After more than a decade of traveling as a family, we’ve learned that packing light makes every trip easier. For the last 12 years we’ve done every flight, even international ones, with carry-ons only. Whether it’s walking from our hotel to the train station, carrying our bags up the stairs in the subway or sleeping in a teeny tiny cabin on a sleeper train, you’ll be glad you packed light! This carry-on packing list for families has saved us time, money, and stress, and now I’m sharing exactly what goes into our bags (and what doesn’t).
In Flight Bag
Each person gets a small personal bag under the seat, backpacks for everyone.
- Passports & ID
- Boarding Pass or Mobile Tickets
- Travel Insurance Details
- Snacks & Refillable Water Bottle
- Travel pillow (my favourite one) and eye mask (my kids don’t wear one but I love them!)
- Hand sanitizer, tissues, gum, lip balm
- Sunglasses & Hat
- Foot sling – my MUST when flying
- Rain Ponchos from Dollar Store
- Snacks
Pro Tip: Keep all travel documents in one folder or pouch so you can pull them out together. We use a slim travel wallet. Keep chargers & electronics here so you’re not digging in the overhead bin.
Think “mini routines” instead of items. Pack by how you live, not by category. Example: a “morning routine kit” (toothbrush, face cream, meds, hairbrush) goes in one pouch so you can get ready even if your suitcase isn’t fully unpacked.
Clothing
We’ve been traveling with only carry-ons for over a decade, and this system works. Everyone gets four packing cubes of clothes and wears their bulkiest outfit on travel days.
- 3–4 tops per person
- 2–3 bottoms (shorts, pants, or skirts)
- 1 lightweight sweater or fleece
- 1 jacket (packable down or rain shell)
- 5 pairs underwear, 3–4 pairs socks
- 1 pair of pajamas
- Swimsuit
- 1 pair of comfortable shoes + 1 pair sandals 🌞
- Thin travel towels
- Flat, cheap slippers
Pro Tip: Let your kids pack themselves. Packing cubes makes it easy.
Toiletries
I keep all our liquids under 100ml and group them in a clear bag (grab one at the Dollar Store or one like this). Travel-size containers are worth it, or refill your own to save waste.
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Hairbrush and elastics
- Deodorant
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Shampoo and conditioner* (travel-size bottles)
- Razor
- Makeup essentials only
- Contact lenses/solution/glasses if needed
*If we are gone for 2 weeks or more I just purchase full sized shampoo and conditioner when we arrive.
Pro Tip: You can find a lot of what you need at Dollarama!
Medicine Bag
A small, organized medicine kit has saved us more than once from upset stomachs to headaches and everything in between.
- Children’s Tylenol or Advil
- Adult pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol tablets)
- Constipation medicine or stool softener
- Electrolyte packets or tablets
- Allergy medicine (antihistamines)
- Motion sickness tablets (Gravol or Dramamine)
- Thermometer
- Band-Aids and antiseptic wipes
- Any prescription medications + copies of prescriptions
Pro Tip: Keep all medications together in a zip pouch or toiletry bag inside your carry-on. It’s a lifesaver when someone isn’t feeling well mid-flight or during a layover.
Electronics
We bring only what we’ll actually use. Shared chargers and portable batteries are essential with kids.
- Phones and chargers
- Power bank
- Headphones (wired + wireless)
- Tablet or e-reader
- Camera and charger (if needed)
- Small power bar for hotel rooms
- Universal adapter
Pro Tip: Keep everything organized in this pouch or just grab a pencil case from Dollarama.
Miscellaneous
These extras are always helpful on the go.
- Mesh laundry bag (a hanging one works best)
- Pack of shower caps (place over packed shoes to keep your suitcase clean)
- Ziploc bags – for snacks, garbage, etc.
Pro Tip: If you have room for hair tools, bring an oven mitt as well to protect the tool and protect your clothes if you’re putting it in the suitcase still warm.
Documents & Money
- ID, credit cards, debit card with zero foreign exchange fees (I use Wealthsimple)
- Local currency cash, itinerary
- Hotel confirmations & emergency contacts
Pro Tip: Save digital copies in your email or cloud storage. Carry one printed copy of your passports in a separate bag.
What to Leave Behind
Packing light means leaving a few things at home:
- “Just in case” outfits
- Full-size toiletries (we buy sunscreen at the destination)
- Extra shoes (one pair + sandals is plenty)
- Books. Download them instead.
- Bulky towels or valuables
Pro Tip: Every item should earn its place. If it doesn’t make your trip easier, happier, or more comfortable, skip it.
Packing light has completely changed the way we travel as a family. It’s less about giving things up and more about gaining freedom. We can move around easily, skip baggage fees and start each trip without stress. If you’re ready to try carry-on-only travel for your next adventure, start with this list and see how simple it can be.
Save or share this guide so you’ll have it handy before your next flight — and don’t forget to download my Carry-On Only Family Packing Checklist for an easy print-and-pack version.
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