Quick Packing Guide for Travelling with Kids

Posted on Thursday, September 25th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur Leave a Comment

Packing for a family trip can feel like a mission especially if you are traveling with your kids. While your own bag might just need clothes and a charger but kids need their comfort toys, snacks, travel kit essentials and a dozen other things but packing smart keeps the whole journey stress-free. Let’s get you sorted with our checklist for the flight, the holiday, and everything in between.

What to Pack for Kids on Holiday?

Once you’ve survived the flight, the real fun begins! But to make sure your trip goes smoothly, you’ll need more than just clothes. Think of this as your complete travel list for holidays in India, whether it’s a beach escape, a city break, or even ticking off your travelling to USA checklist.

1. First Aid & Medicines

No family trip is complete without a mini medical kit. Kids are unpredictable, so it’s better to be prepared. Pack these travel kit essentials:

• Bandaids & antiseptic cream
• Pain relievers (kids’ paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Motion sickness tablets
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Any prescribed medicines

(Keep everything in a pouch so you can grab it quickly if needed.)

2. Clothes Checklist

Clothes depend on the destination, but the basics remain the same. Here’s a simple list of what to take on vacation for kids:

• 4–5 outfits (mix & match: shorts, t-shirts, leggings, trousers, dresses)
• 1 long-sleeved shirt
• 1 jacket (waterproof if possible)
• 1 pair of pajamas
• 1 hat
• 3–4 pairs of socks
• 7–10 sets of underwear
• 1 pair of sneakers/day shoes
• 1 pair of sandals

Seasonal Additions:

• Summer: swimwear, sunglasses, beach towel, sunscreen, goggles, armbands.
• Winter: gloves, scarves, thermals, moisturiser, extra layers.

3. Toiletries Checklist

Toiletries are easy to forget, but a pain to buy later, especially abroad. Add these to your checklist for international travel from India:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitiser
• Lip balm
• Hairbrush & hair ties
• Nail clippers
• Sunscreen
• Kids’ deodorant (for older ones)

4. Entertainment for Holidays

After a full day of sightseeing, kids need downtime. Keep them happy with simple entertainment:

• Colouring book + pencils
• Favourite storybooks
• Soft toy or comfort item
• Small travel games (UNO, cards)
• Tablet loaded with cartoons or educational games
• Headphones

Travel Tip: A small bag of entertainment items works wonders in restaurants, hotel rooms, or during long car rides.

What to Pack for Kids on a Flight?

The flight is usually the trickiest part when you travel with kids. Long queues, limited space, and more. That’s why having the right travel kit essentials in your carry-on makes all the things simple and easy. Here’s your checklist of what to take on vacation flights when you’re flying with children:

• Kid’s Backpack (only the basics) – Instead of giving them a full suitcase, pack a small backpack with their flight-day must-haves. Think crayons, snacks, and comfort items. It’s light, easy to carry, and doubles up for day trips at your destination.
• Comfort Toy or Blanket – Every parent knows the emergency that comes when a favourite toy is missing. A soft toy, dummy, or blanket keeps them calm during take-off and landing.
• Warm Socks – Kids love to kick off their shoes mid-flight. A cosy pair of socks keeps them warm and comfortable.
• Digital Tablet + Headphones – Perfect for long-haul flights or delays. Load it with games, cartoons, and movies. Don’t forget the charger it’s one of the most underrated flight travel accessories.
• Snacks & Lollipops – Hungry kids = cranky kids. Carry familiar snacks and a few lollipops to help with ear pressure during take-off and landing.
• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitiser – The ultimate lifesavers when you’re flying with kids. Spills, sticky hands, messy faces wipes cover it all.
• Feeding Gear – Bibs, spoons, and sippy cups make life easier for toddlers. Pack what your child uses daily at home.
• Spare Change of Clothes – Flights are unpredictable a spill or motion sickness can happen anytime. A fresh set of clothes ensures your child (and you) stay stress-free.

Travel Tip: Make a mini travel kit for each child. It keeps things organised and avoids digging through one giant bag every time they need something.

Important Travel Documents for Kids

When you travel with kids, keeping documents organised is just as important as packing clothes or snacks. A missing passport or insurance paper can ruin even the best-planned trip. That’s why your checklist for international travel from India should always start with documents.

