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Packing for a trip with kids can be a daunting task. Packing for an overseas trip with kids for two weeks in just a couple of carry ons is even more overwhelming. We are going to do our best to give you the tools you need to successfully pack up yourself, your spouse, and your little loves for an unforgettable trip across the pond. Here is our Europe with Kids Packing List!
If there is anything that I thrive on, it’s organization, lists, and schedules. I’ve got all three working for me right now as we prepare. For reference, our Europe with Kids Packing List is going to work most effectively for early Spring since that is when we will be traveling, but you can tweak where necessary for your trip. We will be everywhere from cliffs and beaches to churches and palaces.
Toiletries
I always start with toiletries. It is an easy way to feel like you’ve accomplished something without making any major decisions. We each have our own TSA approved bags for our liquids, but for the kids, that is simply their “getting ready” bag. When we make it to our destination, it contains everything from shampoo to hair clips, toothpaste to brushes. If they need it to get ready, it’s in that bag and can go directly from their carry on to the bathroom at our destination. It’s also super handy if you are going to be traveling overnight and just need a quick way to refresh at the airport or your final destination. Everything is at your fingertips.
Makeup and getting ready necessities are next for me. I have a small hanging bag that has accompanied me everywhere I’ve been for the past 15 years. I’ve slowly accumulated travel size items of my favorite getting ready products and now have a bag that almost doesn’t need packing. It’s just ready to go and fully stocked with the tools I need (and then some because I hate feeling unprepared). My favorite new find is this travel mini hair straightener. Dual voltage and so compact!
Travel Shoes
Shoes. If there is anything that will thwart my best laid plans for packing, it’s shoes… especially on a trip like this. For Europe, comfort is key, but I still want to look nice for visiting places like churches and castles. We do so much walking on uneven terrain like cobblestone streets and rocky paths. The thing that works against me is that I like to not-so-much look like a tourist on my feet. I recommend a good pair of walking shoes, a waterproof option, and dressy-ish shoes. If you can find all three of those in one magical pair and you don’t have to pack any extras, you just bought yourself a whole lot of real estate in your carry on. Please let me know if you have found this magical pair of shoes. I haven’t discovered them yet, but my favorites are linked above.
Clothes & Outerwear
Clothes are essential, but not as many as you think you need for a big trip away. The key to success for a trip like this is to choose a color palette and stick with it. Think about layers that work well together AND apart. We will literally be wearing one pair of jeans and packing one more. Choose tops that go together, sweaters that can layer, scarves to add color and warmth. The homes that we will be staying in have laundry, so we are shooting for 5-6 outfits that can be mixed, matched, and re-worn.
Outer layers come next and especially for the Spring where we are heading, the weather can be unpredictable. We will each be taking a warm layer (might be a roll-up puffer or comfy fleece) that can be worn on it’s own or paired with a rain jacket that protects from the elements. Umbrellas, a warm hat, and thin gloves also belong on this list for that reason. Do your research for weather appropriate clothing and accessories, but also double check the weather right before you go so you have the most accurate picture of what it will be like while you are traveling.
Since we’re traveling with kids, this is going to be a much more low-key trip for us… ie not killing ourselves to see everything we can in daylight hours. We’re hoping to have cozy nights in with movies, books, and board games, so some cozy clothes (if you can reuse from your day-wear, great!) and pajamas are also on the list. One pair of pjs should suffice since we can do laundry as needed. Our rental properties are already stocked with all kinds of cozy night in activities for kids and we are so excited!
Travel First Aid Kit & Meds
My travel first aid kit and travel pharmacy combo are also always packed and on standby ready for travel. It’s one of those things I can just grab and throw in my carry on. Check our our complete blog post on this for everything that goes in to mine.
Personal Items
Personal items for the plane are one of my favorite things to pack. I always work to make this a surprise for the kids. Each has a backpack that they aren’t allowed to see until the trip has started. Family members were awesome about this for Christmas and stocked us up for everything from snacks and travel games to books and headphones. Each backpack will contain sleep items (fingers crossed – sleeping the whole way there for an evening flight), snacks, coloring supplies, games, books, and notebooks.
Electronics
Electronics unfortunately take up a large portion of our packing space just because we love to document it all. When traveling in Europe, be sure to check to see if you’ll need country specific voltage converters and travel adaptors. We will travel with both, but also like to bring along these surge protectors that also get us extra outlets and USB ports. We also like to sleep with sound machines and love both of these (Snooz & Sleepbox) for travel.
Documents
If you leave home with nothing else, make sure you have your passports and necessary travel documents. Check them and then check them again. Confirm reservations, check dates, call your bank and credit card companies.
I know it sounds like a lot, but if you plan well, are organized in your packing, and are selective about your clothing, you can easily fit everything you need for two weeks away in Europe with kids in one carry on and personal item for each person.
If you have any other tips for traveling across the pond with kids or if you see something I am missing on my packing list, please feel free to let me know!
Happy travels!
