So we’re off to Cairns and Port Douglas on Thursday, and in an atypical move, I’m aiming to be quite organised about packing. Generally, I’m very relaxed and pack haphazardly at the last moment.
What’s my excuse for being a slack packer? Well, these days we all use suitcases on wheels; it’s not like my old travelling solo days at all when I had to carry a backpack.
Here’s our luggage and golf and sports back for the trip we did to Coollum.
But I’m hoping that the bairns might become more independent, especially the twins. The teenagers are good at packing for school camp, they just follow the lists.
So I’ve made up some lists for them. This will really help the twins a lot too. They often try to pack for themselves, but the ratio of cuddly toys to clothes is all wrong. I’ve been inspired by another blogger too, more on that below.
My kids are boys aged 17 and almost 15, and boy/girl twins who are eight. If you have babies and toddlers, you’ll find some great ideas for you below my lists.
Here are my lists:
Readers will note that my list is a lot bigger than the kids!
If you’d like to download a printable copy of these lists, just click on the link below.
Family Holiday Packing List On White Background – To Print
Family Packing Lists From Other Bloggers
I’ve found some other great packing lists for families. Take a look at:
Camping Gear For Families
Kelly at Be A Fun Mum has a very comprehensive lists of what her family takes when camping. Read here.
Caravan Holiday Packing List
This is a great list from Australia – Family Style. It is especially for a caravan holidays with the family. The packing list post links to a downloadable Excel spreadsheet. Read it here.
Skiing Camping and Beach Holiday Packing Lists
Handy downloadable lists from Mumsnet, a UK website. Read here.
The Ultimate Packing List
Here’s a huge and very comprehensive packing list, check this out and you won’t forget a thing!
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You’ll love these posts
If you’re thinking of a holiday to Cairns or Port Douglas start with..
Tips for Planning Family Holiday to Cairns and Port Douglas (has a good list of things to do)
And here are detailed posts on what we enjoyed
Coral Reef Dreaming – Overnight Yacht Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
River Tubing On The Mulgrave River With The Kids
Why We Are Loving The Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Muddy’s Playground On The Esplanade In Cairns
Miracle on the Great Barrier Reef – Kids Take Photos of Mum For Once!
Happy travelling, and best of luck with your packing?
What’s your top tip for family packing?
What have I forgotten!!??
Her
GourmetGetaways
Seana, I have just come back from Cairns and Port Douglas!!! You will love it, Port Douglas and Mosman Gorge are my favourite places. Bring swimmers to Mosman Gorge and maybe even snacks and plan to stay a while. Check out Grubs Trike tours too!!! He is awesome!!! He’s based in Port Douglas!
Have fun,
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Seana Smith
I asked on Facebook whether Port Douglas or cairns was best and most folks said Port Douglas, but we’re actually going to spend most time in Cairns as I know the teens will enjoy that. Well, I hope.
I’m pretty sure that I haven’t been there since 1990… gulp!!
Brooke
Hi Seana!
Thanks for the shout-out! It looks like you have your hands full with a entire family – whew! But hopefully listing it all out has made the process easier 🙂 Have a wonderful time up north, and hopefully we’ll meet again at another Problogger event or Sydney gathering of sorts!
Seana Smith
The teenagers still managed to forget toothpaste, but we’ve done much better than usual. I wish my husband was here with us, it’s hectic witht he four of them, but a change is as good as a rest. Can’t wait to get out onto the Reef tomorrow!
Teri Rodriquez
Fantastic list! I would add wet wipes. Last year I moved into a bigger apartment. Moving day was a disaster. I left my 2 daughters to my sister. She took care of them. My point was that wet wipes saved me several times during this day. I have one box in my pursue since then. I hope my advice is useful. Greetings!
Seana Smith
Yes, you’re quite right… I always carry some with me in the car and in bags when we travel – thank you.