The Ultimate Family Vacay Packing Hack Essentials List
By Jess + Amanda, founders of Jam
We’ve always been those people who obsess over a good travel organization hack — especially when you’re on the move with kids. Because the less you stress about the prep, the more you can enjoy those magical vacation moments—from beach days to late-night ice creams.
With summer rolling in, we’ve culled our must-haves to create the ultimate family vacation packing guide with all the essentials—our top items that make traveling with family easier, quicker and smarter.
Amazon Essentials Packing Cubes. If we can recommend just one thing to you, it’s these packing cubes! They are a game-changer in keeping things organized when traveling with multiple kids. When you get to your your destination, just pop all the cubes into a drawer and boom, you’re unpacked! Assign different cubes for each day, item type or family member and make it easy for the kids to grab what they need independently. These ones are inexpensive, do the job great and arrive quickly if you need them fast! (Another option: These XL bags are also an easy way to organize kids clothes and supplies when traveling. Bonus - they become the laundry bag as the clothes get worn!)
Our Favorite Luggage Scale. This little tool has literally saved us hundreds of dollars in baggage fees! Hot tip: Bring it with to weigh your bag on the way back too (those souvenirs can add up!)
Cable Organizing Bag. Trust us on this one. It keeps track of everything you need for your devices and helps avoid kid-fights over whose cord is whose. Color coded ties are included!
Uno Splash. Not only is Uno the one game everyone in the family will always play, it’s the easiest game to pack for that long road trip, afternoons on the beach or downtime with family. The splash version is extra-fun and durable for summer.
The Toiletry Bag for Family Travel! Traveling with family often means sharing tight bathrooms without a lot of counter space with the whole crew. This hanging toiletry bag leaves the counter top free and has compartments for everything you need with room for the kids stuff too!
LaScoota Scooter Carry On Bag. This little scooter-case has saved us during extra-long travel delays and mad dashes to gates with the kids (we made the flight!). The GoPlus Ride On Suitcase is another great option as well.
Toddler/Little Kid Snack Tray. This spinner snack tray is perfect for road trips or airplane journeys with little ones. The spinny design keeps them occupied, the suction cups keep them attached and the top keeps it all together.
Mini Weekender Bag by Beis: This bag is our obsession! A travel bag that combines functionality with style, making it ideal for family trips. There are so many compartments to keep everything handy and organized. (We also like this Amazon dupe as well).
Travel Medicine Kit. Is this not the cutest, most functional, organized travel medicine kit you ever did see? The ready-to-use precut medicine labels are a dream and make it easy for everyone in the family to know what’s where.
The Jam App. Of course we couldn’t leave this one off the list. We love using Jam when we travel, from creating packing lists, to delegating pre-trip To Do’s, to forwarding itineraries and travel confirmations so they pop right onto the calendar for all to see. Jam helps reduce the mental load of travel so it’s not all on one person and everyone in the fam gets a chance to relax!
Here’s to a summer of sun, fun and some with your favorite people…with as few meltdowns as possible (theirs and yours!) Now it’s time pack up, sync up, and get ready for your best summer trip yet!
Did we miss any of your favorites? We’re always on the hunt for the most effective travel and family organization hacks! Leave us a comment below with your faves, or you can always DM us or drop us a line at hello@jamfamilycalendar.com
*When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission on some items. We love sharing our Jam favorites and only recommend items we personally vouch for!