Packing is always such a stressful thing for me. I actually get nightmares for days leading up to every trip we take that I’ve forgotten to pack something essential, or worse, forgot my suitcase altogether. So in order to quell my anxiety, I usually create a checklist before every trip, organized into categories. I decided that sharing these checklists might benefit other people too, so here they are!
This list is specifically for our upcoming France trip next week, but can work for most trips. I’ve broken it down into
- The Essentials (Important documents, electronics, travel basics)
- Mom’s Packing List
- Dad’s Packing List
- Toddler’s Packing List
For more tips on traveling to Europe with a toddler, check out our post on all the tips!
And don’t forget to pack some of our fun printable bingo cards depending on where you are going! They are available for download on our Etsy shop.
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The Essentials:
Let’s start with the essentials. Make sure you’ve got all your important documents and passports together in a safe and easily accessible spot. I try to carry a copy of our passports just in case. The other items are general things we can’t do without. I’ve linked them below.
Airpods//Apple Watch//Portable Charger
Packable Duffel//Air Tags//Universal Adaptor
Our Favorite Snack Bars//Travel Umbrella//Water Bottle
Mom’s Packing Checklist:
Clothing:
Here’s a breakdown of mom’s packing list, AKA mine! I decided to separate it into three categories because it was too much to fit into one graphic.
Let’s start with clothing. I try to pack overall light. A few lightweight cotton dresses, 2-3 cotton or linen tees/shirts, 1 silk cami, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of wrinkle resistant pants, and 2 pairs of shorts. With shoes, I really try to keep it simple because these are bulky! For this Europe trip, I’m just taking my go to sneakers and platform sandals.
Hill House Cotton Dress//Madewell Maxi Dress//Linen Button Down//Silk Cami//White Basic Tee
Lightweight wrinkle resistant pants//Tailored shorts//White Bodysuit Tank//Striped White Tee
Platform Sandals//White sneakers//Jeans//Linen short set
Toiletries:
With toiletries, I recently purchased a new toiletry bag and love it. I’ve used random cheap bags for years, but this one has mesh zipper bags with velcro and compartments to really organize everything well. I absolutely love the compact blush/bronzer/highlighter combo from Kaja cosmetics. The sunscreen powder from Supergoop is perfect for reapplication, but I rely on the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica sunscreen for the best coverage when starting the day.
Packing toiletries is always difficult. I’ve tried several different toiletry kits to find one that really works well and optimizes space. I really like the Kitsch set for that reason. It’s also inexpensive. I use it for face washes, shampoo/conditioner, and certain skin care products and make-up. I use Briogeo products a lot for my hair, so I also occasionally pick up a travel set at Sephora to keep things easy.
And lastly, but possible more importantly — these laundry detergent sheets are such a game changer! We usually stay in Air BnBs or apartments if possible and ideally look for one that has access to a washer/dryer. These sheets simply dissolve in the laundry and make washing clothes a breeze, allowing us to pack less and optimize space in our luggage!
Laundry Sheets//Favorite Mineral Face Sunscreen//Travel Bronzer & Blush Compact
Curly Hair Briogeo Set//Powder Sunscreen//Toiletry Bag
Accessories:
I was searching for a non-diaper bag backpack for the last few months and finally settled on this classic backpack that I will use to carry on essentials on the plane, but will also be great for day-to-day in the city as a replacement for a purse. I’ve found that having a backpack is so helpful to keep your hands free, because with a toddler, the more hands that are free, the better! For days that I want to leave the backpack behind, I love the simple belt bag to carry essentials but still keep those hands free.
A few other essential accessories — A basic baseball cap help to shade my face to avoid sun exposure, and also helps to cover-up day old hair that I *likely* won’t have time to fix. A set of hair clips to deal with said messy hair. Simple jewelry like some gold hoops and maybe a simple gold necklace. And last but not least, my trust sunglasses.
Dad’s Packing Checklist:
Marcelo likes to keep things very simple. He buys his basics mostly at Target and Nordstrom Rack and brings an assortment of shorts/pants and shirts. Add in a baseball cap, comfortable city sneakers, and a few of his essential toiletries and he is done. Linked to a few of his favorites below.
Basic Tee//Basic Button Down Shirt//Hair Styling Paste//Sunglasses
Comfortable Joggers//Shorts//Baseball cap
Sneakers//Toiletry jars for hair product//RazorĀ
Toddler Packing Checklist:
I saved the most important one for last — of course the toddler packing list is the longest one. On the plus side — we need far less stuff now than we did when she was a baby, so that’s a win. I included a full checklist, but created a graphic with just a few of our favorite products.
The two products that are MOST useful are the compact travel stroller and car seat. We’ve traveled with others that are less compact and it’s so much harder with bulkier and heavier items. The best part is that they can come on the plane with you, so you don’t have to worry about damage, getting lost, or having to wait on them at the oversized luggage area.
Compact Travel Stroller (folds down and fits into overhead bin!)//Water Bottle//Kid’s Melatonin//Snack Spinner
Tablet//Magnetic Travel Puzzle//Travel Hatch Sound Machine
Headphones//Large Coloring Book with Stickers//Travel World Puzzle
Compact Travel Car Seat (also fits in overhead bin!)//Inflatable Bed Bumpers//Minnie Suitcase
Happy Travels All!! If you have essential travel products, please share them in the comments below!