Traveling as a family, especially with the little ones, is always challenging; you want it to be as comfortable as possible, and you want to be ready for any imaginable scenario.
You constantly adapt and develop your own traveling habits. Like this one — pack in your carry-on 1 set of underwear/socks/T-shirts for each person. You never know if your luggage will arrive on time, and you obviously don’t want to end up with no change of clothes for the next day or two.
Here we wanted to share with you the list of our favorite things we take with us on our trips.
Baby gear
Travel crib by Lumiere
We know that most hotels can provide a baby crib for your stay, but some simply don’t. We wanted a portable crib that is comfortable for baby Zoe, easily set up and lightweight, and wouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg as it is only used occasionally.
After researching for a while, we found the Lumiere Travel Crib, which had all the features we were looking for. It’s sturdy, well made, and weighs only 13 pounds. The crib comes with a carry bag that can be worn as a backpack!
Travel crib by Lumiere
Let little ones sleep soundly on the go with the convenient Lumiere travel crib. This portable pop-up crib sets up fast, providing a comfy sleep space anywhere. Lightweight and compact for easy transport. Breathable sides and cushioned mattress ensure restful sleep. The perfect crib for travel and adventures so your child can nap with ease.
It can’t be used as a carry-on, but that wasn’t something we were looking for. So far, we have used the Lumiere crib on several trips, including our ten-day trip to Alaska and our trip to Turkey; it did not disappoint.
Travel bassinet by ComfyBumpy
Yet again a baby crib, but a smaller version. We actually used this bassinet as an overnight sleeping option for Zoe for the first few months, as well as a traveling/portable option on our trips. Since it has a weight and age limit, we only used it for the first seven months, but it was very useful to have your own bassinet that the baby is used to, that is sturdy, reliable, and takes minimum space.
Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
If you have a baby, we don’t need to explain the necessities of having a good baby carrier. If you have a baby in an airport or an airplane — double that need and consider it a must-have.
Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
Adventure with baby anywhere with the Ergobaby 360 Carrier. This comfortable, all-position carrier keeps your little one close in front, back or hip carries. Padded straps distribute weight evenly for easy wearing. Breathable mesh keeps baby cool. Perfect for travel, this carrier bonds you and baby from tot to toddler.
Believe it or not — the baby carrier was the only place baby Zoe napped in on our flight to Anchorage (yep, Roman was standing in an airplane rocking her to sleep in the carrier). Plus, if you like exploring new places on foot or hiking and are not sure whether you should take a stroller on your trip, having a baby carrier is the best option.
Osprey Poco Child Carrier
The Osprey Poco Child Carrier is the perfect solution for parents who want to enjoy the great outdoors with their little ones. This comfortable and ergonomic carrier is designed to keep both parent and child happy on long hikes and adventures.
Osprey Poco Child Carrier
Adventure together with the Osprey Poco Child Carrier. This comfortable backpack carrier lets kids ride along on any trip. Adjustable harness customizes the fit for parent and child. Padded cockpit, sunshade and foot stirrups keep kiddos cozy. Large cargo area fits necessities. Easy carrying for trails, travel and everyday.
This carrier is good not only for hiking the mountains, but we also use it pretty much everywhere — on the streets of cities too! Don’t forget to check the weight limit, so you’re good, probably up until your kid is 3.5-ish.
Summer Portable High Chair
The Summer Portable High Chair is the perfect solution for parents who are always on-the-go with their little ones.
Summer Portable High Chair
Make mealtimes easy anywhere with the portable Summer High Chair. This convenient chair folds up compactly for effortless transport in its handy travel bag. Sturdy steel frame and durable seat safely contain your little dining companion. Perfect for dining out, picnics, trips – it sets up fast so your little one can dig in. Lightweight yet sturdy, it secures them comfortably
This high chair is ideal for road trips, camping, restaurants that don’t provide you with a high chair, or even the beach. It’s foldable, very lightweight, and it’s easy to clean. It can be easily folded and stored in its included carrying bag.
Baby Inflatable Pool Float
An inflatable pool float is the perfect way to introduce your little one to the joys of swimming and playing in the water.
Baby Inflatable Pool Float
Let baby make a splash on vacation with the SwimWays Baby Spring Float. This sturdy float keeps tiny swimmers secure while surrounded by toys for entertainment. Padded seat and leg holes ensure comfort and safety. Removable sun canopy shields sensitive skin. Perfect for pool or lake, it lets baby float, kick and play while you relax.
It’s lightweight, has dual air chambers, and a removable canopy. Even though it’s a pool float, we mostly used it for swimming in the ocean (on our Hawaii and Florida trips), and it did not disappoint! Zoe would just float and ride the waves.
Travel Organizers & Accessories
Hanging travel toiletry bags
The travel toiletry bags are easily hung and have all your toiletries conveniently accessible all the time. These are such lifesavers! We were tired of having too many different little pouches for medicine, toiletries, etc., and we were happy to find a solution to store and have easy access to all those things.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Keep your toiletries and small items organized for stress-free packing with handy hanging toiletry bags. Their compartments store everything neatly so you can quickly find what you need when traveling. Hang them in your hotel or tent for easy access. With your items streamlined in these bags, you’ll save time packing and avoid forgotten items.
