If there’s one thing I’ve learned after 50+ trips with kids, it’s that family travel rarely goes exactly according to plan. 😂 But I’ve also found that a little preparation—and having a few tried-and-true things on hand—can make a big difference.
So this week, I’m sharing a few of our favorite kid-friendly travel essentials. These are the things we’ve reached for again and again, and I hope you find a few that make your next trip a little easier, too. ❤️
The Family Travel Gear We Actually Use
These are the travel essentials we’ve come to rely on again and again:
Travel stroller + baby carrier – We almost always bring both. The stroller is great for airports and longer days out, while the carrier is a lifesaver when navigating crowded places, uneven sidewalks, or when the baby just wants to be held.
Pro Tip: We keep the baby in the stroller during the airport process; but transition to the baby carrier for the boarding process and sitting down in the plane. It is helpful to be hands-free during this time!
Stroller cover – A must-have for protecting the stroller when gate-checking or traveling through the airport.
Pro Tip: I purchased this XL size to accommodate our double stroller, too. It’s also handy if your suitcase is overweight—you can move a few items into the gate-check bag before checking your stroller.
Stroller hooks – For keeping bags, water bottles, and all the random things kids suddenly “need” within easy reach.
Pro Tip: I like to place the kids backpacks on the stroller hooks while we walk around the airport, so that when the kids need to board the plane holding the backpacks, they don’t feel too heavy.
Passport holder – Especially helpful when you’re traveling as a family and juggling six passports at once.
Portable charger – Because the last thing you want is a dead phone when you’re navigating an airport, pulling up boarding passes, or entertaining a toddler.
Packing cubes – One of my favorite ways to keep everyone’s clothes organized and make unpacking (or finding that one missing outfit) so much easier.
Pro Tip: I like to pack by day. I put my outfit and the kids’ coordinated outfits—including underwear and accessories—into one cube. When we get to the hotel, we only have to open one cube for that day. I keep another cube for family pajamas, swimsuits, and extras.
Kids’ cameras – A fun way to keep little ones entertained while also letting them document the trip from their perspective. I have three different types: one for my toddler, my Kindergartener, and my more responsible older child. We used this one for years for our littles and loved it.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget a camera case + necklace strap!
Activity books and calming activities – Perfect for flights, restaurants, road trips, or those inevitable moments when everyone needs a little quiet entertainment. We have a huge list accumulated, but recent favorites have been color-by-number books, mazes, and sticker books that double as little activity/reading books. Our newest family obsession is our plus plus kit, which has come in handy on ALL our recent trips.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to tailor the activity to things your kids individually likes. For example, many of my oldest sons activity books are jungle animal focused because it keeps him the most engaged.
Tablets – When you’re on a long flight, dealing with a delayed dinner, traveling with tired little ones, or having downtime in the hotel, these can be a lifesaver.
Disposable mats, smocks + sippy cups – Especially helpful with toddlers and babies. They make messy meals, hotel breakfasts, and eating on the go a little less stressful.
If you’re taking a road trip instead, I put together a list of our favorite road-trip-specific items here - Roadtrip specific items!
None of these are must-haves, but they’re the things that have consistently made traveling with four little ones a little easier and more organized.
Hopefully you found a few ideas to add to your travel stash or your kids’ bags! ❤️
And as always, I’d love to know: what’s the one family travel item you never leave home without?
Happy Travels!
— Shaina
