Travel Essentials
Let’s be honest — traveling with kids isn’t a vacation, it’s an adventure. And like any great adventure, it requires strategy, patience, and a really well-packed bag. From airport security lines to jet lagged toddlers, travel with children is unpredictable, beautiful, and occasionally messy in the most unexpected ways. But here’s the thing: with the right tools, the chaos becomes more manageable — and even enjoyable.
Over the years (and after plenty of trial and error), we’ve dialed in our go-to packing list that helps keep things running smoothly, no matter the destination. Whether you’re navigating cobblestone streets in Europe, heading out on a rainforest hike in Central America, or just trying to survive a five-hour layover, these essentials have saved us more times than we can count.
This isn’t just another list of “travel hacks” — it’s a roundup of the real-deal gear we’ve personally tested through dozens of trips with our kids. From the small gadgets that make airport meltdowns a little less likely, to the unexpected lifesavers (like makeup towels and Zofran), these items are always in our suitcase — and for good reason.
So if you're preparing for your next big trip with little ones in tow, start here. These are the kid-tested, parent-approved travel essentials we never leave home without.
Travel Essentials For The Kids
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet
Let me be clear — this tablet has saved more flights, road trips, and rainy vacation afternoons than I can count. This tablet is our go-to travel companion for kids, and it’s hands-down one of the best investments we’ve made as a traveling family. Designed specifically with older kids in mind (recommended for ages 6–12), this version strikes the perfect balance between fun and function. The screen is big enough for movies, games, and reading, but not so big it takes up half the carry-on. And yes — it's incredibly durable (read: built to survive being dropped, stepped on, and probably launched off a hotel bed). For those less than 6 years old, Amazon makes another tablet.
These wireless headphones for kids are the perfect travel companion — comfy, durable, and designed with little ears in mind. With volume limited to 85 dB for safe listening and a 30-hour battery life, they’re great for flights, road trips, and even quiet time at the hotel. They’re Bluetooth, which means no tangled cords, and they come with fun stickers so your kiddo can personalize their set. Ours have survived the bottom of backpacks, snack spills, and more — still going strong!
Let’s be honest—lugging around a full-size car seat while traveling is the worst. Whether you're hopping in and out of rideshares, navigating airport shuttles, or just trying to pack light for a road trip, the RideSafer Travel Vest is a total game-changer. This lightweight, compact vest is a safe and DOT-approved alternative to a traditional car seat. It’s crash-tested and designed to position the seatbelt exactly where it should go—across your child’s chest and hips—so you can feel confident they’re protected, even without the bulky gear. I love that it fits right into a carry-on or backpack and doesn’t take up half the backseat. Perfect for big family trips, city travel, or grandparents who don’t want to store a full-size seat. Be sure to grab the right size for your kiddo—the vest comes in multiple sizes based on weight and height (small, large, etc.), so definitely check the sizing chart before ordering.
We brought this snorkel mask on our trip, and it was an absolute game-changer for the kids. The full-face design gave them a wide, clear view underwater without the fuss of biting a snorkel tube, which made snorkeling way more fun and less intimidating. It’s super comfy, didn’t leak or fog up once, and packed up easily in our bags.
Snorkel Dive Flag with Pole and Float
After a close call with a jet ski while snorkeling, we learned firsthand how important it is to be visible in the water. This snorkel dive flag quickly became one of our must-haves for any snorkeling (or diving) adventure. The bright red flag and floating pole make it super easy for boats and jet skis to spot you, giving you peace of mind while exploring underwater. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and now a permanent part of our family travel gear — because safety always comes first when you’re having fun in the water!
These protect little feet on rocky beaches and streams, dry quickly, and are easy for kids to slip on and off. The flexible soles keep feet safe, and the fun colors make kids excited to wear them. Perfect for any water adventures!
When you’re staying in vacation rentals, you never know what you’re going to get—especially when it comes to sleep. We’ve learned (the hard way!) that many places don’t have blackout shades or even decent light-blocking curtains. That’s why we always pack these portable travel blackout curtains with suction cups—they’re lightweight, fold up easily, and make a huge difference in helping kids (and adults) fall asleep and stay asleep, even when it’s still light out at bedtime.
