Let’s be real — packing light with kids can feel like trying to zip a suitcase with an elephant in it. But after months of full-time travel with Tilly (yes, she still has meltdowns every time but its all part of the adventure), we’ve mastered the art of packing just enough to survive jungle hikes, temple trips, city chaos and surprise rainstorms — without dragging our entire lives behind us.

So if you're a family on the move or just travelling with a mini human in tow, here’s a peek inside our bags... and all the packing wisdom we've picked up along the bumpy, cobbled way.

🧳 What We Pack (and Why We Keep It Light)

We're not **minimalists** exactly, but we’re practical.

Our mantra? **"If it doesn’t fit in a unicorn suitcase, it doesn’t come."**🦄

👕 Clothing Essentials for All Ages:

1 x leggings – Great for activities and surprisingly durable.
3 x light trousers – Ideal for temples and mozzie-heavy zones.
6 x dresses – For mum! Cool, lightweight and double as nightwear.
2 x shorts – For the heat or beach days.
Vest tops galore – They weigh nothing and take up no space. Win.
2 x PJs – One short set for the tropics, one long for camping.
1 x thin jumper – Heavy jumpers are pointless. Trust us.
1 x track bottoms – Comfy and perfect for cold flights.
Bucket hat – For sun protection and a bit of style.
Flip-flops + sturdy trainers – For sandy days and serious exploring.
4 x swimming costumes (get 2x long sleeved or take a rash vest, the heat is no joke out here)!

🧼 Cosmetics + Wash Kit

We keep it super minimal:

Me and Joe share most items (because love and limited space).
Small bag with the basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, sunscreen.
We buy extras locally when it’s affordable — and honestly, it's fun to try out new stuff from tiny corner shops!
Reminder: If you're going somewhere humid, makeup will slide right off anyway!
We packed some first aid bits and a few medical supplies just incase (its been handy to have last minute).

🎒 Backpacks & Bags

We picked up some fantastic Decathlon backpacks along the way — they’ve been lifesavers:

Sturdy, comfy, with great compartments for laptops, overnight clothes, water bottles, and art supplies.
Waist strap = lifesaver on long walks.
Around £60 each, but totally worth every penny.

👉 Pro Tip:

Get a waterproof cover for your rucksack — you'll thank yourself during tropical downpours or ferry rides.
Bring a few carabiner clips to hang shoes, water bottles, or that fan that won’t fit inside the bag.
Handheld fan = absolute lifesaver for buses, sweaty city walks, or a sticky child who’s “melting.”

The rucksacks we use (super comfy and space for laptop in the back).

✍️ Worldschooling Extras

A small pencil case with art supplies, a notebook, drawing pad, and a few well-loved books.
A mini marine biology journal (Tilly’s pride and joy 🐢).
Pen & paper over laptops when possible — keeps things hands-on and creative!

🧠 Top Tips for Packing Light (With Kids!)

We’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. Here’s what works:

🎒 1. Use a Medium Suitcase (Seriously)

We use kids’ unicorn hard-shell suitcases – they’re cute, surprisingly durable, and small enough to throw into a tuk tuk or balance on a chicken bus. Keep total weight under 22kg — many budget airlines only allow 20kg, so aim low!

🏝 2. No Attachments Allowed

Flights often charge a lot for checked luggage. Be prepared to say goodbye to things. We’ve given away shoes, towels, books — and lived to tell the tale. Turns out, most stuff isn’t that important anyway!

📦 3. Get Packing Cubes or Dividers

Game. Changer. Pick up from Primark, Home Bargains, or online.
They keep things separate and tidy — no more digging for clean socks in a hurricane of clothes (trust me, you don’t need as many socks as what you think, we practically live in flip flops).

👟 4. Use Every Nook

Underwear in shoes.
Roll, don’t fold.
Use the top zipped compartments for clothes you don’t need often (like your jumper for that one cold bus ride).

🧖🏻‍♀️ 5. Bring a Microfibre Towel

Light, fast-drying, and great for beach days, hostel showers, or emergency spills.

🎒 6. Backpacks for Overflow

Our Decathlon bags double as daypacks and overnight bags. Great for:

Toiletries
Swimwear
Tech
Snacks (always snacks)
A change of clothes for surprise stopovers

🎒 7. Avoid the Big Rucksack Temptation

We considered going full backpacker mode... but carrying everything on our backs with kids? No thanks. Suitcases = easier, even if we occasionally have to lug them up stairs or across cobblestones.

Pro tip: Stay fit enough to lift your case — it becomes part of the workout plan 😅

🌧 8. Prep for All Weather

Waterproof rucksack covers are a must in rainy seasons or on boats.
Clip-on fans or handheld rechargeable ones = sanity savers in sweaty climates.
Carabiner clips give extra hanging space for flip-flops, towels or hats.

Everything we own in these suitcases (officially homeless and love it!!).

💡 Final Thoughts

Packing light with kids is possible — it just takes a bit of trial, error, and ruthless honesty about what you really need (hint: not the third pair of sandals).

We’ve learned that comfort, flexibility, and a good pair of shoes matter more than matching outfits or packing “just in case” extras. Plus, when you travel light, you’re free to move — whether it's hopping on a ferry, running for a bus, or saying yes to an unexpected adventure.

So go on — ditch the stuff and pack the memories. 🌍💛

✈️ Packing Light(ish) With Kids: Real Tips From a Full-Time Travel Family