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Did you think that flying with kids means checking your bags? Nope. It just means packing those carryons smarter. And making sure the kids all pull their own weight. Here’s how to travel with carry-ons only, even when you’re headed off for a week-long family vacation.
Is It Really Possible to Pack Light with a Family?
Yes! If you’re flying with a family, say two adults and two kids, that equals four possible carryons. That means you beat the baggage fees and can still have everything you need for a week’s vacation. Really.
The key to packing light is teaching kids to pull their own weight. Kids as young as 4 can push a small lightweight four-wheel carryon like this one. Even preschoolers are used to wearing backpacks. Pack them with the supplies the kids will need to stay happy during the flight, from iPads and Kindles to coloring books and snacks.
That frees up your backpack for carrying the important documents — boarding passes and passports — everyone’s prescription medications, and anything you will want to have during the flight, such as an eye mask, headphones, water bottle and cashmere wrap.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Start with the right suitcase! Choose one of the best luggage brands that are lightweight, durable and stylish.
It’s All About Packing Smart
Everyone who buys a ticket is entitled to board with one carryon that fits is the overhead bin and one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Here’s how to make the most of all of that luggage space.
1. Wear your heaviest stuff on the plane — jeans, hiking boots, bulky sweater, puffy coat. It will save room in your carry on luggage and keep you warm on a chilly flight.
2. Pack several thin layers for warmth rather than one bulky thing.
3. Invest in compression packing cubes like these from Gonex.
4. Plan what everyone will wear to ensure every piece of clothing can do double or triple duty.
5. Pack detergent pods or Woolite in case you need to wash something during the vacation.
6. Limit everyone to packing one pair of shoes and one pair of flip-flops or sandals. That’s it. With the pair on your feet, that makes three, which should be plenty for a week away.
Carryon Packing Checklist
There are two parts to this:
- The carry-on bag
- The personal item
We’ll tackle each one separately.
Carryon-Only Travel Packing List
This is where you want all of the stuff you’ll be using once you arrive at your destination. It might include any of the following, but not all. Obviously, if you’re going somewhere cold, you’ll want a warm hat and gloves. If you’re headed to the beach, pack the sun hat instead.
Clothing for adults
- Underwear
- Socks
- Bra
- Pajamas
- Dress shirt
- Casual shirts/T-shirts
- Pants/jeans
- Shorts
- Dress or skirt
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Swimsuit/cover-ups
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Warm hat & gloves
- Scarf
- Dress shoes
- Flip-flops or sandals
Clothing for kids
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pajamas
- T-shirts
- Pants/jeans
- Shorts
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Warm hat & gloves
- Scarf
- Flip-flops or sandals
Toiletries
Remember to limit liquids such as shampoo and lotion to TSA-friendly 3 ounces or less. Put them in a quart-size plastic bag to lessen the hassle when you go through security.
- Brush and/or comb
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Razor
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Shampoo & conditioner– Shampoo bars are super travel friendly and kids love them.
- Moisturizer
- Makeup
- Band-Aids
- First-aid ointment
- Insect repellent– select wipes so that they don’t have to be included in your liquid ziplock
- Pain relievers
Extras to Pack
- Small purse
- Foldable tote or daypack
- Dry bag
- Binoculars
- Waterproof bag for cell phones (critical if you’re planning a beach vacation)
What to Pack in Your Personal Item
First, think about what kind of “personal item” you want to take. I know most people choose a backpack. It can carry a lot and it’s great for hands-free travel when you’re also wrangling kids and their carryons. But I prefer a big cloth bag like this one. I like that it’s flexible and can be tucked under the seat in front of me, but I can easily pull it out, zip it open and see everything inside. When we’re off the plane I can sling it over my shoulder for almost hands-free operation.
- Costume jewelry (leave the expensive stuff at home)
- Passport/visa
- Guidebook
- Copies of important travel documents
- Identification
- Credit cards (bring two, just in case)
- Cell phone
- Boarding pass/tickets
- Medical insurance card
- Electronics chargers
- Extra power supply
- Power strip
- Itinerary
- Travel insurance card
- Power converter
- Wallet
- Prescription medications (2 times as much as you’ll need, just in case)
- Cash
- Earplanes (indispensable when you’re flying with a head cold)
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Headphones
- Tide stick stain remover
- Lip balm
- Motrin
- Benadryl
- Hand sanitizer
- Clorox disinfecting cleaning wipes for cleaning the germy spots on the airplane.
- Inflatable neck pillow
- Baby wipes for cleaning little hands
What to Pack in Your Kids’ Personal Item
- Chewing gum
- Snacks
- Travel games
- Favorite toy or stuffed animal
- Kids’ Kindle Fire HD, iPhone or iPad for watching movies, with charger
- Headphones for listening without disturbing other passengers
- Hand sanitizer
- Bubble Bum inflatable car seat
