When it comes to family travel, packing can be a daunting task. We’ve gathered six packing tips from experienced Travel Agents and CEOs to streamline your next trip. From distributing clothes across suitcases to rolling clothes to save space, discover how to pack smart and efficiently.
- Distribute Clothes Across Suitcases
- Adopt a Minimalist Packing Approach
- Include a Foldable Extra Suitcase
- Create a Morning-Of Checklist
- Invest in Packing Cubes for Organization
- Roll Clothes to Save Space
Distribute Clothes Across Suitcases
One game-changing packing tip that I often share with families traveling is to pack multiple outfits together in each suitcase they are taking on the trip. I distribute clothes for each of my family members across all our suitcases while traveling. This way, if one suitcase gets lost, we still have our essentials and a change of clothing for the trip.
Our family takes this tip further by using colored packing cubes. Each family member has their assigned color for belongings in each suitcase, which helps keep everything organized and makes unpacking easier for us while traveling.
Lindsay Vaughn
Travel Agent, Lindsay V Travels
Adopt a Minimalist Packing Approach
In my experience managing Weekender Management and catering to a wide array of guests, one packing tip has revolutionized the way families travel: adopting a minimalist approach with a focus on multi-use items. For example, selecting clothing that can be layered and worn in multiple settings—from a beach visit to a casual dining experience—significantly reduces the bulk of luggage. We’ve seen families cut down on their packing by nearly 30% by choosing versatile pieces over single-use items.
Another game-changer has been recommending the use of packing cubes. This simple organizational tool allows families to categorize their belongings and utilize suitcase space more efficiently. By rolling clothes and placing them in cubes, not only does it save space, but it also makes unpacking and managing belongings at the vacation rental a breeze. This method has become a top suggestion in our welcome guides, based on positive feedback from guests about how it streamlined their travel process.
Lastly, I always advise families to research and leverage the amenities available at their vacation rental. Many times, guests pack items that are readily provided at the property, such as beach towels, hair dryers, or even strollers. By checking in advance, families can avoid unnecessary packing and focus on bringing essentials, further simplifying their travel. Through these approaches, I’ve witnessed families transform their travel experience to be more enjoyable and less encumbered by luggage, proving that efficient packing is key to a seamless vacation.
Garrett Ham
CEO, Weekender Management
Include a Foldable Extra Suitcase
One useful tip, especially when traveling with your kids, is to never forget to carry a foldable suitcase inside your suitcase. While traveling, kids can force you to buy different things they want because they are so eager to try something new.
Even if you aren’t going shopping, it’s smart to bring a second, fabric-made foldable suitcase just in case. Such bags don’t take up much space and can make your travel easier. Additionally, it can assist you with money management by keeping you from buying new, potentially costly suitcases.
Ricky Spears
CEO, CMO, Ricky Spears
Create a Morning-Of Checklist
One thing I always emphasize is the importance of preparing a morning-of checklist. It has everything you can’t pack until the last minute, like charging cords, toothpaste, water bottles, and more. This lets you plan around these items better.
You know exactly what needs to be done and when, which eliminates the guesswork and minimizes the chances of forgetting something crucial. You can pack everything else beforehand, leaving these items out so you won’t forget them in the morning rush.
And because you know you have to pack those last-minute items first thing in the morning, you won’t be left frantically searching for your phone charger or scrambling to fill up water bottles at the last minute. Instead, you can tackle these tasks calmly and efficiently, ensuring a smoother start to your journey.
Gary Gray
CEO, CouponChief.com
Invest in Packing Cubes for Organization
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to family travel. These small, fabric containers come in various sizes and can be used to separate and organize different items within your luggage.
This allows you to easily find what you need without having to dig through everything in your suitcase. Additionally, packing cubes also help maximize the space in your luggage by compressing and flattening items, allowing you to fit more into your bag.
This not only saves you time and hassle during packing but also makes it easier to transport your luggage while traveling. Investing in a few sets of packing cubes can greatly streamline the process of family travel and make your trips much more organized and stress-free.
Evan Tunis
President, Florida Healthcare Insurance
Roll Clothes to Save Space
One game-changer for packing when traveling with the family is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. It sounds simple, but trust me, it’s a lifesaver. This trick saves a ton of space in your suitcase and also keeps your clothes from getting all wrinkled up.
I learned this the hard way on a trip that was more about chaos than relaxation. After spending what felt like hours trying to fit everything into our bags and ending up with wrinkled clothes anyway, I gave rolling a try. The difference was night and day. Packing became less of a chore and more about excitement for the trip ahead.
Now, I always roll my clothes when packing. It’s a small step that makes a big impact, especially when you’re trying to fit everything the kids want to bring along. Give it a go, and you’ll see how much smoother packing can be for your next family adventure.
Swena Kalra
Chief Marketing Officer, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.
