Setting off on a global long-term family adventure is both exhilarating and daunting. Packing and planning for such an extensive journey can be overwhelming, especially when travelling with children.
Don’t underestimate just how much you need to do and how long you will need for it! We did and our excitement fast became mixed with nerves and stress!
In this blog, we’ll help guide you through all the essentials from pre-departure preparation to packing smartly based on our experience and also feedback from other long term travel families . This guide will ensure that you are ready to explore the world stress-free knowing you have covered everything before you leave your home country.
Pre-Planning for Your Long Term Family Adventure
It’s essential to take some time for pre-travel planning and make sure you are super organised before departure as this will enable you to avoid extra costs and big headaches.. Here's a quick checklist of things you should be considering before your departure:
Itinerary: There is no harm in planning ahead with a high level direction of travel to ensure you have considered the weather patterns/seasons to enjoy your travels as best as possible.
Check all your direct debits: Make sure they have all been cancelled if you don’t need them whilst you travel
Photocopy or print essential paperwork: Most documents these days can be carried in soft digital format but some are always worth having in physical hard copy just in case you can’t get to the digital ones. By this, I am referring to passport page print outs, passport sized photos, vaccination or Covid certificates, visa approvals, etc
Travel Documents: Check your passports and any necessary visas for each country. Double check they are valid for the period you are travelling. If you plan to drive a vehicle, it might be worth considering getting an International Drivers Permit in advance of departure.
Payment cards: Make sure you have payment cards that are free from currency exchange fees for cash withdrawals and purchases. These fees will add up otherwise! Also consider having digital banking and payment apps ready as this is safer and easier when travelling.
Recurring reminders: Set them up on your phone or calendar for things that still need to be done back in your home country such as tax returns, payments, renewals, etc or have someone in places to do these for you.
Vaccinations: Make sure your family is up-to-date on required vaccinations. This is not compulsory as some will choose not to get vaccinations. Most countries around the world will not stop you from entering even if you haven't had any done. This is a decision based on your own risk appetite.
Travel Insurance: Get comprehensive travel insurance for health cover, medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Most countries around the world will not stop you from entering even if you haven't got travel insurance. This is a decision based on your own risk appetite.
Budgeting & Research: Research the costs and unique experiences of the countries you’ll be visiting. Keep room in your budget for purchasing local clothes and goods as you travel.
Post redirect: If needed, set up your postal redirect or have someone trustworthy nominated to pick up your post.
Essential Packing List for Long Term Family Travel
Packing requires a smart balance between essentials and space for the local items you’ll want to pick up along the way. But before we dive into the list of items, you need to choose what type of luggage you want to bring.
What type of luggage do you bring?
This may depend on the type of travel you plan to do, the age of the kids and how you see your family travelling. The optimal set up would be to not have large, heavy check in luggage and only bring carry-on bags especially if you are planning not to stay in the same place very long before moving on. Especially if you are using trains and buses. This would create a cost saving and be very convenient. Saying that, it’s very difficult to achieve this especially when you have young children.
For our family of 6, we need two check in bags and a carry on bag for each of us. Our large check in bags were wheeled and could double up as a back pack if need be. Versatile, strong but not rigid. Don’t compromise on price and quality. We learned this the hard way. It’s cheaper to buy a good expensive one first time around than buying several cheap replacements. You don’t comprehend how many times you will be picking up, pulling and moving around these big pieces of luggage so you need peace of mind that they will not tear, rip and fail to do their job. And with its versatility and flexibility, sometimes you need a free hand to tend to the kids at the same time as carrying your large piece of luggage.
Also, have a few bags that become your day pack or overnight bag. Be prepared for day trips or overnight stays with a sturdy and durable well-packed day pack.
Packing Tips & Tools
Smart packing tools help organise your belongings and make travel more efficient:
- Packing cubes - organise clothes and toiletries for easy access. We loved these and they also keep everyone’s stuff neatly separated.
- Bum bag/small bag or waist belt - a safe way to carry your cash, cards and keys.
- Laundry considerations - stick to mix-and-match outfits in similar colours to make laundry day easier.
- Crossover footwear - you won’t have enough room to pack footwear for all occasions. Find footwear that can be used in multiple scenarios. For example, if you like running and trekking, you can get trail trainers that do both. Sandals with straps on can also double up for trekking, walking, beach etc.
- If any of your possessions are sharp or could be considered as a weapon (e.g. scissors, swiss army knife, etc),make sure you don’t pack them in your hand luggage when flying. If you do, they will be confiscated by airport security!
- Re-usable bag - pack one or two of these. They can also double up as a shopping bag, beach/pool bag.
- Pack light! - when it comes to volume, the less is better. Say about 5 T-shirts each, a few pairs of leggings, 3 or 4 pairs of shorts, etc. No need for jeans in SE Asia! If you feel like thats too light for you, you can always buy some clothes whilst at your long term destination. That’s an opportunity to contribute to local traders and the economy too!
- Quick dry/non iron - in the sweaty tropics of SE Asia, you will be washing your clothes very frequently so try to pack stuff that dries quickly and doesn’t need ironing.
- Don’t forget to bring a few foldable laundry sacks as these always come in handy.
Packing list broken down by category
Below is a categorised list to guide you on what to bring for long term travel, ensuring you’re prepared for all scenarios while still packing light.
