Must-Have Travel Essential Lists for International Trips with Kids

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of taking the family overseas for holidays. The anticipation, the memories to be made, the bonding time… Whether you're off to Bali, Italy, or somewhere in between this April school holidays, one thing's for sure: packing smart makes all the difference. With long-haul flights, airport transfers, time zone changes, and unpredictable moods, travelling with kids is a full-blown operation. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, "How do I stay organised when travelling with children?"—you’re not alone. With the right prep and the best travel bags (hello, Tottie), you can make your overseas adventure smooth, organised, and dare we say... fun.

Preparing Your Kids for International Travel

Before the packing even begins, a bit of groundwork goes a long way. Here’s how to get your little travellers ready for takeoff:

1. Adjust Sleep Schedules
   A week out, begin adjusting bedtimes to match your destination’s time zone. Even just shifting by an hour or two helps reduce jet lag shock.
   
   
2. Talk About the Journey
   Explain what airports are like, how long you’ll be on the plane, and what happens when you land. Use storybooks or YouTube videos for kids to visualise the experience.
   
   
3. Pack Comforts from Home
   Favourite soft toys, blankets, or even a familiar pillowcase can bring comfort and security in unfamiliar places.
   
   
4. Practice Travel Safety
   Teach your kids what to do if they get separated from you. Use family meeting points, wristbands with contact info, and role-play scenarios in a calm way.
   

The Ultimate Travel Essentials Checklist for Families

To make life easier, we’ve broken this list into two categories: carry-on and checked luggage. Whether you’re tackling a long-haul flight or a short international hop, these essentials will keep your family covered.

Carry-On Essentials for Parents & Kids

This is your in-transit survival kit — keep it compact, practical, and within reach.

• Tottie Travel Backpack – Hands-free, durable, and roomy enough for everything.

• Tottie Bum Bag – Ideal for passports, travel insurance papers, boarding passes, and quick-grab snacks. Worn crossbody for easy access and security.

• Travel pillow & blanket – Especially for long-haul flights or layovers.

• Books, colouring sets, and tablets – Keep the boredom at bay.

• Hygiene kit – Wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitiser, lip balm, and face masks.

• Snacks & refillable water bottles – Think healthy, mess-free, and TSA-friendly.

• Change of clothes – Accidents, spills, you name it. A fresh outfit is a lifesaver.

• Mini first-aid kit – Include Band-Aids, Panadol, and motion sickness remedies.

• Documents & Travel Requirements – Ensure you’ve got all your documents for the trip, including passports, visas (if required), and travel insurance. Store these important items in a dedicated, accessible pocket!

Checked Luggage Must-Haves

• Clothes (1 outfit per day per child + 2–3 extras) – Be sure to pack clothing for both warm and cooler weather, depending on your destination.

• Sleepwear & swimwear – Always handy, even if there’s no beach planned.

• Light jackets & raincoats – Packable and weather-proof.

• Travel-size toiletries – Keep kids’ favourites in labelled zip bags.

• Don’t forget items like medicines, sunscreen, baby wipes, and toothpaste. A travel-size hand sanitiser and a mini first-aid kit can come in handy for any bumps or scrapes.

• Portable clothes steamer – Wrinkle-free clothes in a flash.

• Laundry bags – For separating clean from chaos.

• Travel pram & lightweight carrier – Optional but useful depending on your itinerary.

• Nappies, bottles, formula, and a portable change mat if needed.

Packing tip: Use organiser cubes or zip pouches to split items by family member or category. 

How Many Outfits Should You Pack for a Toddler on Vacation?

One of the most common questions parents ask when preparing for a vacation is how many outfits to pack for their toddler. A great rule of thumb: one outfit per day + 2-3 extras in case of spills or accidents. Toddlers are notoriously unpredictable — one minute clean, the next, covered in gelato. Keep in mind the weather at your destination and your itinerary. Heading to the beach? You’ll need extra swimwear and sun-protective clothing. Exploring a city? go for comfy shoes and layers. 

To avoid overpacking, consider packing neutral and versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Items like dresses, lightweight jackets, and basic t-shirts are easy to combine and won’t take up much space in your suitcase. And remember, Tottie’s nylon tote bag is spacious enough to store all your toddler’s clothing without the hassle of overstuffed luggage.

Don’t Forget These Important Travel Documents

Travelling internationally specially with kids requires some extra preparation in terms of documentation and is  as essential as snacks. Here’s your go-to checklist:

• Passports & Visas – Double-check that everyone in your family has a valid passport. If you’re travelling to a country that requires a visa, ensure you have the proper documentation.

• Parental consent letter (if travelling solo with a child)

• Birth certificates (for proof of guardianship if required)

• Travel Insurance & Medical Documents – Make sure you have travel insurance that covers you and your children. Also, bring any necessary medical documents, like vaccination records or prescriptions.

Pack these in a secure, easy-to-reach compartment in your Tottie bum bag or travel backpack for quick access at airports and border control — never in your checked luggage!

Packing Tips to Keep You Organised

Stay organised, avoid overpacking, and travel smart with these practical tips.

1. Use Packing Cubes & Organisers – Separate kids’ clothes, your own clothing, swimwear, shoes, and toiletries. Label them to save time.
   
   
2. Emergency Kit Bag – Keep snacks, medicine, nappies, spare clothes, and comfort items handy at all times — especially during transits.
   
   
3. Roll, Don’t Fold – Rolling clothes saves space and keeps wrinkles at bay.
   
   
4. Go for Multi-Use Clothing – Dresses that double as cover-ups, scarves that become picnic mats — get creative!
   
   
5. Invest in the Travel Bags – A well-designed travel bag with compartments for nappies, snacks, tech, and your wallet like the Tottie Travel Backpack. These bags are roomy, comfortable, and keep your hands free—perfect for parents on the go.

The Secret to Organised Family Travel

Tottie bags are thoughtfully designed for parents on the go. Whether you’re navigating airport terminals or chasing toddlers through cobblestone streets, our travel backpacks, tote bags, and bum bags make packing (and parenting) easy. Made with quality materials and plenty of space for both kids' and adults' essentials, these practical yet stylish bags will help you stay organised while keeping your hands free to focus on your kids.

So, are you ready to pack for your family’s next adventure? Explore Tottie’s travel bags and backpacks and get everything organised for a stress-free, memorable trip!

FAQs:

1. How do I prepare my kids for international travel?
   Start by talking about the trip and adjusting their sleep schedules before departure. Bring comfort items like toys and blankets to help them feel secure.
   
   

2. How many outfits should I pack for a toddler on vacation?
   One outfit per day, plus 2-3 extras in case of accidents. Pack versatile, mix-and-match pieces to keep luggage light.
   
   

3. What are the must-have travel essentials for kids?
   Pack items like entertainment (books, tablets), hygiene products (wet wipes, hand sanitiser), snacks, and comfort items. Tottie’s travel backpacks are great for staying organised.
   
   

4. What documents do I need when travelling internationally with kids?
   Ensure passports, visas, and travel insurance are in order. Consider a parental consent letter if travelling solo with your child.
   
   

5. Why are packing organisers important for travelling?
   Packing cubes and organisers help keep your items separate, making it easier to find what you need without digging through your bag.
   

Have you travelled internationally with your kids before? What are your must-have travel essentials? Share your tips with us and don’t forget to check out Tottie’s travel bags for your next adventure! 

Shop Tottie’s Travel Collection now!