A mother-of-two who travels the world with her young family has created the ultimate packing checklist for both adults and kids so nothing important is forgotten.
Australia blogger Olivia White, who runs a popular lifestyle website called House of White, shared the tips in a blog post along with photos of exactly what you’ll need.
The 30-year-old said she ‘doesn’t like to overpack’ and tries to be as minimal as possible so it’s easier to move around in the country they’ve landed in.
So what does she suggest?
Australia blogger Olivia White, who runs a popular lifestyle website called House of White , shared the tips in a blog post along with photos of exactly what you’ll need
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
A key part of packing is knowing where you are going and what you are doing but not everyone is so thorough in their approach.
‘I cannot tell you how many times I’ve rocked up somewhere and the weather isn’t what I expected. Then I have to spend money on new clothes,’ Olivia said.
‘I always check on what the weather is doing well in advance. Also, check out some blogs and reviews online on the destination, people often leave tidbits about unexpected weather.’
She also recommends enquiring with your accommodation about what there is to do in the event of poor weather.
Children don’t sit still forever so it’s best to have a back up plan in place.
‘I cannot tell you how many times I’ve rocked up somewhere and the weather isn’t what I expected. Then I have to spend money on new clothes,’ Olivia said
2. BE UP TO DATE ON LAUNDRY
While it might be tempting to leave it until you come home, by then you’ll have additional washing to unload.
‘I always make sure I’m up to date on my washing and have everything put away,’ she said.
‘When I go to pack I can find exactly what I need when I am packing. Not to mention coming home to a clean house and not having extra washing to do.’
While it might be tempting to leave it until you come home, by then you’ll have additional washing to unload
3. BUY GOOD QUALITY LUGGAGE
While it might be tempting to get amongst the latest Aldi or Kmart travel sale, Olivia believes it’s best to go designer when it comes to luggage.
‘I am partial to a hard case for my luggage and find it is more durable and easier to pack,’ she said.
‘I recently upgraded to a large 110 litre Samsonite I got on sale from Myer. It is fabulous but it’s also REALLY common, making it hard to pick on the carousel when there are 500 others like it.
‘I tie a ribbon to mine and also have my Qantas tag with my name on it.’
She’s also a big fan of July luggage because they personalise your initials onto it, meaning you’ll be able to spot it quickly.
While it might be tempting to get amongst the latest Aldi or Kmart travel sale, Olivia believes it’s best to go designer when it comes to luggage
What to pack in your kids carry on?
1. A good sized backpack: She purchased a $15 backpack from Kmart which had a drink bottle holder in the side so it won’t leak in the bag.
2. iPad: Purchasing the extra case with a stand and handle with movies pre downloaded is the best way to keep the kids occupied.
3. Headphones: I prefer over-ear headphones for kids because they’re much easier to keep on and harder to lose.
4. Zip-up Hoodie: I know I’m being specific, but it’s much easier to get on and off in small spaces when it zips up than pulling jumpers on and off.
5. Socks: Kids always take their shoes off on the plane. ALWAYS. And then when they are busting for the loo, it’s almost impossible to get them back on.
How to pack for kids on a flight
6. Activity books: My go-to are the Reading Eggs activity books as the girls LOVE them and they cannot use the app on a flight with no WiFi. This way they’re doing something educational and engaged for hours.
7. Magic Ink & Scratch Books: I think because they are something we don’t use at home the girls LOVE when they get them on the plane. I grab a few sets from Kmart which are around $3-4 each and a few packs for each flight.
8. Snacks: I avoid lollies because no one wants a crazy kid on the plane. We pack things like muesli bars, nuts, fruit sachets and fruit.
4. USE PACKING CUBES
These have long been heralded the ultimate packing accessory and Olivia believes they’ve rightfully earned their title.
‘Since I started using cubes, I have never looked back. I got the Kmart ones just to test them out with the full intention of upgrading them,’ she said.
‘But my trusty Kmart packing cubes have stood the test of time. Dozens of trips and are still my go-to.’
Because she often packs her daughter’s belongings into her own bag the cubes make it easier to see who owns what.
‘I usually keep things like swimming costumes, underwear and clothes separate. I pop the packing cubes into drawers when we arrive at our destination,’ she said.
‘It makes packing easier and allows for a lot more room when you do it this way.’
These have long been heralded the ultimate packing accessory and Olivia believes they’ve rightfully earned their title
5. PACK LAST MINUTE
While she knows this might come as a shock to some, packing last minute ensures you have all of the clothes you need at your disposal, without hunting through the laundry basket.
‘I always plan what I am going to pack and then make sure all the washing is done. That way it is all ready to go, and then it’s done super quick,’ she said.
‘If I pack too early I either cannot find the stuff because it’s floating around in the wash, or I overpack because I am constantly adding things.’