Travel luggage organizer
If, at some point in your life, you have been tired of going through the entire suitcase while looking for “that” T-shirt, this is what you need to have! We have three different sets with different colors and sizes; they even include laundry bags. Basically, each person has a set of organizers of a specific color and packs all the belongings accordingly. It saves so much time and space as clothes are snuggly packed since you know exactly where your things are (well, almost all the time).
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are small, zippered bags that help you organize and compress your clothing and other items, allowing you to fit more into your suitcase. We think these cubes are life saviors when it comes to packing. Not only do they save space in a bag, but if you get different sets in different colors as we do, you can designate a specific set for each person in your family and easily know where things are.
Travel Wallet
This wallet is perfect for keeping your documents safe and handy. Simply store your boarding passes, passports, extra credit cards, and priority pass in one place. We actually have 2 of them, one for adults and another one for the kids.
Travel Wallet
Travel with ease using the slim Zero Grid Passport Wallet. This document holder keeps your passport, cards, cash and more organized and protected. RFID-blocking guards your valuables. Soft leather exterior and fabric lining keep contents safe. Multiple compartments and pockets tidy everything. Go jet-setting carefree with your essentials secured.
Backpack by SwissGear
You obviously take your backpack or a large satchel on your trip. This backpack, though, is very roomy; it can fit a 15-16 inch laptop and still have lots of space for your other belongings. There is an outstanding feature worth noting; you can put your power bank in the inner pocket of this backpack, connect it to a built-in USB cable, and then you can charge your phone by simply plugging it into a connector located on one of the arm straps.
Backpack by SwissGear
This TSA-friendly bag simplifies travel with lay-flat design and USB charging port. Padded 17″ laptop sleeve and multiple compartments keep gear organized. Breathable back panel ventilates on the move. Front organizer stores essentials for easy airport access. With this backpack, you’ll breeze through security and stay powered up.
Power bank
The power bank is an indispensable accessory that is a must-have on a trip that allows you to charge your devices, such as a phone or an iPad, on the go.
Power Bank
Don’t let a dead phone ruin your trip! Pack a portable power bank to charge devices on-the-go. This compact savior stores backup power to revive your phone anytime, anywhere. Just connect and charge without outlets. Avoid low battery dread with this travel essential!
Utensils & Portable Kitchenware
Small portable kettle
We love having a cup of hot tea in the evening, and we had to suffer for a while because hotel rooms usually only offer coffee makers. Then we decided, why not bring it ourselves? Plus, it’s great for boiling water within minutes to warm up a baby bottle or getting instant oatmeal ready for breakfast.
1L Electric Tea Kettle
Enjoy hot tea on the go with the compact Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle. This fast-boiling kettle provides hot water anytime, perfect for tea, coffee, meals. Easy toggle switch, auto shut-off. Small size is great for travel. Wherever you roam, wake up to a hot cup or wind down with your favorite tea.
Portable dining kit with stainless steel bowls, tumblers, forks, spoons and knives
Having a reusable meal kit for our road trips and picnics with two constantly snacking kids has been very useful.
Portable dining kit
Dine in comfort anywhere with the Unique Complete Messware Kit. This portable set provides durable stainless steel utensils for meals on-the-go. Compact case stores forks, knives, spoons, and more. Lightweight and easy to clean. Elevates picnics, camping, and travel meals from disposable to first-class.
Reusable stainless steel water bottles for everyone that can be refilled with water
Having a reusable water bottle is not only sustainable but is also cheaper than buying small water bottles.
Thermos Funtainer Bottle
Stay hydrated anywhere with the Thermos Funtainer Bottle. This insulated 16oz bottle keeps drinks icy cold for 12 hours – perfect for travel and outdoor adventures. Durable stainless steel design. Sip refreshing cold drinks from sunrise to sunset, wherever you roam.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Bib
This bib works perfectly as a way to keep your child’s clothes clean! It also has a spill pocket that holds its shape and works as a little plate itself when you don’t have an opportunity to sit your baby at the table (like as a lap infant on an airplane or when you’re on a road trip). We simply put small snacks such as fruits, veggies, and crackers right into the bib, and Zoe eats them from there.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Bib
Contain mealtime messes with the BABYBJÖRN Baby Bib. Its genius front pocket catches crumbs and drips, keeping baby clean. No more clothing changes or stain scrubbing thanks to the spill-proof design. It sits smoothly on skin with adjustable snaps for a custom fit.
Outwear
Ultra-light parkas with a storage pouch by Uniqlo
These jackets weigh almost nothing and barely take up any luggage space but are perfect for an extra layer in the evenings or hiking the higher elevations.
Bottom line
We hope you will find some of the items that we listed in this post useful in your future travels. Make sure to check out our “Top family-friendly travel tips for stress-free trips” post to get some additional tips on how to make your family travel smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
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