Planning & Packing

Guides to reduce decision fatigue, stress, and travel overwhelm — so you arrive excited, not exhausted.

The 6-Week Planning Timeline

6W

Six Weeks Out

Book flights and accommodation. Apply for visas if needed. Check passport expiry dates. Purchase travel insurance. Set a daily budget per person.

4W

Four Weeks Out

Book any must-do activities (Machu Picchu, elephant sanctuaries, popular museums). Arrange airport transfers. Schedule any required vaccinations.

2W

Two Weeks Out

Start the packing list. Download offline maps, translation apps, and your destination's transit app. Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.

1D

Day Before

Check in online. Print or save all boarding passes. Charge all devices. Pack the carry-on with snacks, entertainment, and a change of clothes for every child.

The First Class Footprints Packing Method

Philosophy

One carry-on per adult, one small backpack per child. Everything else is a liability. The best family travellers we know check no bags for trips under 10 days.

Kids' Carry-On Essentials

  • Noise-cancelling kids' headphones (a complete game-changer on long-haul flights)
  • Loaded tablet with 6+ hours of offline content downloaded in advance
  • Small activity kit: colouring book, 2 puzzle books, sticker sheets
  • Comfort item (stuffed animal, blanket) — non-negotiable for under-8s
  • Snacks: 2 familiar favourites + 1 healthy option, portioned in labelled bags
  • Change of clothes + underwear in a labelled zip-lock bag
  • Reusable water bottle (emptied before security, refilled after)

Parent's Carry-On Must-Haves

  • All passports, insurance documents, hotel confirmations in one travel wallet
  • Child medications: pain reliever, antihistamine, anti-nausea, plasters
  • Universal power adapter + portable battery pack (minimum 20,000 mAh)
  • International SIM or unlocked data plan for destination country
  • One change of clothes for each family member in case of luggage delay
Decision Fatigue Fix

Pre-plan three meals for your first full day at the destination before you leave home. The hardest moment of any family trip is landing exhausted and not knowing where to eat with hungry kids.