Travel Gadgets & Tools
- Weighing scales - the amount of times we regretted not having small digital scales!
- Head torch - optional but useful for night-time adventures. In SE Asia, power cuts are frequent so these things are always being used.
- Nightlight - handy for kids if they struggle with new environments at night.
- Plug adapters - ways need these for most parts of the world.
- Power bank - this has saved us so many times!
- A couple of butter knives - sound weird but some countries don’t use them much especially in SE Asia)
- Pocket-sized tissue packs - very handy especially with kids.
- Hand sanitizer - a must for hygiene on the go.
- Ear plugs - essential for noisy environments like buses or hostels.
- Sewing kit - handy for quick repairs.
- Cable ties - get a bunch of these as you never know what they might come in handy for. They are useful as temporary padlocks/theft deterrents.
- Duct tape - small roll. Always comes in handy for temporary fixes.
- Swiss army knife (multi use) - Small and pocket sized. Comes with blade, file, screw driver, mini scissors, etc. Has come in handy lots.
- Clothes pegs/line & S-shaped hooks - useful for hanging towels and clothes in small indoor or outdoor spaces.
- Small scissors, nail clippers, tweezers - important grooming tools.
- Mobile neck cord/selfie stick/microphone - capture your adventures hands-free.
- First Aid & Health Essentials
- Health and safety are key when travelling in other countries especially if the climate is very different to what you are used to. Be prepared with these items. We used all of them within the first month of travel so I definitely class them as essential:
- Mosquito repellent - all tropical areas will be full of mosquitoes.
- Antihistamines - for allergies and bites.
- Itch relief (White Tiger Balm) - great for soothing insect bites.
- Painkillers/Calpol - a family essential.
- Antiseptic spray & plasters/bandages - first-aid essentials.
- Saline water, iodine, eye wash - for cleaning wounds and eye care.
- Swimmer's ear drops - for preventing infections after swimming.
- Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
- Water purification pen (optional) - these days you have access to bottled or filtered water in most places but for the small amount of time we didn’t, this came in handy. Great for tap water while brushing your teeth and conserving water.
Clothing & Accessories
Pack smart and light by bringing versatile, breathable clothing that can adapt to different climates. This list is geared towards a hot tropical place as we spend most of our time in South East Asia.
- Loose, floaty fabrics - lightweight clothes help keep you cool and also make it difficult for mosquitoes to land and bite.
- 1 hoody - speaking with my SE Asia hat on. Each of you should carry a hoody as it can get cold at night in some places or when you travel in air conditioned transportation such as planes and trains. It’s also a good way to stop any mosquitoes biting you.
- Tops covering shoulders - prevent sunburn and respect cultural norms.
- Braless dresses - comfortable in hot climates.
- Pool sliders and sandals - perfect for beach days and casual walking.
- Walking/trekking sandals or trainers - ideal for hiking and exploring.
- Socks - they can double as evening cover-ups to protect from mosquitoes.
- Beach shoes - for rocky or slippery terrain.
- Dress sandals (optional) - for a touch of evening elegance.
Toiletries & Personal Care
While you can purchase many toiletries locally, it's helpful to bring your preferred items in small amounts.
- Face serums/body creams - moisturise after long days in the sun.
- Hair oil/styling products - protect your hair from the humidity.
- Sanitary products - stock up on your personal essentials.
- Soap or shower gel, mini shampoo & conditioner - easy to replenish as needed.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) - the sun is strong, so protect your skin.
- Mosquito repellent - double down on protection.
- After-sun/body cream - soothe sunburns or dry skin.
- Talc powder - perfect for removing sand after beach visits.
Beach & Pool Essentials
When packing for Southeast Asia’s beautiful beaches, don’t forget these key items:
- Bathing suits (at least 2) - consider a variety of styles for swimming and water sports. Also, when in the sea, it’s sensible to have attire that covers all of your skin like a wet suit. You have risks such as sharp rocks, coral and jellyfish to contend with.
- Pool cover-ups - light dresses or shirts to protect from the sun.
- UV protection swimwear for kids - keep their skin safe from the harsh rays.
- Mask/snorkel set - optional but nice to have your own especially for the ocean.
- Flotation devices for kids - safety first for younger or less confident swimmers.
- Waterproof beach bag - keep your valuables safe and dry. Highly recommended especially for the boat trips you will take.
- Reusable insulated bottle - keeps drinks cool for beach days.
Kids Essentials
Travelling with kids means packing a few extra items for comfort and entertainment:
- Tablets/chargers - perfect for entertainment and learning on the go.
- Pyjamas - opt for sets that double as casual morning wear.
- Kids’ clothes - pack light and airy, with a couple of long sleeves and leggings for cooler evenings or temple visits where you need to cover your skin.
- Raincoat - optional, but useful in tropical downpours or if you plan to be out in environments regularly where shelter won’t always be available.
Final Pre-Departure Checklist
As your departure date approaches, ensure everything is in place:
- Double-check your travel documents - ensure all passports, visas, and bookings are confirmed. Make sure you have all your essential paperwork printed as back up.
- Confirm health arrangements - vaccinations, medications, and travel insurance.
- Budget wisely - leave space in your budget for spontaneous purchases and local treasures.
Now you're ready to embark on your incredible family adventure!
Enjoy the unique experiences, immerse yourself in the local culture, and cherish every moment with your family!