Summary
What to pack is just as important as what not to pack.
On a drizzly morning near Queenstown, New Zealand, a series of obstacles stood between us and our 7 a.m. bus to the next town: We hadn’t fully packed, our toddler was exhausted, and cabs and transit weren’t exactly plentiful in our sleepy hillside neighborhood. However, despite these challenges, we were unfazed. Right when my alarm went off, we shoved the last of our laundry into our packing cubes, pulled our cranky, bleary-eyed son from his portable cot, clipped the waist straps on our backpacks, and began our brisk, 20-minute walk to the town center.
This wasn’t perfect planning, but it wasn’t entirely unplanned either. Our decisions about how we pack and travel made this rushed morning possible. We managed to carry all our luggage and our two-year-old while hustling to the bus stop. I even had my hands free to pull up directions while offering an array of breakfast snacks to my son. We’d been on the road for nearly eight months, with plans for about five more, and this luggage contained everything we’d brought with us.
Stepping back, this may seem wild. One of the most common questions I get when I tell people we’re living nomadically with a young child is, “How do you manage all the kid stuff?” Well, we’ve found a way, and that approach enables us to save money, remain flexible, and live leanly. Here are some of our top tips for never checking a bag, even for a whole year on the road, with a toddler in tow.
What’s the benefit?
Let me clarify why we strive to avoid checking luggage. The first reason is straightforward: It allows us to skip the ever-rising airline fees and the potential risk of lost baggage.
However, that reason is also perhaps the least important. More strategically, carry-on luggage affords us flexibility and speed. We’re able to get around by foot, public transit, or car, providing us with many options upon arrival. We don’t have to wait at the carousel upon landing, so we can be one of the first on the road, often avoiding additional lines and waits. Conversely, if we need to check out of an accommodation early, it’s not a big deal to carry everything with us for a day of sightseeing.
My third reason is more philosophical. As a mom, I value the lessons we’re able to reinforce for our son by packing lighter. Our smaller load helps us emphasize the value of experiences over possessions and model more intentional purchasing habits. While there’s so much our two-year-old won’t remember from this year, I believe that foundational values can be instilled through decisions as seemingly minute as what goes into a suitcase.
Pick the luggage first.
Now that we’ve shared the why, let’s focus on the how. My first suggestion is to pick the luggage before you decide what to pack. Your bags can significantly impact lighter, smarter packing decisions.
When selecting luggage, envision how you want to get around. We value the ability to commute on foot, so we travel with two backpacks — one 40-liter and another 50-liter option — for our family of three. These packs have comfortable straps, allowing us to wear them for longer periods with adequate support, along with sufficient pockets for easy access to key items on the go. We’ve opted out of a traditional diaper bag in favor of a smaller backpack that we can sling over our travel stroller and also use for day trips and hikes.
Skip the bulky items.
Even with your luggage selected, you may wonder about classic bulky items like a portable crib, car seat, and stroller. In short, we cut back as much as we can and aim to deal with any critical needs upon arrival.
For sleep solutions, we rely heavily on Airbnb’s crib filter, which allows you to search for homes with a crib or Pack ‘n Play available (found under the “amenities” menu). The accommodations Airbnb surfaces often also offer toys, high chairs, and other kid-friendly items. Hotels typically carry cribs, and in a pinch, we’ve used social media platforms to borrow essentials.
To avoid bringing a car seat, we strategically prioritize destinations where we’re less dependent on a vehicle. We enjoyed exploring public transit across Europe and navigated Melbourne, Australia, heavily on bikes. In instances where cars were necessary, we’ve rented a car seat, both from rental agencies and baby-gear rental companies. While I see the advantages of flying with a car seat, for us, the bulk upon arrival has always outweighed the benefits.
For strollers, extensive research led us to find a sturdy option that could fit in an overhead bin, allowing us to avoid gate-checking entirely. We’ve used a GB Pockit and a Babyzen Yoyo on our travels, ultimately preferring the latter due to its durability.
Bring, borrow, and buy.
For all other items, we create a packing list — and yes, we’ve edited and added to it since our son was born. With this list, we annotate each item as something to “bring,” “borrow,” or “buy.” It can be tempting to pack everything and commit to familiar brands, but moving items into the “borrow” and “buy” columns lightens your load considerably.
Diapers, wipes, and snacks are always on our “buy” list (aside from what’s necessary for travel day), and we’ve happily borrowed toys, books, and carriers during our travels. In fact, we’ve found that having a few tasks upon arrival, like grocery shopping and pickups, helps us settle into a new city and get acquainted.
Find clothes that allow for multiple wears.
And finally, the simple tip of “bring less.” This is one of those secrets that hide in plain sight. I travel with four T-shirts and two tank tops, relying heavily on brands and fabrics that can endure sweat and grime, allowing for rewashes. My husband and I also genuinely believe in hiking pants. We no longer travel with jeans, instead opting for Patagonia and Prana, which offer stylish, sink-washable, pack-small alternatives.
For babies, these solutions aren’t as built-in. In the spring of 2022, I launched First Peak, a line of sustainable adventure clothes for babies and toddlers, partly because I couldn’t locate any on the market that performed as well as my travel gear. My son experienced spit-ups and sweats, yet his 100 percent cotton clothes sometimes left him moist and uncomfortable. First Peak products are all made in the U.S. using eco-friendly fabrics; they’re odor-resistant, quick-drying, and sun-safe. My toddler is the top product tester, wearing First Peak on all our travels, allowing us to pack less, knowing that each item can be worn multiple times.
Consider exceptions and realities.
As ruthless as this may sound, I’m not immune to the occasional inefficient add-on. I carried a floral sundress for the first three months in Europe, wearing it only twice because it was aesthetically pleasing. When I ultimately donated it at a small shop in Rome, I did laps around the block, debating the need for it for our next stop. Letting go of items has become easier with practice. I now take pride in assessing my uncomplicated backpack, devoting less energy to wardrobe decisions each day.
The other obvious soft spot comes from my son. In the months preceding our trip, I vowed that stuffed animals wouldn’t make the cut. However, he began referring to three playful plush toys as his “friends,” joyfully laying them in his crib every night. Ultimately, those stuffed animals were coming along for the ride.
During a year on the road, our packing decisions critically contribute to maintaining a sense of home and comfort. A favorite storybook or sippy cup eases some of the stress of being thousands of miles from friends and family. However, what we choose not to bring also shapes this experience: We aim to fill the gaps together and make our family bond the foundation of “home.” Consequently, when that fails, there’s little that laughter can’t resolve.
I don’t expect every family to commit to our carry-on-only style, but I hope these tips can inspire confidence that traveling with a young child is possible. We’ve visited 15 countries, road-tripped across the U.S., and still have nearly half a year ahead of us. Our 30-pound toddler is often the heftiest item we’re carrying.
