So, I am going to just go all out and make a list of virtually every item we are packing (per child) for an upcoming cruise. We try as hard as possible to fit everything into a carry-on sized bag, and our boys’ bags are actually a little smaller than regular carry ons because, frankly, they will carry them themselves then. I am not a fan of lugging around luggage. (Pardon the pun).
So this list is for a 6 day vacation / 5 day cruise. We are flying in a day early because we live in Minnesota and you don’t risk flying in day-of. Especially in winter. Especially near Spring Break. Just don’t even try. Personal experience talking here (thankfully, I didn’t try, and my bumped flight brought me in right on time).
You will obviously be able to tell from this list that we are going to a warm-weather destination. Cold weather will take up more space, so that’s why I only travel to cold weather destinations if I absolutely have to (Haha yeah, that’s the reason). Anyway, regardless of where you are traveling, check the weather! This seems obvious, but a lot of times we pack for what we think the weather should be at a certain time of year, or even just what we want the weather to be. When leaving the frozen tundra I tend to think anywhere in the South or West is automatically 75 and sunny. Unfortunately not always the case, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Weather Forecast: Unseasonably Warm (Jackpot!)
Temps range from 70-80 degrees farenheit on the low end to 75-85 on the high end, with occassional possible afternoon shower.
So my three biggest tips in packing light are:
- Plan full outfits
- Layer
- Choose a base color and match to it (this is especially good for adults; visit traveling with a carry-on to see my adult packing list).
Day of travel Outfit:
- Jeans
- Underwear
- Socks
- Tennis/Walking Shoes (Preferably without ties, we are going through airport security. Sometimes they let kids walk through without taking them off, but it varies)
- T-shirt
- Zip-up long sleeved shirt
- Light rain jacket – (We wear winter coats then leave them in the car on airport arrival).
- Hat – I was asked about the boys’ hats – they were cheap and have held up well, got them off Amazon.
Main Carry-On Bag:
- 6 pairs shorts
- 7 underwear
- 7 socks
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeved Shirt
- Swim Suit
- Swim Shirt
- Goggles
- Water Shoes / Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries – Toothbrush
- Liquids Bag – Toothpaste, hand sanitizer
Messenger Bag / Back Pack
- My Travel Adventure Journal – This thing was adorable. We used it during calm-down or relaxation times for the kids to keep track of their travel memories.
- Tablet
- Charger
- Earphones
- Empty Water Bottle – fill it with water once you get through airport security
- Schoolwork
- Coloring Book / Colored Pencils (Not Crayons, they melt in hot weather)
- Snack Container – hard sided Tupperware filled with snacks the kids choose themselves (with parent approval)
- Mi-fold Booster Seats – collapsible car seats for road travel – not usually needed for bus or shuttles, but we were renting a car and also used them in our Uber/Lyft pick ups.
What I Didn’t Bother to Pack:
- Blanket – Some flights provide them, otherwise we use our jackets.
- Neck Pillow – We just don’t use them, they get left behind.
- The kids on this trip are old enough that they don’t need a stroller, but if you are looking for moreinformation on how we travel with kids, check out my tips on traveling with young kids or my tips for traveling with babies.
