What To Pack For Winter Sun: A Free, Downloadable Family Packing List
Planning a winter sun family getaway to Europe? Gloomy January rolls around and all I can think of is escaping to somewhere sunny. Whether you’re headed to the Canary Islands, Algarve, Costa del Sol, Cyprus, or even Egypt, now’s the perfect time to book a cheap trip. But what to pack for winter sun getaways can feel trickier than you’d expect.
From layers for cooler evenings to beachwear for sunny days. And then all the usual tech and toiletries that you have to carry when you’re travelling with kids too! To make this easier, I’ve created the ultimate free, downloadable family packing list sharing what to pack for winter sun to make sure you don’t forget a thing. And I’ve included my recommended products and tried-and-tested goodies we pack in our suitcase in the list below to make shopping simple if you need anything extra too!
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
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Download Your Free Family Packing List
Let’s dive straight in! If you don’t want to read the whole list here, and would rather download it straight away, so you can tick things off as you’re packing, the download link is below.
This handy checklist covers everything from clothes to gadgets, toiletries to beach essentials, and even extras like snacks and travel games to keep kids happy. I hope it’s as handy for you as it is for me.
Clothing Essentials
Replicate this list for each person travelling. For adults and older kids, one outfit per day should be plenty (we wear our evening dresses/shirts twice) but for younger kids pack a change per day AND a second evening outfit for each day too!
- Lightweight layers – It doesn’t matter where you’re going, when you’re travelling in winter, mornings and evenings can be a little cooler. Pack long-sleeve tops or light sweaters, and a thin jacket per person so you don’t get caught feeling cold.
- T-shirts & shorts – It’s not a sunny holiday without these! Perfect for sunny afternoons by the pool or on the beach.
- Swimwear – We pack at least 2 swimsuits per person, so one can be drying while you’re wearing the other one. Consider rash vests for kids for extra sun protection. (we have these Quiksilver ones for the boys and we wouldn’t travel without them – you can’t be too careful in the sun!)
- Evening wear – Casual dresses, shirts, or trousers for dinners or evening strolls. If you’re packing light, one per two days is plenty of adults and older kids that won’t spill their dinner in their lap!
- Underwear & socks – Enough for each day, plus a couple of extras for little ones. (TOP TIP: I always travel with an underwear bag like this one so that I can keep the clean and the dirty stuff separate in my suitcase: and the boys don’t accidentally end up putting on dirty pants!)
- Sleepwear – Comfortable cotton pyjamas are best for hotel stays.
Shoes & Accessories
The one thing I am historically guilty of overpacking? Shoes! I like to travel with footwear for every occasion: but I have got better. I suggest travelling in trainers, as they’re heavy and you might want them for long walks or sporty activities. Then pack:
- Sandals/flip-flops – These are perfect for the pool or beach. I say it everytime I write a packing list, but I couldn’t recommend my Birkenstocks more! I have these ones, and I really love them. Since I got them, they’re the only sandals I ever travel with!
- Sun hats & caps – Essential for kids and adults alike.
- Sunglasses – Protect everyone’s eyes and add style points, especially if you’re travelling light!
- Light scarf or wrap – These will take up almost no room in your luggage but they’re so useful for cooler evenings or travel days.
- Jewellery box – I have a travel jewellery box (like this one) and I always travel with a couple of bold necklaces and fun earrings. When I’m travelling light, it makes it easy to change to look and feel of an outfit, without having to pack a whole new dress or jacket!
Toiletries & Sun Protection
- Sunscreen – You’ll need at least SPF 30+ for face and body; we prefer SPF 50+. Choose one for the whole family to save on luggage space, and make it kid-friendly so it will work for everyone. I recommend Nivea Protect and Moisturise SPF 50, which we’ve all been using since the boys were babies.
- After-sun lotion – Hydrate little shoulders after a long day outdoors. We love the Calypso After Sun Aloe Vera gel (look for one with aloe in, it has the best soothing feeling!)
- Basic toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel for everyone. Miniatures are best for this if you need to save space.
- Hair brush and hair care – (a couple of hair ties and clips for the beach is enough for me, but you might need more if you’re travelling with girls)
- Make up – I have a streamlined, travel-version of my make up bag that I use when we travel. I try to carry as few products as possible, but lip balm, tinted moisturiser and brow gel are my main essentials. Look for a lip balm with SPF: your lips can burn too!
- Travel-size first aid kit – Plasters, antiseptic, any required medications. You can put this together yourself, but we bought this one to make life easy and reduce the hassle.
Electronics and Travel Essentials
- Phone & charger – Keep those holiday photos coming.
- Power bank – Honestly, a fast charging power bank is the one thing I recommend EVERYONE buy before they travel. Essential for long days out, if you’re using your phone for photos and maps and draining the battery, this is what will keep you online.
- Travel adapters – Make sure your devices can charge wherever you go. We bought this worldwide one that works everywhere, so we don’t have to remember to pack the right one for each trip.
- Camera / GoPro – Optional but perfect for capturing family memories.
- Headphones / tablet – Helpful for plane journeys or quiet downtime. My boys both have these kids travel headphones and their Nintendo Switches: I love the electronic babysitter, because it means I can get some downtime on the plane too!
Beach and Pool Gear
- Beach towels / travel towels – Quick-dry options are best. (They’re not the cheapest, but I love the Dock and Bay ones)
- Inflatable toys or floaties – Please if you only do one thing, by these before you travel. You’ll save a fortune if you shop on Amazon and not in-resort: they were charging $60 each for a pool float around the resort pool when we were in Mexico last year. Never again!
- Waterproof bag – To carry wet swimwear back to the room.
Extras/Fun Stuff
- Snacks & reusable water bottles – Keep everyone fuelled for outings, and ultimately saves money too, especially if you’re not on an AI package
- Travel games or colouring books – Perfect for downtime at the hotel. I can’t remember the last time I travelled anywhere without UNO cards in my bag!
- Backpack / day bag – For excursions, souvenirs, or pool essentials. The kids carry their own backpacks on the plane, then we have these for day trips if we need them.
Tips for Stress-Free Winter Sun Packing
Packing for a winter sun break is slightly differen to going away in the height of the summer. But some rules are universal! Here are my tried-and-tested tips for stress-free packing.
- Roll clothes, don’t fold – Saves space and reduces wrinkles. I’ve been rolling the kids clothes for years, and it means they can carry all their own stuff in a backpack!
- Pack versatile layers – One sweater can work for the evening and travel if you don’t pick a bold pattern. I always go for a knitted sweatshirt in black or beige, because if it’s colder than expected it will match with everything
- Keep a spare outfit in carry-on – Checking in a suitcase? You should still carry an outfit onto the plane with you in case of delays or spills (especially if you’re travelling with kids).
- Check local weather – Even winter sun destinations can have a few cooler days. Just embrace it and pack accordingly: don’t be cold because you have dreams of wearing shorts and t shirts!
Final Thoughts
Packing for a family winter sun holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. With my free downloadable checklist and a few smart choices, you can save time, reduce stress, and enjoy your getaway knowing you’ve got everything covered. Let me know if you use this trip and if you find it helpful: we’ll be using it ourselves!
Don’t forget: click the links to shop my favourite family-friendly products, if you need any extras for your trip. It makes packing easier and helps support the blog at no extra cost to you!
[Download Your Free Packing List Here]
Still planning your 2026 getaways? You can check out my other packing checklists here:
👘The Ultimate Japan Packing Checklist For Families
⛄ The Ultimate Packing List For a Winter City Break
🏰 Disneyland Paris Packing Checklist: Our Tried and Tested Guide
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
