Let’s talk about family travel gear, the stuff we’ve used and loved for 6+ years of full-time world travel and the things you actually need to carry on a holiday or vacation. We travel as a family, we have 2 kids, but most of what’s on this page relates to travel equipment needs for everyone. We’re updating for 2024 currently becausw things changed. Products come and go, we keep updating with the latest and greatest versions of a product where we can.

Family Travel Gear

• Your baggage is the most critical piece of travel equipment for you and your family, followed by your electrical equipment. You have to get both correctly!
• We don't believe you need much travel stuff at all. We wouldn't travel without a few products that are functional, packable, and inexpensive.
• If I were planning a trip or vacation, I would suggest the products listed in this article. Consider the duration of your vacation, destination criteria, and what you love doing.
• Many travel devices, gear, and equipment are unnecessary. We will not tell you to purchase them, promise.
• Use your judgment to examine your personal requirements, and don't purchase anything simply because a marketer or travel writer, including myself, says you should.

Travel Items to Carry Always

You will need the following goods wherever you travel; they form the core of a family travel gear packing list.

• Washing kit Medical kit
• Travel towels, equipment (laptops, phones, kindles, cameras, video gear, power banks) with adaptors and plugs as needed.
• Travel organizers (see below) and packing cubes are optional but recommended.
• Clothing that is suitable for all seasons.
• sunglasses
• Maintain comfortable footwear and use water bottles instead of plastic.
• For extended delays, provide the kids with their personal teddy or blanket, as well as a card game or unique toy.
• Schoolbooks and pens for long-term trips.
• Required items include paperwork, passports, travel insurance, and money.

A word on travel insurance. In this new world we are discovering, travel insurance may be difficult to get, and some nations have stringent criteria for hospitalization coverage. We know of two firms that have been providing travel health insurance to address current issues.

We utilized World Nomads ourselves and found them to be satisfactory. Check out this new player offering free kids' insurance under specific situations.They may also provide monthly medical insurance for nomads and travelers.Please do thorough investigation, since this region has recently become a minefield.

Items for Specialized Travel or As Needed

Most normal, non-specialised travel requires none of the following. We possess several of the things listed below, and we sometimes carry them. If not, we would purchase them as required.

• Sleeping bags include sheets and liners.
• Mosquito Nets
• Hiking shoes/boots with socks, or high-tech walking sandals. We have a detailed article on hiking gear here.
• Clothing options include waterproof coats and pants, as well as down jackets.
• Swimwear/Beachwear Ski Wear
• Trekking poles
• Solar-powered chargers.
• Certain cruise ships and unique activities need formal attire.
• waterproofs

The goods listed above are only for specialized types of travel, and we do not advocate packing all of them for ordinary family trips or vacations. We go into further depth about this lower down the text.

Packing Lists and Clothing for Travel

What wardrobe items should you carry for a family trip? Don't forget that you'll notice beautiful products to buy (like these leather shoes in India) and desire to get them. while a result, don't overpack; you may acquire amazing items while you go.

I do not create comprehensive packing lists. I believe they are a sales gimmick. Let us chuck the rules out the window!

Take whatever clothing you possess that make you happy. We don't have any specific branded travel clothing or undergarments. They are useless for most types of travel and make you seem like a tourist. Instead, check out our family vacation wardrobe ideas below.

Clothing that can in handy when traveling

A hat may be worn in the sun or in the cold, as long as it is appropriate.
A big cotton or other natural fabric scarf that may be worn in hot or cold weather and looks elegant. Perfect for both men and women.This one seems to be similar to the huge cotton scarf I bring with me to every vacation.They come in a variety of hues.
We provide coordinated layers for all climates, as well as comfortable underwear that can be hand cleaned in hotel sinks.
Comfortable shoes to wear anyplace, as well as flip flops. Instead of leather, choose water-resistant flip flops. Some leather shoes cannot withstand rainy conditions. My Birkenstock sandals remain at home.

What you dress is mostly a personal decision. I've worn jeans in every environment for years. Recently, I've been bringing my running leggings or tights more often. Some ladies enjoy skirts, while others prefer shorts.

Sun Protective Travel Gear

• We understand how harmful the sun can be, therefore all of our packs include long-sleeved T-shirts and cotton shirts with collars, as well as rashies for the beach and swimming.
• Sun-protective sleeves with high UV ratings are ideal. My spouse uses them when working in the harsh sun on the Great Barrier Reef and participating in outdoor activities.
• For aquatic sports, you'll also need a brimmed hat, something to protect your neck, such as a light UV protection buff (neck gaiter), and a long-sleeved rash vest.
• Look here to find a long-sleeved sun protection shirt.These are available for men, women, and children and are must-have beach or waterwear for those of us who live or travel in hot weather.

Long-sleeved UV protection jackets with hoods are a new addition in 2024. We just purchased them and really adore them. They're incredibly lightweight, simple to wash and dry, cool in the heat, and can be layered for added warmth. I brought mine to Japan and Bali, and we use them outside in Australia and on coral tour boats for men, ladies, and teenagers.Purchase one here.

Packing Method: One to wear, one to wash, and one spare.

• A excellent packing tip for travel is to bring one to wear, one to wash, and one spare. It's useful for ultra-light packing, but it demands a lot of washing. I seldom stay with it.
• This packing approach needs a commitment to hand cleaning practically every day, as well as the time to do it.
• I suggest that you bring more than three sets of any clothing item, especially if it has to be washed often.
• I'm becoming better at packing this manner. I've lately been getting by with just three pairs of pants for carry-on travel, which has worked out well.

Family Travel Gear: Pack Less, Buy More.

• There are always gorgeous, climate-appropriate garments at your destination; you don't need to go wild shopping before leaving.
• The garment business is very harmful to the environment, thus we should only purchase what we really need.
• If you need special goods or odd sizes, like children's sizes, they may not be readily accessible at your destination. Swimwear, pants, and bras come under this category for me.
• Specialist electronics, as well as high-quality travel gear and gadgets, may be difficult to locate, so get them before you go. That being said, Bangkok is perhaps the finest location in the world to purchase electronic travel gear, and you can typically get the tax back.

Remember that garment sizes may be smaller in Asia; you'll also need to know European, UK, and US sizes (Australia utilizes US shoe sizing).

Washing Clothes when Traveling

Laundry is typically simple to arrange when traveling and inexpensive, with privately run laundry services by the Kg in South East Asia being particularly good.Find them on practically every street where visitors congregate, and shop around for the best deal. If you intend on bringing whites, make sure you have enough to do a thorough whitewash. But really, don't take whites.Hostels frequently provide paid washing machines, and if you hire an apartment, be sure it has one.Expect self-service laundries in Europe and the United States; alternatively, hotels provide their own laundry services, which are frequently pricey.