Long Term Travel Packing for Kids - By season

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Kids Don’t Need a lot of Clothes

Kids clothing generally does not take a lot of room – even winter clothes. During our last unpack, restock and repack break I thought I did a really good job of keeping our clothing to a minimal amount – but now I think I could have still taken half. We were able to get our clothing down to one bag per person but we still ended up taking a large bag for clothes and shoes took up a lot of space.

It became even more obvious that we over-packed when we lost our 6 year old’s entire suite case. He now has 3 long sleeve Pokemon shirts that we bought in Portugal, the shirt he wore on the plane, 3 pairs of pants, one night outfit and 2 sweatshirts – guess what … he’s totally fine (although I do still need to buy more underwear). His clothing could fit in a large purse. I really do miss some of those super cute clothes that we lost in Copenhagen but he really doesn’t need them.

Traveling with a baby? Check out this packing list for travel with a baby.

You can Always Buy More

Overall, I recommend getting thin basic layers for the weather that you will start in. If the weather changes you can buy new clothes wherever you happen to be (and you’ll have souvenirs). There are very few places in the world where people walk around naked (and the chances you are going there are likely very slim). So, likely wherever you are they will have clothing stores. I saw so many cute clothes in Europe that I would have loved but since I had no room in my bag, I couldn’t buy them. If you’re in a pricier area you may have better luck in the second-hand shops. I found some lovely clothes that way in Canada.

Think Layers, Think Thin

Thin layers pack easier, are lighter, and make your clothing more versatile. If you’re cold you can stack layers. If it’s warm it’s really easy to adjust. Also try to pick clothing that is interchangeable. Preferably you should be able to wear any of your tops with any of your pants.

Consider getting clothing that dries fast. Most of our rentals did not have dryers. Most did have washing machines. If you choose clothing that will dry quickly on a line you’ll be happier. That way even if your stuck washing your clothes in a sink you still have an option of setting them out to dry if needed.

I also recommend generally basic, nondescript and rather boring pieces for most of your layers. I don’t like a lot of writing on our clothes when we travel. People already seem to come up to us speaking English (even in Morocco). I just feel that the more “American” or foreign you look the less likely you may be able to blend in. If you don’t blend in at least a little you are going to miss out on unique cultural experiences.

Here are my recommendations for kids clothing (with some quick suggestions on Amazon – some of these I have, some are like things we have bought) :

Winter:

2 pairs of long underwear or base layers. Generally I like to get a wool layer and a thinner layer (we’ve used pepper skins a lot) – if you have good base layers then you don’t have to stress as much about the thick outer layers

Wool base layers can be pricey and hard to find. You’ll have better luck in season but something like this is what you are looking for. I don’t recommend high collar since they won’t fit as nicely under other layers. I have wool layers for myself and my youngest and they do keep us warm

We love pepper skins in our family and they’re thin so they pack easily

5-7 pairs of underwear and socks with at least half of the socks being winter socks

2-3 thin long sleeve shirts (t-shirt or other thin material)
2-3 thicker long sleeve shirts
1-2 fleece and / or pullovers

1-2 thinner sweaters
1 swimsuit
1-2 night outfits – choose ones that are light and don’t take up space, we have these below

Coat/Jacket – Warm but not too bulky and water-resistant. You can wear these on the plane or tie them to your backpack. It doesn’t have to be a brand name – I choose the ones below since they are similar to what we have

Gloves and Warm Hats / Beenies

For Boys add

3-4 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts and 1 t-shirt for indoor use (I like having grey and black pants with liners) The pants we have are similar to the ones below. They look great dressed up with nice sweaters and they can also be worn with T-shirts and are super comfy.

These are basic all around pants for boys

These pants also look good and may be nice for girls too (Mountain Warehouse Winter Trek Youth Trousers – Fast Dry Kids Pants)

Older Girls Add:

2-3 pairs of black/grey pants similar to but thicker than leggings, 2 pairs of thin jeans; running outfit, thin dress and leggings

Younger Girls Add:

2-3 long sleeve warm dresses, 4-5 pairs of leggings, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of hiking pants

Shoes – Shoes take up a lot of space and I haven’t quiet figured out the right shoe packing plan for our family. We packed everyone 1 pair of tennis shoes, 1 pair of boots (that can be used as snow shoes and we wore these on the planes), 1 pair of water sandals and hiking shoes for my oldest daughter and I. I think there may be a better way. I’m writing an entire article on shoes next so click here for more information.

Summer (Adjust based on your specific Climate but here’s a basic idea)

1-3 light long sleeve shirts (just in case it gets a little chilly) and to use if you’re taking hikes where there may be mosquitoes
5 short sleeve shirts
1 light sweater, pull-over or cardigan
2-3 light pairs of pants that can be used for hiking pants (especially useful for those tropical jungle hikes)

3-4 pairs of shorts
2 swimsuits
hat with visor
5-7 pairs of underwear and 3-5 pairs of socks
For girls add 3 sundresses
Light Rain Jacket

Summer is much easier. If you’re starting in the spring or fall then add a mix. Take less shorts and more multi-use layers. You may want to add 1 pair of jeans but I would not take much more than 1 pair. Jeans can get heavy and bulky and they don’t dry fast.

For More Travel Shopping Lists:

Kids Travel Accessories, Electronics, Car Seats and Boosters, Kids Clothing , Travel Supplies, For the Beach, Gifts for Travelers, Home/World School

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