Ultimate Summer Packing List for Families Traveling With Teenagers
If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s pack for family travel — especially in the summer. We’ve been traveling with our kids for over 20 years, through just about every environment you can imagine. From sun-soaked beaches and state parks to theme parks, Roman ruins, volcanic landscapes, and the snowy Alps. From glaciers in Alaska to cobblestone cities in Europe. From road trips to cruises to flights that started before sunrise and ended well past bedtime.
Along the way, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what actually gets worn, what never leaves the suitcase, and what can make or break a trip when you’re traveling with teenagers. Packing isn’t about having more — it’s about having the right things.
This is our Ultimate Summer Packing List for Families Traveling With Teenagers — built from real trips, real kids, real weather, and real walking-heavy days. It’s designed to work whether you’re heading to the beach, a big city, a national park, a theme park, or somewhere in between.
You’ll also find links to some of my favorite travel items that I personally own and love — things we pack again and again because they’ve earned a permanent place in our suitcase.
And if you’re planning ahead? Be sure to check out my Ultimate Winter Packing List for Families as well — because packing for snow, cold, and layers is a whole different skill set.
Now let’s get you packed and ready for summer ✈️☀️
Just a quick note: this post contains a few affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items we actually use and love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
SUMMER CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
I always pack a capsule wardrobe—tops and bottoms that mix and match so it looks like I packed way more outfits than I actually did. Monochromatic tops paired with neutral bottoms like denim, tan, or black make getting dressed effortless, and simply switching up accessories like a scarf or shoes can make the same outfit feel totally different. I also love comfy matching sets that work just as well for travel days and sightseeing as they do for an elevated night out—just trade flip-flops for wedges. And my Columbia rain jacket? A non-negotiable. It’s super thin, incredibly lightweight, takes up almost no suitcase space, and always comes in handy in places with intermittent rain like Seattle, London, and Zürich.
Everyday Clothing
✔️ Lightweight tops
✔️ Casual shorts
✔️ Lightweight pants or jeans
✔️ Sundress / casual dress
✔️ Matching lounge set
Basics
✔️ Sleepwear
✔️ Undergarments
✔️ Athletic socks (always pack extra)
✔️ Activewear
Layering Pieces (Planes & Evenings)
✔️ Lightweight cardigan
✔️ Scarf or light wrap (doubles as outfit upgrade)
✔️ Compact rain jacket
Outfit Finishers
✔️ Belt (optional outfit changer)
✔️ Jewelry (minimal, mix & match)
⭐ Favorite Summer Clothing Picks
SUMMER SHOES
When we travel, I try to pack as few pairs of shoes as humanly possible—because shoes are suitcase bullies. My ride-or-die are my On Clouds: insanely comfortable for all-day walking, zero blisters, and totally sightseeing-approved. I always add a fashion sneaker that works with shorts, jeans, and even sundresses when I want to look a little more put together. For dressier moments, I swear by my Aetrex wedges (I own them in multiple colors)—they’re shockingly comfortable, have great arch support, and I’ve worn them on cobblestone streets all over Europe without issue. I actually prefer them over flat sandals. Flip-flops only make the cut for pool or beach trips. Most of the time, I travel with just three pairs of shoes—four max—which conveniently leaves more room in my suitcase for souvenirs to bring home.
✔️ Comfortable walking sneakers
✔️ White fashion sneakers
✔️ Supportive sandals or wedges
✔️ Flip-flops (pool & hotel only)
⭐ Favorite Summer Shoe Picks
TOILETRIES & HEALTH
Summer travel = sunscreen, no exceptions. None of my kids love putting sunscreen on their faces, but there’s significantly less complaining when I buy Sun Bum. It’s less greasy than most brands, smells great, and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a layer of glue. On those days when you’re easily logging 10,000+ steps, blister prevention is a lifesaver (breaking in sneakers ahead of time helps too). I also love having a cute, compact first-aid kit with all the essentials for minor emergencies—because scrapes, headaches, and mystery blisters always seem to appear on vacation. While I pack my own very specific skincare products in travel-size containers, my kids are obsessed with pre-assembled toiletry kits. They come in men’s and women’s versions, with both budget-friendly and premium options, and make packing way easier for everyone.
✔️ Travel-size toiletries
✔️ Face wash & skincare
✔️ Deodorant
✔️ Hairbrush / Comb / Hair Ties
✔️ Razor
✔️ Makeup essentials
✔️ Travel-size pain reliever
✔️ Hand sanitizer
✔️ Sunscreen SPF 30–50
✔️ Sunscreen stick (teen favorite)
✔️ Travel first-aid kit
✔️ Blister prevention pads
⭐ Favorite Toiletry Must-Haves
BAGS & ORGANIZATION
Is it weird that I like to color-coordinate my luggage? Maybe. But having a matching suitcase and duffel makes travel feel instantly more organized—and choosing luggage that actually stands out means I can spot it on the baggage carousel in two seconds flat. Packing cubes are another non-negotiable. Gone are the days of unpacking my entire suitcase just to find underwear or a matching sock. Everyone in our family has these inexpensive laundry bags too—they keep dirty clothes separate and (bonus) help mask the odor a bit. And I truly don’t go anywhere without my Lululemon crossbody bag. Most sightseeing days, it’s all I carry and I leave the purse behind. It’s the perfect size for my phone, wallet, lipstick, and hand sanitizer—aka everything I actually need.
