Traveling with kids can feel like packing your entire house, but it doesn’t have to. Over the years, with a baby, toddler, and now a preschooler, we’ve learned which gear actually makes trips smoother, and which items are just bulky clutter. These are our must-have family travel essentials that keep everyone happy, organized, and sane on the road.
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1. Baby Carrier
This one is easily our longest and most-used of our family travel essentials. A good baby carrier is a total game-changer, especially for younger toddlers who still need to be close to you. Hands-free travel makes navigating airports, train stations, or busy streets so much easier than lugging a stroller everywhere. Bonus, baby-wearing is often recommended by pediatric physical and occupational therapists.
I swore by my baby carrier for the past 4 years. It made everything from travel days to sightseeing to hiking so much easier. The only reason I no longer use it is because both kids are officially too big for me to be lugging them around all day (yay for my muscles, sad for my hormones because my babies are growing so fast)!
Why we love it
Hands-free travel, comfort for baby, and freedom to carry other items.
When we use it
Airports, hikes, city sightseeing… anywhere a stroller isn’t practical.
Recommended options
Ergobaby, Líllébaby, BabyBjörn
2. Travel Stroller
Even if you love a baby carrier, there comes a time when toddlers are too big to carry all day but still can’t walk for miles. A lightweight, foldable stroller is a lifesaver for these “in-between” kids. It’s easy to fold for planes or taxis and keeps little legs rested without slowing you down.
I first decided to use a travel stroller when I was taking a flight with only my 2-year-old. She didn’t have the greatest walking stamina at the time, so I knew she would end up asking me to carry her at the airport, and because we were flying basic economy, I also knew I would already be carrying multiple bags. I brought the stroller and it was perfect. She rose when I needed her to ride and I was able to hang some of the bags on the handles!
Ideal for toddlers
Provides rest for tired legs while staying compact and easy to carry.
Our favorite features
Folds easily, can be used right up to the airplane, smooth maneuverability.
Recommended options
Kolcraft Cloud Plus, Ingenuity
3. Safe Ride 4 Kids Travel Vest
Airports, taxis, or rental cars? This wearable travel vest lets small kids use a standard seat belt safely, no bulky car seat needed. It’s compact, travel-friendly, and perfect for parents who want to avoid dragging a car seat through terminals.
We bought this before our trip to Indonesia. We knew we would be traveling around a place where ride sharing was going to be our main transportation, and we didn’t want to have to be carting around two large car seats. This vest makes it so easy for our larger kid to safely travel from car to car.
Why it’s a lifesaver
No need to drag a car seat through airports or from Uber to Uber.
How we use it
Rideshares, rental cars, and airport rides.
Purchase link for $11 off
4. Packing Cubes
I never subscribed to packing cubes before kids, but they are really helpful for families, especially with little kids/tiny clothes. They keep everyone’s clothes organized, make hotel unpacking faster, and save hours of digging through mixed-up suitcases. Bonus: each family member can get a different color cube so it’s easy to find what you need.
I actually only use packing cubes for the kids, and instead of cubes for each kid, I use them based on purpose. So I put their swim stuff in one, their pajamas in another, etc. That way, when it’s time for a certain activity, I can grab the appropriate cube and have everything we need.
How they save sanity
Keeps clothes organized and easy to find.
Travel tip
Color-code by family member or by clothing type/purpose for instant organization.
The Packing Cubes We Use
BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes
5. Vacuum-Seal Laundry Bags
Dirty clothes, swimsuits, and pajamas take up space fast, and they can start to smell. Vacuum-seal laundry bags compress everything while keeping odors contained. They’re especially useful for longer trips or when you have multiple kids.
We used to put all of our travel laundry in plastic shopping bags and put them in the outside pockets of our suitcases. It kept the smelly clothes away from the clean, but as the trip went on there was no more space for the dirty clothes! I am actually embarrassed by how long it took me to realize that compression bags should be one of our family travel essentials. It’s so much better this way.
Space-saving hack
Compresses laundry to save suitcase space.
Smell-proof storage
Keeps dirty clothes separate from clean items.
Roll/press or vacuum seal
We use the ones that you roll/press, but lots of other people prefer a vacuum seal option.
6. Portable White Noise Machine
Sleep is non-negotiable, but hotel noises, city sounds, or even a snoring spouse can make naps tricky. A portable white noise machine keeps the kids (and you!) rested wherever you are. Ours lives in our diaper bag and has made airplanes, hotel rooms, and other unfamiliar places feel more like home.
Helps kids sleep anywhere
Perfect for hotels, rentals, or even airplanes.
Our favorites
Frida Baby, Yogasleep, Hatch Rest Go
7. Kids’ Headphones
Whether it’s a tablet for a long flight or a favorite movie in the car, kids’ headphones save everyone’s sanity. Safe volume limits and comfort for small ears make long travel days more peaceful.
Our kids use theirs with plane entertainment consoles and with their tablets. They rest comfortable on their heads/ears and I love that they plug into each other so both kids can listen to the same thing at the same time!
Peace for everyone
Safe volume and comfortable fit for little ears.
Travel tip
Pair with a tablet or movie for long trips.
The headphones our kids love
8. Compact Travel Toys
Small toys go a long way in keeping kids occupied during travel days. We always pack a few favorites for long flights, trains, or car rides.
To make sure we don’t pack too much, we give each kid a backpack. They get to pack what they want inside so long as they are able to carry it around (though we always supervise and suggest certain things we know they will want).
Small but mighty
Keeps kids entertained without taking up much space.
Link to full list
Check out our travel-friendly toys for kids post for specific ideas.
9. Portable High Chair / Booster Seat
Eating out or staying in a rental? A portable high chair or booster seat makes mealtimes simple and less stressful. You don’t have to rely on restaurant seating or awkwardly balancing your toddler on your lap.
We personally never brought ours on airplane trips, but we did toss it in the car on road trips, and it was also super handy to have when friends with young kids came to visit us!
Mealtime made simple
Easy to pack and fits most tables.
Why we love it
Keeps kids safe and comfortable while parents stay sane.
Recommended options
10. Portable Charger / Power Bank
Phones, tablets, white noise machines… all need power on the go. A reliable portable charger ensures that your gear stays functional, especially on long travel days.
These come in extra handy when you’re traveling internationally and don’t want to bring a bulky power converter for a day out. Some also have other useful features like a flashlight or a mini fan for hot days!
Essential for devices
Keep all your gadgets charged during travel.
Travel tip
Bring one charger for the whole family to avoid fights over outlets.
Our go-to power banks
JISULIFE, Anker, BLAVOR (solar charger)
That’s a Wrap on Our Family Travel Essentials
These 10 family travel essentials are the items we never leave home without. They help us stay organized, keep the kids happy, and make travel days much smoother.
What’s your must-have family travel gear? Drop it in the comments! I’d love to hear what works for you. And if you’re planning your next trip, don’t miss these related posts:
- Easy Tips to Win at Preparing Toddlers for Travel
- Travel Diaper Bag Essentials: Things We Love to Pack
- Great Travel Snacks for Babies and Toddlers on Amazon