Here’s what you need to carry:

• Passports – Yes, even babies need their own passport.
• Visa (if required) – Double-check the requirements for your destination.
• Photocopies of passports & visas – Keep one set in your luggage and one digital copy saved securely.
• Travel insurance papers – Non-negotiable when flying with kids or planning long vacations for kids.
• Flight tickets & booking confirmations – Print a copy along with digital versions.
• Immunisation records – Some countries (like the USA) may require proof of vaccinations.
• Parental consent letter – If one parent is travelling alone with the child, some countries ask for written consent from the other parent.

Use a waterproof travel pouch to store all your documents together — passports, insurance, and tickets. It saves you from last-minute panics at the airport.

Handy Extras Parents Should Pack

Beyond the basics, there are a few extra items that can make your trip way more comfortable when you travel with kids. These don’t always come to mind while making a travel list, but they’re total lifesavers once you’re on the go.

Here are some handy travel kit essentials every parent should consider:

• Travel stroller or baby carrier – A lightweight stroller or sling is super useful for city walks, airports, or sightseeing.
• Travel pillows & blankets – Keep kids comfy on long flights or road trips. These simple flight travel accessories make naps easier.
• Reusable water bottles – Saves money and keeps kids hydrated throughout the day.
• Snack boxes – For packing small, kid-friendly meals on the go.
• Universal travel adaptor – Must-have for your travelling to USA checklist or any international trip.
• Small foldable bag – Handy for storing souvenirs, laundry, or unexpected extras.

Smart Packing Rules Every Parent Should Know

Packing for yourself is easy but when you travel with kids things get a little more complicated but here are a few simples rules that can make your packing stress-free and save you from overstuffed bags at the airport.

• Keep a master travel list – Write down everything you need before you start travel. It avoids duplicates and helps you tick off essentials as you go.
• Nominate one packer – When multiple people pack for the kids, you’ll end up with two sets of socks and zero pajamas.
• Use packing cubes – They’re lifesavers for family trips. Pack clothes, toys, and even toiletries in separate cubes so you can grab things quickly during the journey.
• Roll, don’t fold – Rolling clothes saves space, especially when you’re adding kids’ outfits to your bag.
• Keep essentials in a carry-on – Think snacks, wipes, medicine, and a change of clothes. These flight travel accessories will be a blessing when you’re flying with children on long routes.
• Check airline rules – Especially important for parents with infants. Your checklist for international travel from India should include rules on liquids, baby food, and strollers.

By following these smart hacks not only keeps your bags lighter but also ensures your travel kit essentials are always within reach.

Ready to Travel with Kids?

Packing for family trips doesn’t have to feel diifficult with this simple travel list and the right travel kit essentials, you’ll enjoy smoother flights, and actually have fun on your holiday. 

Need help booking flights or planning stress-free vacations for kids? Contact Travanya today – we’ll help you find the best deals and make your journey easier from take-off to landing.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to pack when flying with kids?

A: The best way is to keep all travel kit essentials in your carry-on. Snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and a comfort toy should always be within reach. Rolling clothes instead of folding also saves space.

2. How many outfits should I pack from India when travelling to the USA with kids?

A: For your travelling to USA checklist, pack 5–6 outfits per child for a week-long trip, plus seasonal extras like jackets or swimwear. Don’t forget an extra set of clothes in your flight bag for emergencies.

3. What flight travel accessories make trips easier for children?

A: Some must-haves include neck pillows, blankets, reusable water bottles, colouring books, and a digital tablet with headphones. These flight travel accessories keep kids comfortable and entertained during long flights.

4. What snacks are best to carry when flying with children?

A: Stick to familiar, mess-free snacks like biscuits, crackers, fruit pouches, and lollipops (great for ear pressure during take-off and landing). Always include these in your list of what to take on vacation with kids.

5. Do kids need their own travel insurance?

A: Yes, kids need to be included in your travel insurance plan. It should be part of your checklist for international travel from India, especially for vacations for kids abroad.

6. What documents should I pack when travelling internationally with kids?

A: Keep passports, visas, travel insurance papers, flight bookings, and immunisation records together. Make digital copies too, so your travel list is always backed up.