If you've ever done a long car trip with a toddler, you know the struggle—snacks flying, crayons rolling, toys disappearing under seats. This car seat travel tray has been a total sanity-saver for us. It straps right onto the car seat and gives your little one a flat surface to color, snack, or play on—no more balancing everything on their lap or the armrest! What I especially love is the built-in storage—side pockets for markers, books, small toys, and even a tablet holder. It keeps everything organized and within reach, which means fewer meltdowns and fewer things for you to dig around for while driving. If you’re road-tripping with kids, this tray is an absolute must. Trust me—it turns the backseat into a little travel station and helps the miles fly by (well... almost!).
A small portable white noise machine is a game-changer for helping kids sleep soundly in unfamiliar places — whether it’s on the plane, or in the middle of a bustling city. Some apps work in a pinch, but a dedicated machine is more reliable (especially when your phone battery is low or someone needs to scroll Instagram at 2 a.m.)
Jet lag is real, especially for little ones. A visual clock can be a game-changer, helping younger kids understand when it’s actually okay to get out of bed—even if it feels like 4 a.m. back home. Our favorite clock uses simple green, yellow, and red lights to guide them: red means it’s still time to sleep, yellow signals that getting up is almost okay, and green means it’s time to start the day. It’s an easy, stress-free way to help kids adjust to new time zones and get the rest they need.
Reusable lunch boxes come in handy for long travel days, picnics in the park, or grabbing breakfast on the go. They help cut down on costs and offer more flexibility with picky eaters or time zones.
Each kid gets their own, and yes — we test them upside-down before packing. Staying hydrated (without soaked backpacks) is essential for flights, hikes, and everything in between.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or have thoroughly researched and believe would be helpful to my readers.
Travel Essentials For The Whole Family
Underwater Snorkeling/Diving Phone Case
This waterproof phone case was a total game-changer on our recent trip. It let me take crystal-clear underwater photos of my kids snorkeling (even the moment they spotted their first fish!). It’s fully sealed, easy to use, and kept my phone safe through pool dives, boat rides, and beach splashes.
This sunscreen is a must-have for sunny travel days. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and offers broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast. Water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s perfect for beach trips, hikes, and sightseeing. Bonus: it’s reef-safe and comes in a TSA-friendly travel size!
We discovered this bug spray during our trips to Africa and Belize — places where pesky new flies can really put a damper on outdoor fun. It’s by far the best natural insect repellent we’ve found: effective, gentle on skin, and free from harsh chemicals. We like to apply a light layer of coconut oil first, which makes it harder for bugs to bite, then follow with the spray for extra protection. A must-have for any adventure in buggy destinations!
We love using this organic coconut oil on our travels—it’s super moisturizing, lightweight, and naturally soothing for the skin. What’s even better is that it creates a slippery surface that makes it harder for bugs to bite, making it a great natural addition before applying bug spray.
These sandals are travel game-changers. Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip on after a day of exploring, they offer great support without feeling bulky. While they’re not technically water shoes, they can function like them—drying quickly and handling a bit of water, making them perfect for both city strolls and beach days. Plus, the sleek white design goes with everything!
Compression Bags (No Vacuum Needed!)
I swear by these Compression Travel Bags for family trips — especially when crossing the Atlantic or heading somewhere for a week (or more) with kids in tow. What I love most? They don’t require a vacuum to seal. That means no lugging extra weight in your luggage or hoping your vacation rental has a vacuum cleaner waiting for you. Just roll the air out by hand — super easy and space-saving. They’re a game-changer when packing for multiple people in one suitcase, especially when you’re dealing with bulky clothes or backup kid outfits.
Compact, absorbent, and perfect for beach days, water parks, or unexpected spills. They dry fast and don’t take up much space in your bag.
If you’re traveling internationally, a universal adapter is a must. Charge multiple devices at once.
A must-have for charging phones, tablets, headphones, white noise machines, and kindles — often all at once. Look for one that can power multiple devices, especially during long travel days.
