Today, we are sharing the Ultimate Packing List for Travelling Abroad with Children and Teens. We love a list here at Mini Travellers, and packing for a holiday abroad with kids can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to think about, and the last thing you want is to arrive and realise you’ve forgotten something important! We travel regularly with our children and, over the years, have built a real understanding of what’s truly essential and what you can happily leave at home.

This packing list is designed to take the stress out of getting ready for your trip. We’ve covered everything—from travel essentials and handy kids’ gear to those little extras that make all the difference when you’re on the move. Whether you’re heading off on a beach holiday, a city break, or an adventure further afield, this guide will help you pack smart and travel with confidence.

To make things even easier, we’ve put together a printable packing list, so you can tick off each item as you go. No more last-minute panic—just a well-packed bag and a holiday to enjoy!

Ultimate Packing List for Travelling Abroad with Kids and Teens

Transporting your child

1. Depending on age, a car seat or seat belt adapter.
2. Older kids, a travel backpack

On the Plane

1. Books
2. Sticker books – for younger kids
3. Blanket
4. A fully charged device – loaded with cartoons, films, or TV Shows
5. Earphones
6. Charger/Battery Pack
7. Neck pillow – for long flights
8. Food, snacks
9. Wipes (Yes we still travel with these and ours are teens)
10. Change of clothes, they can carry in their carry on
11. Fluffy socks or flight socks

In The Pool/On The Beach

1. Sun-suit
2. Sun hat
3. Sunglasses
4. Beach towels (Check in destination has these on-site; however, we like to take our own Disney towels
5. Armbands for little swimmers
6. Zip-lock bag for wet clothes
7. Pool shoes
8. Soft pool toys

Toiletry Essentials, Ultimate Packing List for Travelling Abroad with Children and Teens

1. Shampoo
2. Shower Gel/Face wash
3. Body Wipes – in case of lack of water
4. Toothbrush/ToothPaste – Including a Steripod for each of us, a toothbrush cover to protect from germs.
5. Deodorant
6. Brush/Tangle Teezer – We never leave home without the Tangle Teezer as other hairbrushes cause too many tears!
7. Dry Shampoo
8. Hair Bobbles/Hair Bands/ – Necessary to keep the hair off your neck on those hot days.
9. Towel – Ideally a small light microfibre travel towel that absorbs water quickly and dries fast
10. Hand Sanitiser – I’ve bought an excessive amount of small bottles so we can all carry them, all the time.
11. Glasses & Case
12. Moisturiser
13. Lip Balm
14. Tampons/Sanitary Pads
15. Make Up
16. Tweezers & Nail Clippers
17. Tissues

Medicine Essentials

1. Sudocreme
2. Ibuprofen/Paracetamol – tablets and medicine versions for the kids
3. Insect Repellant – We have chosen the highest we can have. We are taking both Jungle Formula and Lifeventure.
4. Sun Cream 
5. After-Sun Lotion 
6. Allergy Eye Drops
7. First Aid Kit including Savlon/bandages/scissors
8. Plasters & Blister Plasters
9. Rehydration Solution We use Dioralyte as both adults and children can use it.
10. Antidiarrheal Medication
11. Anthisan
12. Clarityn and Piriton

Clothes and Shoes

1. Dresses –  one casual dress and one nicer one (This will translate into about 5 each for the girls!)
2. Trousers – a couple of loose cropped trousers and a pair of cargo trousers plus some cool white linen trousers for travelling.
3. Shorts – Probably around 5
4. T-shirts – 4/5 for us, probably More for the kids
5. Long sleeved shirt
6. Cardigan
7. Fleece – Nights and mornings may get a bit chilly. It’s all about the layers.
8. Windbreaker/rain jacket/rain poncho, you never know
9. Underwear and Socks
10. Swimsuit/Swim shorts 
11. Pyjamas
12. Light Scarf – dual purpose – warmth and if you need to cover up.
13. Hat – A sun hat 
14. Sunglasses
15. Sturdy Sandals – Teva are my sandal of choice but the girls have sandals from Keen that they really like.
16. Trainers – Useful if you need to protect your feet from unsafe environments.  
17. Sandals – For the evening and in town.
18. Flip Flop – For the pool or beach

Travel Documents

1. Passport
2. EHIC card
3. Travel and medical insurance
4. Visa – Check if you need to purchase in advance/and how far in advance.
5. Villa/Hotel Confirmation
6. Airline Information
7. Boarding Passes
8. Cash – Check currency that is used and how best to use this.
9. Credit Card/s – What is accepted where you are travelling to – Visa/Mastercard/American Express
10. Drivers License
11. Hire Car Information
12. Maps / Guidebooks
13. Pens / Notebook
14. Paper
15. Money for Tipping

Other Items

1. Washing line
2. Ear defenders (if taking children sensitive to noise ie fireworks)
3. Plug adapters
4. Laptop – I’m a travel blogger, many of you can probably cope without!
5. Camera
6. Chargers and adapters

Get Our Free Printable Packing List for Travelling Abroad with Children and Teens

Click here or the image below to get your free PDF Travelling Abroad with Kids and Teens printable and digital packing list from our free download shop. Just upload it to Good Notes for a digital version.