Packing Lists for Large Families Traveling Internationally

Here’s a set of structured, practical packing lists for large families traveling abroad. I broke it down by category so you can delegate sections to different kids or family members. It’s optimized for overseas travel (think: passports, adapters, comfort, and chaos control).

1️⃣ Essential Documents & Travel Items (Each Family Member)

Valid passport (+ copies)
ID card/school ID for teens
Health insurance cards & travel insurance info
Plane tickets / boarding passes
Currency / travel card / debit cards
Emergency contact card
Pen for immigration forms
Small travel folder or fanny pack for documents

2️⃣ Carry-On Must-Haves (Per Person)

Noice Cancelling Headphones / earbuds https://amzn.to/46qCbKr
Neck pillow or compact travel pillow https://amzn.to/4l7AwOw
Snacks (protein bars, dried fruit, etc.)
Refillable water bottle https://amzn.to/4llLEHW
Travel games / puzzles / downloaded movies
Power bank / charging cords
Face mask & hand sanitizer (still helpful!)
Change of clothes (just in case)
Gum or lollipops (for ears on flights)
Medications for motion sickness, ibuprofen etc

3️⃣ Family Gear & Shared Items

International power adapters & voltage converters
Compact first aid kit (band-aids, meds, motion sickness tabs)
Medication + prescriptions (with labels)
Travel laundry bag, clothesline + detergent pods https://amzn.to/3U2lVI9
Collapsible duffel for souvenirs or overflow
Reusable shopping bags
Travel towel or quick-dry blanket https://amzn.to/4exfQwS

4️⃣ Clothing & Toiletries Checklist (Per Person)

Customize by age, gender, and climate, but a good starting point is:

5–7 outfits, mix of casual/dressy, layering pieces
Rain jacket, hoodie, or climate-appropriate layer
Shoes: 1 walking pair, 1 casual pair, 1 shower/flip-flops
Sleepwear :2–3 sets
Undergarments: Enough for 7–10 days or plan to do laundry
Sunglasses, hats, belts, watches, accessories

Pro tip: Teens can be surprisingly good at capsule wardrobes if challenged to “pack like a minimalist.”

5️⃣ Teen-Specific Add-Ons