I always pack a sandwich bag full of OxiClean when we travel—one of my non-negotiables! One of the reasons I prefer vacation rentals over hotels is having access to a washer and dryer, especially with kids in the mix. Spills, stains, and mystery smudges happen daily, and having OxiClean on hand means I can treat stains right away before they set. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in keeping clothes wearable and cuts down on the need to overpack.
Mini Medicine Cabinet
Thermometer
Children’s Ibuprofen/Tylenol
Bandaids
Broad spectrum antibiotics [ciprofloxacin, bactrim]
Zofran for those who are prone to motion sickness
Triamcinolone for eczema flares/dermatitis
Imodium just in case…
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or have thoroughly researched and believe would be helpful to my readers.
Travel Essentials For Parents
Trust me — vacation rentals and hotels don’t mix well with mascara. You’ll also quickly discover that washcloth-sized towels are surprisingly rare in many international accommodations. Packing your own makes it so much easier to wash your face, clean sticky hands, or freshen up on the go.
Okay, full disclosure — resistance bands aren’t exactly kid-friendly, but traveling with kids means I need a way to sneak in some self-care to maintain my sanity. These lightweight bands fit easily in your bag and let you do quick workouts or stretches whenever you get a moment—during naps, airport waits, or hotel downtime. Staying active helps keep my energy balanced and stress in check, so I can keep up without losing my cool (and maybe even keep pace with my husband’s patience of a saint). Plus, my favorite exercise blogger, Nourish Move Love, offers an amazing two-week zero bodyweight exercise program that pairs perfectly with these bands—no gym required, just quick, effective workouts on the go.
Don’t leave home without them! Polarized lenses cut down glare from the sun reflecting off the water, which makes a huge difference when you're trying to spot fish, coral, or even starfish from the surface. Whether you're snorkeling, boating, or just watching the kids swim, they’ll help you see through the water more clearly — and protect your eyes from intense tropical sun. Bonus: they make the views even more beautiful.
1st Phorm Level‑1 Protein Powder
To maintain a healthy, balanced diet on vacation, I add one scoop of this premium protein powder to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt—no blender needed. With 23–25 g of slow-release whey protein, 5 g BCAAs, and 2 g glutamine per serving, it supports muscle recovery, satiety, and overall wellness, even when menus get limited. Delicious, easy to pack, and perfect for travel days or post-adventure refuels.
To keep my energy steady and workouts effective on the road, I add one scoop (about 5 g) of creatine to my morning coffee. It’s simple, easy to pack, and helps maintain strength—whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just keeping up with the kids. No special routines, just everyday support.
When I’m packing for a trip, there are a few non-negotiables — and this protein shaker is one of them. The shaker has traveled with me from Costa Rica to Spain and everywhere in between. Whether I’m mixing up creatine with my morning coffee or blending my favorite 1st Phorm protein powder post-hike, this bottle gets the job done without fuss.
Protein Powder Container for Travel
These compact, stackable canisters hold up to 4 oz of protein, supplements, or powdered snacks each. Built with leak‑proof lids and funnel tops, they’re perfect for portioning your favorite protein or dry mix on the go. Durable, travel‑ready, and easy to clip or toss in any bag
These workout gloves are my go-to for strength training at home and on the road. They’re lightweight, breathable, and offer just the right amount of grip and wrist support—perfect for anything from bodyweight training to resistance band workouts while traveling. The non-slip palm padding protects your hands during push-ups, planks, or lifting sessions, and the open-back design keeps them cool and sweat-free even in hot climates. I love that they fold flat and take up basically no room in my bag—so they’re easy to toss into my suitcase or gym pouch without thinking twice.
Packing for kids is an art — and these are the staples that help us feel prepared (and a little less frazzled). Every family is different, but with these essentials, we’ve tackled everything from rainforest hikes in Costa Rica to exploring cobblestone streets in Spain and Gibraltar, all with fewer surprises (and meltdowns).
Did I miss something you always bring? Drop it in the comments — we’re always learning from other traveling parents.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or have thoroughly researched and believe would be helpful to my readers.