locally but not all brands)
👉 Related: Is Montenegro stroller Friendly?
Season-Specific Tips
Spring/Fall:
Rain gear + layering pieces. One warm outfit per person.
Summer:
Beach wear, water shoes, sun hats, hydration packs. Still bring a jumper for mountain mornings.
Winter:
Snow in Durmitor and the north. Bring thermals, coats, gloves, Montenegro can feel Alpine in parts.
Want to see the gear we’re actually using? We’ve added it all to our Amazon shop, real stuff we’ve tested and packed for our family year abroad.
Leave Behind Items
What we didn’t need (and won’t bring next time):
Too many toys
Dressy clothes
Multiple beach towels (one microfiber did the job)
That fourth pair of shoes we swore we’d use
Full-size anything
Final Word: Keep It Light and Realistic
Packing for a family trip to Montenegro is about choosing versatility over volume. If something isn’t useful across at least two scenarios skip it.
