What to Pack for a 10-Day Trip With Kids
Packing for a 10-day trip with kids can feel like preparing for a cross-continent expedition. Between clothes, snacks, toiletries, toys, and the “just in case” items, it’s easy to end up with three extra suitcases and a trunk that barely closes.
Good news: you don’t need to take everything to have a successful trip. You just need the right things — and a system that keeps everyone organized, comfortable, and meltdown-free.
Consider this your Jet Set Families guide to packing smart, traveling light, and enjoying every single day of your adventure.
The Mindset Shift: Pack for Function, Not Fear
Most parents overpack because they’re afraid of running out of something.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need 10 outfits per child
You can do laundry while traveling
Kids repeat clothes — and don’t care
You’re not packing for perfection. You’re packing for confidence.
The Jet Set 10-Day Packing Formula
For each child, pack:
✔ 5 tops
✔ 4 bottoms
✔ 1 dressier outfit (optional)
✔ 2 pajamas
✔ 1 swimsuit
✔ 7 pairs of underwear
✔ 4–6 pairs of socks
✔ 1 light jacket or hoodie
✔ 1 pair of everyday shoes + 1 water/active shoe
Why it works:
You’ll rewear items, mix-and-match neutrals, and wash once around Day 5.
Clothing Packing Tips
Choose:
Neutral colors — everything matches
Wrinkle-resistant fabrics — no ironing
Layers — weather changes fast everywhere
Skip:
White shirts for toddlers
Shoes that don’t break in beforehand
Outfits with accessories that WILL get lost
Toiletries for the Whole Family
Keep it simple:
✔ Toothbrushes + toothpaste
✔ Kids' shampoo + soap (travel size)
✔ Favorite lotion
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Hairbrush + ties
✔ Travel-size first aid kit
✔ Medications + dosing chart
Jet Set Tip: Pack pain reliever for everyone in your carry-on — airports aren’t kind to headaches.
The Travel Day-1 Kit (Don’t Skip This!)
Put this in a gallon bag inside your carry-on:
✔ one outfit per child
✔ pajamas
✔ toothbrushes
✔ favorite comfort item
✔ morning snacks
You’ll thank yourself when everyone is exhausted and the suitcases are still in transit.
Laundry Strategy
On Day 5 or 6:
Wash clothes
Reset the wardrobe
Continue the trip without extra baggage
Most hotels, resorts, and Airbnb rentals offer:
laundry rooms
laundromat partners
wash-and-fold services
Doing ONE load saves you packing TEN extra outfits.
Final Boarding Call
A 10-day trip with kids doesn’t require mountains of clothing or a trunk full of toys. It requires:
✔ thoughtful choices
✔ versatile outfits
✔ smart systems
✔ the right essentials
When you pack intentionally, travel becomes lighter — literally and emotionally.
You’re not just taking a trip.
You’re building family stories they’ll remember forever.
