Packing for Family Travel and Worldschooling

“How did you figure out what to pack for your whole family?” is one of the most-often-asked questions about our respective Wonder Years.

 

We’ve provided you with an extensive list of things you might need for your Wonder Year in this Packing List Bonus Content. The important thing to know is that there isn’t a magical set of items that every family will need. It depends a lot on where you’re going, the climate, the activities you’ll be participating in, where you’ll stay and what those accommodations offer, your personal hobbies, how much weight you are willing to carry, what you can buy on-site, and what you are most attached to from home. You definitely won’t need everything listed in the appendix, and it’s just as important to determine what you won’t bring along.

 

In addition to what to bring is the question of what to bring it in. How will luggage and packs be distributed between family members? Do you need wheels? Backpack straps? Here are some considerations for how to choose your luggage:

• Can your child(ren) carry their own?
• Will you be walking along rough roads or walking up many staircases? If so, consider straps on your bags to provide support.
• Will you be maneuvering many airports with littles by foot, or do you have one in a stroller/car seat? Consider how things can roll together.
• Does the idea of the duffel abyss, with items tossed in willy-nilly, make you itchy? Consider a hard-shell suitcase with zippered compartments and easy organization. Or use compressible packing cubes, perhaps color-coded by family member.
• Do you prefer to check bags or have carry-ons? Is it cost-prohibitive, inconvenient, or risky for your group to check bags? Then you need to maximize everyone’s carry-ons. Even the youngest will need to carry their share.
• If you’re settling into a van or RV, will you also be doing overnight excursions? You might want foldable weekender bags.
• Do you need waterproofing? Consider a trash bag or a waterproof duffel or suitcase, or for a backpacking trip, a pack cover.

 

Here are some other packing tips:

• Weight matters, especially with kids. If you find you aren’t using things, ship them home—the cost for doing so quickly pays for itself in convenience (and probably even dollars, given the cost of checking bags). You don’t have to bring everything with you—purchases can be made at your destination. Sometimes they are much cheaper on-site.
• Help your kids load their backpacks with items for traveling days. This might include books, toys, stuffed animals, games, stickers, and snacks.
• Carry a daypack in case you get stranded somewhere. See Appendix B for suggested items.
• Some countries have luggage-forwarding services where your bags are sent onward to your next destination while you are in transit. Costs vary widely. Some families find it’s worth it, especially as they are navigating the world with littles.

 

Ready to start packing? This post offers a comprehensive, customizable packing list to help you gear up for your worldschooling adventure. Think of it as your personal inventory guide—packed with suggestions so you can choose what matters most for your family on the road. Let the packing begin!