When we first started planning our year of world travel, I spent way too much time scrolling packing lists that either felt totally overwhelming (I’m not bringing a French press to Morocco, Karen) or way too minimal (our kids are not wearing the same three outfits for 12 months, thanks).
So this list? This is the real deal.
These are the 20 items we actually use — things that have earned their place in our backpacks and made long-term travel smoother, simpler, and a lot more comfortable.
đź‘š CLOTHING & LAUNDRY
1. Packing Cubes
Life. Changing. Each family member has their own color, and it makes packing and unpacking so much easier. Check out the ones we love here.
2. Quick-Dry Towels
Beach? Hostel? Airbnb with no extras? These dry fast, take up no space, and double as blankets on buses.
3. Mini Laundry Kit
A travel clothesline, some detergent sheets, and a sink stopper = freedom from sketchy laundry services.
4. Neutral, Layerable Clothing
Think: a few tops and bottoms that all mix and match. Focus on comfort, breathability, and things that don’t wrinkle.
5. One “Nice-ish” Outfit per Person
You never know when you’ll get invited to a wedding in Oaxaca or go to dinner in Paris. Trust me.
🧠HOMESCHOOL & ENTERTAINMENT
6. Lightweight Tablets with Headphones
Our kids use these for Time4Learning, audiobooks, drawing apps, and downtime on planes. Parental controls = clutch.
7. Nature/Travel Journals
We keep a simple sketch or reflection journal for each country. It’s learning and memory-making in one.
8. UNO + a Small Bag of Travel Games
Compact, lightweight, and shockingly effective at bonding with local kids across language barriers.
9. Downloadable Maps + Language Apps
We preload maps.me or Google Maps offline and use Duolingo or Drops in every new country.
10. E-Reader (or Library App Access)
Kindle or Libby = lightweight bookworm heaven. Every person gets their reading fix without the bulk.
đź’» TECH & GEAR
11. Universal Travel Adapter
One good one with USB ports will save your butt in every country.
12. Portable Power Bank
Long train rides, airport layovers, a dead iPad in the middle of a museum… this solves it.
13. Compact First Aid Kit
Include kid meds, Band-Aids, antihistamines, and electrolyte packs. (Bonus: activated charcoal for tummy bugs.)
14. Reusable Water Bottles with Filters
Hydration is life. Get a filter bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl for non-potable water zones.
15. Phone Tripod or Clip-On Selfie Stick
You’ll want family photos without asking strangers every time.
🧼 COMFORT & CLEANLINESS
16. Sleep Mask + Earplugs
Because not every Airbnb will be quiet… or come with curtains.
17. Small Essential Oils or Roller Blends
Lavender for sleep. Peppermint for headaches. Thieves for immune support. We use ours constantly.
18. Silicone Travel Bottles + Solid Toiletries
Save space and avoid leaks. Plus: shampoo bars = TSA-friendly + eco-friendly.
🧒 FOR THE KIDS
19. Favorite Stuffie or Comfort Item
Don’t skip this. Even older kids need something soft, familiar, and theirs.
20. Digital Folder of Important Docs
Scan passports, birth certs, insurance info, and homeschool records to a secure cloud folder. Accessible anywhere.
🎒 Final Thoughts
Packing for long-term family travel isn’t about having everything — it’s about having the right things.
And honestly? The less we bring, the more freedom we feel.
The world has everything we need. These 20 items are just what helps us move through it with a little more ease, rhythm, and grace.
Interested in world schooling but not sure where to start? Check out this article here.
Be sure to grab your copy of our Digital Nomad Family Playbook, this gives you step by step instructions to get from your couch to your first country!
