Planning a two-week trip for a family of four, especially with two toddlers in tow, may seem daunting, especially when you’re determined to travel with only carry-on luggage. But with the right gear and a streamlined packing strategy, it’s entirely doable. For our family, consisting of Mom, Dad, and two adventurous toddlers, we embarked on a two-week adventure using just two No Reception Club diaper bags, one No Reception Club duffel bag, and two Miamily ride-on suitcases.

Here’s how we made it work and some tips to help you pack smarter, not heavier!

Why We Chose Carry-Ons Only

As frequent travelers, we always like to try and test new strategies. When we were a family of three, we tried a trip with just carry-on only and we were able to make it! Now as a family of four, we wanted to try this new challenge! While there are cons to carry-on-only travel, there are many pros like you do get to avoid baggage fees, carry-ons also allow for quicker exits from the airport, no worries about lost luggage, and, best of all, less stuff to lug around. When you’re constantly chasing after toddlers, the less you have to carry, the better!

Our Bags: The Essentials

For our trip, we relied on two brands we trust: No Reception Club and Miamily. Both have products that are not only practical but also designed with family travel in mind. You can use discount code JESSICA20 for the No Reception Club diaper bag and JESSICA30 for the No Reception Club carry-on bag. You can use discount code MMBRIGGS50 for Miamily.

1. No Reception Club Diaper Bags (x2): These diaper bags were the MVPs of the trip. They’re spacious, have tons of pockets for organizing diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, and even our travel documents. With one diaper bag per adult, we were able to balance the load and keep everything easily accessible. The best part about this was that we could actually hang these diaper bags on the back of the Miamily suitcases. Use discount code JESSICA20.
2. No Reception Club Duffel Bag: This duffel bag was perfect for holding our bulkier items like extra shoes, toiletries, and a few clothes for Mom and Dad. Its sleek design meant it didn’t feel like we were carrying around a bulky gym bag, and it easily fit in overhead compartments. Use discount code JESSICA30. Watch this video to see how I packed this bag!
3. Miamily Ride-On Suitcases (x2): These were lifesavers for keeping the toddlers entertained in airports. The Miamily suitcases doubled as a stroller and a suitcase. The kids loved scooting around, and the interior fit my husband’s and I’s clothes and toiletries. Use discount code MMBRIGGS50.

Read Next: What’s inside my toddler’s flight backpack

How We Packed for Two Weeks

Packing for a two-week trip with toddlers means mastering the art of minimalism. Here’s how we divided up our luggage:

• For the Toddlers: We packed a capsule wardrobe for each child. Think basics that could mix and match: six outfits, 2 swimsuits and rash guards, and diapers/underwear.
• For Mom and Dad: We followed the same capsule wardrobe idea for ourselves. Each of us packed five outfits, focusing on lightweight clothes which was great because all of the places we were visiting were hot. Since we knew we’d have access to laundry during our stay, we packed less and washed as needed.
• Toiletries & Extras: Each of us had a small toiletry bag with the essentials: travel-size shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and a few personal items. For the kids, we brought baby-safe sunscreen, toothbrushes, and a small first aid kit. Anything we forgot, we knew we could pick up along the way.
• Entertainment for the Kids: With two toddlers, keeping them entertained is key. We packed a few favorite small toys, coloring books, and tablets pre-loaded with their favorite shows and educational apps. The diaper bags were perfect for storing these so they were easily accessible during flights. Check out this video

Tips for Packing Light With Kids

1. Plan for Laundry: If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel with laundry facilities, plan to wash clothes mid-trip. This allows you to pack half as many outfits, saving tons of space.
2. Pick versatile travel toys: Check out this list of my favorite toddler travel toys (my toddler is especially into the magnetic toys right now).
3. Use vacuum seal bags: We recently have started using Tilliv which are space-saving vacuum bags. There are high quality and durable. You can use discount code WHEREISBRIGGS10.
4. Snacks Are Essential: Especially for long travel days! We made sure to bring plenty of toddler-friendly snacks that traveled well, like crackers, dried fruit, and squeeze pouches.

Read Next: What’s inside my baby’s flight diaper bag

Final Thoughts

Traveling with just carry-ons for a family of four, including two toddlers, might sound impossible, but it’s not only doable—it’s liberating! We found that being more intentional about what we packed helped keep our trip stress-free. We weren’t weighed down by unnecessary luggage, and the kids enjoyed the extra mobility of their Miamily ride-on suitcases.

With the right mindset and packing strategy, your next family trip could be a breeze too.