Packing for a tropical family holiday is an art of restraint. The heat means you'll live in a handful of light outfits, and almost everything you might forget is available cheaply once you land in Bali or Thailand. After many trips of over-packing and lugging bags I never opened, here's the pared-back list I actually use now — the stuff that earns its place in the case.
Clothes: Fewer Than You Think
Plan for about four or five days of clothes per person and use the laundry service your villa or hotel offers — it's inexpensive across the region and saves you dragging two weeks of outfits halfway around the world. For the children, pack light cotton, a couple of rash vests, sun hats and one warmer layer each for chilly flights and over-enthusiastic air conditioning. Sandals that can get wet plus one pair of proper shoes each is plenty. Swimwear is the one thing worth doubling up on, because it rarely dries as fast as you hope in humid weather.
The Health and Sun Kit
This is where I don't cut corners. Bring a small medical kit with children's paracetamol and ibuprofen, rehydration sachets, plasters, antiseptic, anti-itch cream and any prescription medicines in their original packaging. Good high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen is worth packing from home, as familiar brands can be pricey or hard to find locally. Add a mosquito repellent suitable for children and a plug-in or clip-on deterrent for the evenings. A thermometer weighs nothing and buys peace of mind at 2am.
Gear Worth Bringing (and What to Skip)
A lightweight travel pram or baby carrier earns its space if you've got little ones, though pavements can be patchy, so a carrier often wins. Skip the bulky travel cot — most family resorts and villas provide one, so just confirm before you go. Pack a couple of familiar snacks and a favourite cup or beaker to smooth the first day, plus a small stash of quiet toys, stickers and a tablet loaded with downloads for the flight and the odd rainy afternoon.
The golden rule is to leave a little room in the case. You'll inevitably buy a few things — a cheap beach toy, a batik dress, a stuffed elephant that becomes a permanent family member — and travelling light on the way out makes the whole trip feel calmer. Pack for the holiday you'll actually have, not the one you're anxious about, and you'll spend far less time hauling bags and far more time in the pool.
