Family Vacation Packing List
Packing for a family vacation is definitely the hardest task of all but with a good packing list, some foresight and proper planning the job can be made much easier. I always make out a packing list prior to going on a vacation so I'm not trying to think of last minute things. One important tip is to only take what is necessary and what you will use. Don't pack stuff which 'might come in handy'. You probably won't use it and it is simply taking up storage space. For example, don't take ten board games when one or two will be plenty. See planning tips for further hints and tips for packing. When packing, use see-through plastic crates with lids and attach a list of each item on the outside of the crate. To save space, you can also take items, such as ointments and medicines, out of their boxes and put them in ziplock bags (the plastic bags with a self-sealing strip along the top that are used for storing food). Here is quite an exhaustive list of things to include in your family vacation packing list. Of course, it all depends on your vacation destination, how long you will be away and how many there will be travelling with you, but I hope these ideas will help alleviate any unnecessary stress caused by the dreaded thought of packing. You will find a printable copy of these packing lists here. It will open in a new window and is in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format.
Clothing - underwear
- shoes
- thongs or sandals
- hiking shoes or boots
- jeans or long pants
- shorts
- T-shirts
- shirts
- sweaters/jumpers
- skirts/dresses
- shower proof jacket
- handkerchiefs
- pyjamas
- beanie
- hat
- swimwear
| Toiletries and Personal Items - toilet paper
- soap
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste
- brush
- comb
- deodorant
- face washer
- shampoo
- conditioner
- other hair products
- shaver
- feminine articles
- dental floss
- lip balm
- make up
- powder
- reading glasses
- bath towel
| First Aid/Medicines - band aids
- dressing
- bandages
- triangular bandage
- antiseptic powder
- emergency blanket
- tweezers
- scissors
- matches
- notebook
- pencil
- safety pins
- cotton buds
- whistle
- pain relief tablets
- personal medicines
- prescription medicines
- alcohol swabs
- butterfly wound closures
- salt (for leeches)
- turpentine (for killing ticks)
| Baby Gear - potty
- disposable nappies
- nappy wipes
- nappy pins
- pilchers
- petroleum jelly or other creams
- baby powder
- baby backpack
- travel cot with bedding
- high chair
- stroller
- baby bath with soaps, towels, oils, etc.
- baby monitor
- night light
- baby clothes
- socks
- shoes
- hat
- shade
| Other Essentials - water
- esky, freezer bocks, ice
- torch and batteries
- raincoat, umbrella
- sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- paper, pen, pencil
- spare plastic bags
- camera
- video camera
- spare batteries, memory cards, chargers, cords
- maps
- tourist information
- accommodation guides
- directions
- sewing kit with needle and thread
- wet wipes for hands and face
- ziplock bags
- money or cards, bank book, cheque book
- address list and stamps (for postcards)
- itinerary
- drawing books, notebooks and journals
- binoculars
- key identification guides (for example, bird book)
- travel clock
- picnic table
- picnic set
- travel iron
- tissues
- toolkit
- bath floor mat
- foldable washing basket
- laptop (to watch DVDs)
Car Travel - snacks in ziplock bags
- water bottles, drinks
- individual travel packs with games, etc.
- esky with cups, water, etc.
| Camping - food
- water purifying tablets
- mess kit (plates, bowls, cups, knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons)
- plastic food wrap
- aluminium foil
- sharp knife (for cooking)
- tin opener, bottle opener
- axe, knife, bush saw, shovel, etc.
- billies
- frypan
- washing bowl
- detergent
- scourer
- tea towels
- portable stove
- matches, fuel, newspaper
- table, chairs
- esky, etc.
- tent (with poles, pegs and rope), fly, groundsheet, hammer
- sleeping bags
- blanket, pillows, sheets
- airbed, sleeping mat, camping stretcher
- pump for airbed
- compass
- lantern with spare fuel
- chemical light stick
- rope, string, tape, safety pins (and other repair materials)
- insect repellent
- washing detergent, pegs, clothes line, bucket
- specialised equipment (for example, fossicking)
- smoke detectors
- portable toilet
- toaster, kettle
- fly spray, fly swat
- dust pan
- brush
- broom
| Games, Toys, etc. - board games
- card games
- dice games
- dominoes
- family DVDs
- sports equipment (tennis racquets, balls, frisbee, cricket bat, fishing gear)
- inner tubes or inflatable boat
- bikes, scooters, etc.
- jigsaws
- toy cars
- dolls
- CD player with CDs to listen to
- books to read
- colouring in books, pencils
| Beach Equipment - beach umbrella or shade
- sunscreen
- lip balm
- hat
- sunglasses
- swimming costumes and sun shirts
- flippers
- goggles
- snorkelling equipment
- beach balls
- beach toys (buckets, shovels, etc.)
- beach towels
- beach shoes
- life jackets/toddler safety swimming vests
- boogie boards
| Snow/Cold Weather Items - thermal underwear
- mittens or gloves
- warm scarf
- beanie or hat
- waterproof shoes
- sunglasses
- warm waterproof jacket
- items to make a snowman
- ski pants (NOT jeans)
- snow/ski boots
- car tyre chains
- warm sleeping bag, blankets, quilts
- room heater
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I hope you found these lists useful in creating your own family vacation packing list. You may print out this list for your own personal use. It will open in a new window in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. Return to top
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