Family travel can feel like moving an entire household—strollers, bags of toys, “just in case” outfits, and all the gear that promises to make things easier… but somehow just makes them heavier.
A few years ago, my husband and I decided we were done lugging half our home on vacation. Inspired by The Minimalist Mom’s belief that “the less you bring, the more freedom you have” and Ron Lieber’s focus on aligning spending (and life choices) with values, we committed to a radical change: traveling light.
And not just light for the adults—light for the kids too.
The result? Less stress, fewer meltdowns (ours and theirs), and more room—literally and figuratively—for joy.
The Decision to Pack Less
Our turning point came during a trip where we checked three suitcases, carried two stuffed backpacks, and somehow still felt like we didn’t have the “right” things. Between hauling bags through airports and rifling through piles of stuff in hotel rooms, we realized we were spending more time managing our belongings than enjoying the trip.
We asked ourselves two questions:
- What do we actually need for a great trip?
- What do our kids really remember when they look back?
The answer wasn’t the third pair of shoes or the inflatable pool toys. It was gelato in the piazza, chasing pigeons in the park, and evening walks when the air was still warm. Comfortable shoes and clothes were the priority with one nice shirt for a special event.
The Freedom of One Bag Each
Following we moved to a “one bag per person” rule. This meant each of us—yes, even the kids—was responsible for carrying our own things.
We chose small, lightweight carry-ons and used packing cubes to keep items organized. Here’s what each child brought:
- 4 outfits they could mix and match
- 1 sweater or hoodie
- 1 pair of shoes (worn) and 1 pair of sandals
- Swimsuit if needed
- A favorite small toy and book
- Reusable water bottle
We learned quickly: kids are better than adults at accepting limits when the boundaries are clear. If it didn’t fit in their bag, it didn’t come. Our 5 year old needed a bit of help packing: he had 6 monster trucks and no shirts but with some gentle editing we got there together.
Why Packing Light Matters for Kids
Traveling light does more than make airport security easier—it changes the whole family dynamic.
- More presence: Without the mental load of keeping track of dozens of items, we were more engaged in the moment.
- Built-in responsibility: When kids carry their own bag, they naturally become more careful about their belongings.
- Fewer arguments: Choosing from four outfits means no overthinking, no “but I wanted my other hoodie.”
Ron Lieber writes in The Opposite of Spoiled that kids learn values from the experiences we create, not just the lectures we give. Traveling with less gave our kids a hands-on lesson in priorities, adaptability, and gratitude.
Embracing Slow Travel
Packing light goes hand in hand with traveling slower. Instead of rushing through multiple cities in a week, we stay longer in each place. This allowed us to settle into a rhythm—finding a favorite bakery, knowing which park had the best playground, and having time for spontaneous adventures.
This kind of travel isn’t about seeing everything. It’s about truly experiencing something.
Practical Tips for Minimalist Family Travel
If you’re ready to try packing light with kids, here’s what helped us most:
- Plan laundry into your trip. Even a quick sink wash of t-shirts and underwear keeps bags light.
- Go digital where possible. We swapped physical guidebooks and toys for apps and audiobooks.
- Share gear. One sunscreen, one hairbrush, one first-aid kit for the whole family.
- Layer, don’t duplicate. Clothing that works in multiple temperatures saves space.
- Choose accommodations with essentials. A place with a washing machine or kitchen simplifies life immensely.
The Memories That Matter
At the end of our first minimalist trip, I asked the kids what their favorite parts were. They talked about playing cards on the train, eating croissants on the balcony, and exploring a tiny side street we found by accident.
Not once did they mention a toy, outfit, or gadget we didn’t bring.
In fact, I’m convinced that not having constant entertainment made them more curious and observant. Without a bag full of distractions, they engaged with their surroundings in ways they might not have otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Traveling light with kids isn’t about deprivation—it’s about liberation. It’s about creating space for the experiences you want most, rather than filling your days (and bags) with what you think you “should” bring.
As The Minimalist Mom says, “Your children don’t need more things to have a magical childhood; they need more of you.” And Ron Lieber would agree—it’s in these intentional choices that we teach them what really matters.
So the next time you’re planning a family trip, try leaving 80% of your “just in case” items behind. You might just find the adventure gets lighter in every sense of the word.
