How to pack for a two-week family holiday with only two pieces of hand luggage

A travel blogger has revealed how families can pack for a two-week holiday without paying for any check-in luggage. 

Jenna Carr, 33, from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, is a former doctor and founder of The Travel Mum, a website and online community which helps people holiday  on a budget by sourcing deals and sharing advice for cost-effective travel.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Jenna shared her step-by-step guide to packing for a fortnight away for a family of three, squeezing more than 60 items of clothing into just one backpack and one standard pull-along trolley. 

‘The possibilities are endless,’ said Jenna, who shares three-year-old son Leo with her partner Joao, 33. ‘We have travelled for two weeks with just the rucksack. But could definitely do longer. With the carry-on suitcase, we could emigrate.

‘The main point we try to get across is that whether you are travelling for one week or 10 weeks, you only need a weeks worth of clothes as you can wash them as you go along.’

Travelling light not only saves money but it also helps avoid the heartache and stress of lost luggage, an issue which continues to affect thousands of holidaymakers across the UK.

The key is to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed-and-matched, be sensible on shoes, and decant your toiletries rather than waste space on miniatures.

How to squeeze more than SIXTY pieces of clothing into two bags

Jenna revealed how it is possible to pack for a family of three for two weeks using hand luggage alone. The key is to only pack for seven days then be prepared to hand wash your clothes in the hotel sink.

1. 3 x pairs of sandals or flip-flops: One pair for each family member, wrapped in a plastic bag to stop other items getting dirty

2. Rolled up socks: Choosing socks in a single colour (like black) means they can be mixed and matched and makes it easier to find pairs 

3. 4 x pieces of children’s clothing: Shorts and trousers rolled into parcels 

4.  2 x formal shirts: Rolled up into a single parcel

5. 4 x t-shirts rolled together

6. 2 x children’s dungarees and more shorts 

7. 1 x children’s jumper 

8. 7 x children’s t-shirts rolled together  

9. 1 x pair of jeans 

10. 1 x pair of corduroy trousers; 4 x t-shirts rolled together

11.  3 x day dresses rolled together 

12. 1 x jumpsuit 

13. 1 x evening dress 

14. 7 x pairs of underwear per person: Choose thin, lightweight styles to save space and wash after every wear 

Also packed: 1 x thin black gym trousers; 2 x t-shirts and 1 x jumpsuit 

Jenna advises bringing one backpack per person for additional shoes, clothes or gifts on the return flight but says it is possible to condense into one as above: 

15. Liquids: One bag of 100ml items per person, divided between backpacks. See below for a breakdown of the liquids that should and shouldn’t be included.

16. DSLR camera with charger: This can also be carried around the neck to save room in the bag if needed

17. Amazon Fire stick and remote (seen below): To be plugged into any TV and allows the family to watch Netflix or Disney+ on the road 

18. Extra clothes: 3 x extra shorts including swim shorts and 1 x bikini 

19. Extension lead: Multiple sockets mean you can bring one travel adaptor but charge multiple devices at once. Chargers attached for ease. 

20: Non-liquid make-up: Kept in a plastic bag to stop damage to clothes 

21: Nappies and wipes

CHOOSE DARK BOTTOMS… AND DON’T GO WILD ON SHOES

Get ready to mix-and-match: Jenna Carr, 33, with three-year-old son Leo and partner Joao. The travel expert advised packing a pair of denim shorts or jeans (like the ones seen above) that can be worn several times before needing a wash and look good with almost any top

‘Think about the days you will be there and consider the activities you will do,’ said Jenna, who shares her packing advice on YouTube.

‘Make a list of things you would like to wear each day then decide if items like jeans or denim shorts can be used on more than one occasion.

‘People frequently pack way too many shoes, too many outfits, things they haven’t worn for years but take “just in case!”.’ 

The packing pro suggests planning seven outfits for each person – this can be less if you are away for under a week – and choosing a colour schemes that mean any t-shirt can go with any pair of shorts or trousers. 

She continued: ‘I don’t know about you but I would wear a pair of denim shorts a few times before I need to wash them. 

‘T-shirts tend to need washing after each wear, but having enough tops…