Theme parks, springs, and beach day trips—family road trips from Orlando are easier when you pack with a plan. Start by confirming your car rental details, then use this room‑by‑room checklist to load the car once, find everything fast, and keep the cabin calm between stops.
Choose the right vehicle first
For most families, a minivan rental in Orlando is the stress‑free choice: sliding doors, low step‑in height, and cargo that swallows strollers and coolers. If you’ll spend time on sandy access roads or hauling sports gear, an SUV offers extra clearance and flexible seating. Booking early locks better prices and ensures a car seat–friendly layout.
Room‑by‑room packing checklist
- Kitchen: Reusable bottles, snacks, cooler bag with ice packs, wet wipes, zip bags.
- Bedroom: Extra outfits, pajamas, light layers, sun hats, laundry bag.
- Bathroom: Travel‑size toiletries, SPF, insect repellent, small first‑aid kit.
- Playroom: Activity pouch (stickers, crayons), headphones, tablet and charger, small games.
- Car boot: Beach blanket, microfiber towels, umbrella, compact stroller, spare shoes.
Layout the cabin like a pro
- Put snacks and wipes in the second‑row door bins for quick access.
- Keep a labeled tote per child—what comes out must go back in.
- Use seat‑back organizers to corral chargers, sunglasses, and sun cream.
- Stow heavier items low and forward to avoid shifting when braking.
Car‑seat and safety essentials
Confirm your seat type (rear‑facing, convertible, booster) and check the vehicle’s LATCH positions when you pick up the car. Give yourself a few extra minutes at the garage to install correctly, then photograph the setup in case you need to re‑fit later.
Park‑day plan
If you’re starting from the airport, consider an early pick‑up. Orlando Airport car rental lets you load up before hotel check‑in, so you can hit a half‑day activity without waiting for a room. Keep a change of clothes and swimsuits in a top tote for quick pool stops after the parks.
Cost‑savers that add up
Buy a value pack of water, share one large sunscreen, and pre‑download playlists so you’re not burning data. Hola Car Rentals offers Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up, All‑Inclusive+ coverage, and cashback on tolls—small wins that add up on week‑long trips.
Ready to roll? Book your family‑friendly vehicle with Hola Car Rentals and turn packing into a five‑minute load‑and‑go.
Weather‑wise packing
Central Florida is warm most of the year with quick afternoon showers. Pack lightweight layers, an umbrella, and quick‑dry fabrics so you can keep moving even when clouds pop up.
Electronics & power
- Two power banks (one charging, one in use)
- 12V car adapter with multiple USB ports
- Short cables for the second row to reduce tangles
- Airtags or labels on strollers and bags
Meal prep for the road
Use bento‑style containers to portion snacks for each child, freeze yogurt tubes overnight, and keep a small trash bag within reach. If you’re doing a beach day, pack fruit that won’t bruise and a small brush to sweep off sand before kids climb back in.
Pick‑up and return strategy
Schedule pick‑up around nap time or after breakfast to avoid meltdowns at the counter. If you like sticking with a familiar supplier, check live rates at Alamo Orlando MCO and Enterprise Orlando via Hola Car Rentals. On return day, stage a separate tote for items that must come back to the suitcase—chargers, swimsuits, toiletries—so nothing is left in the door pockets.
Keep the cabin tidy
- Five‑minute clean‑up at each fuel stop keeps clutter under control.
- Assign floor mats by child to keep sand and crumbs contained.
- Use a collapsible bin in the boot for grocery runs and laundry.
Most importantly, don’t overpack. Orlando shops carry anything you forget, and extra space makes loading and unloading faster every day.
Bonus tip: Photograph your trunk layout once you like it. Recreate the same setup each morning for zero‑thought departures.
