When we travelled as couple we use to pack at the very last second. But now as a travelling family our motto becomes: Preparation is key. Every trip is different, but the essentials must bring packing list will remain the same.
So save yourselves from a pickle and pack these 9 must bring items for every family travel:
1. Have copies of your travel documents
Make copies of your passports, plane ticket, travel insurance, itinerary and other travel documents. Bring a copy, also Save them as PDF format and email it to yourself. This way you can always access it through any computer or in your phone even without Wi-Fi connection.
This will come in handy in case you lose any of those documents. These copies will also help you in making temporary passport, make police reports and also for claiming insurance.
2. Bring just enough cash
We never carry a ton of cash whenever we travel – it is safer to withdraw from an overseas ATM. However do bring cash with you in case the place you’re visiting don’t accept card or in the event of their machine is down.
3. Then have some emergency cash
Firstly: Exchange just enough foreign currency before leaving home. Not all airport ATMs will be working when you arrive. Or worse, you may find your bank card is blocked!
Secondly: Leave some emergency cash at the hotel deposit box in case you lose your wallet.
4. Practical clothing & footwear
Family travel is not the time for fashion photo sessions for your social media pages. This doesn’t mean that you can’t look good, but comfort comes first. Opt for versatile neutral colours so you can easily coordinate your tops and bottoms. This way you maximise the use of every single piece of clothing in your suitcase, and the less you have to pack.
5. Small first aid kit
Allergies and fever can come in a drop of a hat. You are likely to be able to find pharmacy just about anywhere. But in case they are closed or the foreign language speaking pharmacist can’t understand you, bring a few basics.
Our son’s first aid kit includes; digital thermometer, Panadol, Band-Aids, Betadine, and Antihistamine.
6. Bring an umbrella
Yes umbrella. A small pocket umbrella doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. We always bring one along with us regardless travelling in summer (for shade) or winter (for rain). In the morning before leaving the hotel, check the weather forecast to decide whether to bring the umbrella along or not. For older children a light raincoat is more practical.
7. Note down emergency details
In each city you visit, note down the closest hospital with paediatric unit and the local ambulance phone number. So in case your little ones need emergency help, you know exactly where to go. Also note down all your emergency contacts back home.
8. Always buy travel insurance
Since we started travelling as a family, we have never left this one out. Even though chances of misfortunes are very slim, you don’t want to tempt your luck nor fate. Travel insurance is much more than just a cover for medical emergencies. It covers you for flight cancellations, missing luggage, stolen belonging and other things. For only a few dollars a day, it is absolutely worth it for your peace of mind.
9. Basic Phrasebook
Before you visit your next destination, learn a few basic phrases like Good Morning, Thank you and goodbye. It makes everything easier and people will appreciate this. Kids will have fun learning too!
Our favourite travel bible is as always – Lonely Planet. It has a few pages worth of basic phrases at the back of each book.
For places we have visited, Checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy of our travel essentials online via Ebay