✔️ Luggage
✔️ Duffel / Carry-on bag
✔️ Packing cubes
✔️ Laundry bag
✔️ Lululemon-style crossbody bag
✔️ Lightweight daypack for excursions
⭐ Our Favorite Travel Organization Picks
ELECTRONICS & TECH
Travel tech is one area where I don’t cut corners. I love my AirPods, and the noise-canceling feature is absolutely worth the upgrade—especially on planes, trains, and anytime I need a little peace and quiet. A portable power bank is a must on days when we’re taking lots of photos and videos and my phone battery is working overtime. Travel adapters are non-negotiable for international trips, and everyone in our family carries their own in their own luggage (learned that one the hard way). I also always pack extra charging cords because my kids have a magical ability to misplace theirs and then immediately plug into mine. Nobody wants to start a full sightseeing day with a dead phone battery.
✔️ Smartphones
✔️ AirPods or noise-canceling headphones
✔️ Tablet or Kindle for flights
✔️ Extra charging cables
✔️ Universal travel adapter
✔️ Portable power bank
✔️ GoPro
⭐ Favorite Travel Tech
SUMMER ACCESSORIES YOU’LL LOVE
Summer sun doesn’t just mean protecting your skin—it also means protecting your eyes and face. Sunglasses with UV protection and a good hat are non-negotiables for me, and bonus points because they’re also fun accessories that can instantly elevate an outfit. I usually pack a small umbrella just in case—if the weather cooperates, it happily stays in the hotel. And we never travel without reusable water bottles. We’re trying to avoid microplastics where we can, and let’s be honest—water bottles at resorts and theme parks cost a small fortune.
✔️ Sunglasses with UV protection
✔️ Hats (baseball cap / sun hat)
✔️ Lightweight umbrella
✔️ Cooling towel
✔️ Reusable water bottle
⭐ Favorite Summer Accessories
BEACH ADD-ONS
Being from Florida, we consider ourselves beach-packing pros—whether it’s Hawaii, Antigua, or anywhere with sand and sunshine. I own multiple Cupshe bathing suits and love them—the fit and quality are great, and the price is just right. My sand-free beach blanket is a must; it’s thin, lightweight, and takes up barely any space in my suitcase. I’ll often toss in a mesh beach bag because it folds flat and travels easily. The waterproof bag is a bit bulkier, but it’s essential for our family since we love water sports—and when we bring phones and towels with us (white water rafting, paddle boarding, kayaking), we don’t want to risk them getting soaked.
✔️ Swimsuits
✔️ Cover-up /swim shorts
✔️ Rash guards
✔️ Water shoes (if rocky beaches)
✔️ Reef-safe sunscreen
✔️ Sand-free beach blanket
✔️ Waterproof bag
✔️ Beach bag
✔️ Goggles / Snorkel Gear
⭐ Favorite Beach Supplies
THEME PARK ADD-ONS
Every year, we alternate between Disney and Universal Orlando season passes, which means we’ve perfected the art of packing light—and smart. When we hit the parks, I tote a small drawstring bag that’s just the right size to slide into the free ride lockers at Universal. Trust me, those tiny lockers are lifesavers—because the larger lockers? They come with a fee that can add up fast if you plan to ride roller coasters (backpacks are absolutely forbidden). My drawstring bag holds all the essentials: a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a cooling towel, a misting fan, and yes, a poncho for me while the rest of the family gleefully gets drenched on water rides. When it comes to theme parks, our motto is simple: less is more—and more fun.
✔️ Drawstring bag
✔️ Portable misting fans
✔️ Cooling towels
✔️ Ponchos
⭐ Favorite Theme Park Accessories
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
When it comes to travel essentials, I have a bit of an OCD-like streak. Even though my kids are basically pre-adults now, I still carry the passports for the entire family—so organization is non-negotiable. I use a passport organizer that also holds extra IDs and credit cards, which means no digging through the bottom of my purse while a line forms behind me. Since I plan all our trips myself (itineraries and all), I also travel with a folder of printed car, hotel, and tour reservations—because phones die and Wi-Fi can be spotty at the worst possible moments. I also pack a gallon-size Ziploc for each kid’s carry-on filled with healthy snacks so they don’t beg me to buy airport food. Protein bars, nuts and seeds, gum, and a couple of surprise treats always make the cut—and even now, they still love getting their snack bags.
✔️ Passports / IDs
✔️ Travel Documents
✔️ Printed reservations
✔️ Travel insurance info
✔️ Wallet / Money
✔️ Snacks (teen approved)
✔️ Gum / Mints
Download Our Free Printable Packing List
📌 Pin this checklist for your next family vacation!
FINAL PACKING TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH TEENS
Packing for teens can feel like a high-stakes game of Tetris—except the blocks are hoodies, chargers, and snacks, and someone is always losing a shoe. Here’s how to win:
Pack outfits, not individual items. Mix-and-match is your best friend. One shirt, one pair of shorts, repeat.
Limit shoes. Three pairs max: sneakers, sandals, and maybe something “cute-ish” for dinner.
Let teens own their day bag. Water bottle, sunscreen, phone charger—if it’s theirs, they’re more likely to keep track of it.
Snacks = survival gear. Trail mix, granola bars, and a few sweet treats keep hangry meltdowns at bay.
Pack light, pack smart. The less they carry, the more fun they’ll have (and the less you’ll curse over lost socks).
Charge it up. Power banks are worth their weight in gold. A dead phone equals instant teen drama.
Pack patience and humor. Not in the suitcase? No problem—you’ll need these more than any extra hoodie.
Trraveling with teens is an art, a comedy, and sometimes a workout all at once. Pack wisely, pack lightly, and pack a sense of humor—because the memories are worth every mismatched sock and forgotten charger.
✈️ Ready to Pack Smarter?
This list was created by a real family traveling with real teenagers—tested in summer heat, airports, long walking days, and busy itineraries.
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