There’s nothing better than creating memories with your kids through travel. Day trips to explore new neighborhoods, outdoor camping adventures, and road tripping through different states are just as meaningful as international escapades. Whether you’re gearing up for summer travel or a getaway at another time of year, thinking ahead and being prepared with these family travel must-haves will make your trip easy so you can enjoy the destination.
Family Travel Must-Haves
As a family who always loved weekend road trip as much exploring different countries, my list of family travel must-haves includes favorite luggage from checked bags to carry-ons, best tech accessories to keep devices charged, screen free things to do during waits, tips for international travel, and more.
Family Travel Must-Haves: Sturdy Luggage
Not all luggage is created equally and anyone who has spent time watching luggage go around the baggage claim carousel can tell. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get good quality luggage that will last for years. From checked bags, carry ons, folding totes, and backpacks, here’s a rundown of luggage you won’t want to leave home without and will become family travel must-haves for future trips.
Carry On- Maxlite Air V2 Compact Carry-On Hardside Spinner ($144.49)
Carry-on bags should be lightweight yet nimble and durable for traveling through airports, bus stations, and stashing on train cars. I’m excited to try the new Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On Hardside Spinner because this lightweight bag has a durable 100% polycarbonate hard shell that flexes to protect the items inside. I’m loving the roomy main compartment that has two zippered interior divider panels that keep items organized, separated, and secure. The 8 spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, built-in lock is TSA accessible, and it’s sized to fit in overhead bins of most major US airlines.
Checked Duffel Bags- Adventure Rolling Duffle from L.L. Bean (extra large $179.95)
We’ve been using a previous version of the L.L. Bean’s rolling duffel bags for 20+ years and they’ve held up beautifully. Our duffles have been packed to capacity with hurricane supplies and fallen off a van in Haiti, make traveling with ski boots and gear easy, and have accompanied each kid to college drop off. I find the X-Large holds a ton but still can come in under the airlines 50lb limit. For an extra $8/bag, the monogramming is well worth the price so you can easily spot your bag on the luggage carousel.
Crossbody Bag- Sucurtex Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody Bag from Baggalini ($75)
Last year I bought myself the Securtex® Anti-Theft Memento Crossbody Bag. It’s a purse I use when traveling as well as when I’m at home. Made of lightweight, water-resistant material it features slash resistant panels, a double-cable cut-resistant strap, locking zippers, and RFID-protection. There’s also a grommeted opening for charging and headphone cords. The pockets and zippered compartments help keep my things secure and organized. I love that it safeguards my belongings so I can focus on the journey.
Backpacks
- Altitude Convertible Duffel/Backpack ($297.49)— One of my college-age son’s favorite pieces of luggage is a convertible duffel/backpack. This versatile bag transforms from a spacious duffel to a backpack thanks to hidden straps that stow away when not in use, making it easy to carry whether you’re going on a day trip, weekend getaway, or wanting to use it as a carry on. A built-in padded sleeve provides protection for up to a 16” laptop or tablet.
- Maxlite Laptop Backpack from TravelPro ($101.99)— Travelpro’s Maxlite Laptop Backpack is lightweight yet ultra-durable and designed to keep you organized on the move. Features include padded laptop and tablet sleeves, built-in pockets for power cords, front pocket with magnetic closure for storing a cell phone or keys; and side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella. I also love the addition of the Altitude Organization Kit that keeps my cords, chargers, and tech gear neatly organized and in one place in my backpack.
- Dude Dad Diaper Bag ($85) — Unlike other diaper bags, the Dude Dad Diaper Bag is a unique blend of rugged durability and smart design, perfect for travel or everyday adventures. It packs everything a parent needs into a backpack that feels more tactical than typical. It’s tough enough for dad life, stylish enough to wear anywhere, and functional enough to carry all the essentials—without sacrificing coolness.
Folding Totes
- Aloha Bags ($50 and up) — Made of splash-proof, durable, yet lightweight material, Aloha Bags are functional, spacious, and lightweight making them a must-have on vacations. I love the zip top Day Tripper that features three large, zippered pockets (two inside, and one outside or the Holo Holo, the largest Aloha tote that features an open-top. I’ve used the Holo Holo to carry a box of a dozen donuts on a cross-country flight and the Day Tripper is my favorite beach bag.
- Traveler Essentials SparePack Foldable Duffel ($59.49)— The Travelpro Essencials SparePack Foldable Duffel is a nearly-weightless extra bag that can be used on day excursions while traveling and as a personal carry-on item for additional packing capacity if you come home with more than your luggage can hold. It features an interior zip pocket, Travelpro QuickSlip front pocket with magnetic closure (great for a cell phone or other essentials on the go) and a rear stacking strap that fits around the extension handle of a suitcase for hands-free carrying. Plus, it folds up into its own built-in zippered pouch for compact storage when not in use.
- Longchamp Le Pliage Tote ($235)— I love this folding tote because it’s compact and the nylon body and leather handles make it versatile and classy.
Starter Label Pack from Mabel’s Labels ($38.50)
Our family has relied on Mabel’s Labels for years to ensure our stuff comes back to us but also to help identify our belongings when traveling. If you haven’t ever ordered Mabel’s Labels, I recommend starting with The Starter Pack because the 74 labels and 2 tags are an ideal mix of labels in one cost-effective pack. You’ll get 2 personalized bag tags, 24 small rectangle labels, 8 round labels, and 42 Tag Mates. I also recommend the Travel Label Pack ($27) that includes 19 labels designed for suitcases and everything else you take when traveling.
Family Travel Must-Haves: Ways to Keep Devices Charged
Today’s digital families travel with lots of devices and there’s not always enough outlets. Here are two of my family travel must-haves that keep our devices charged up and powered on.
Anker 735 Nano II 3 Port Charger Block ($29.99 on Amazon after $10 off coupon, normally $39.99)
Gone are the days when I used to travel with my laptop power brick and a bunch of plugs. A couple years ago I bought the Anker 735 Nano II and now it’s the only charger I need. This tiny charger provides 3 port charging so you can charge your laptop, tablet, and watch at the same time. It’s compatible with all major devices and features high speed charging for MacBook Pros.
10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-In Cables from Limitless ($80)
Limitless’ 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-In Cables helps you keep tablets, phones, and earbuds charged for endless entertainment during your travels. The built-in micro-USB, Type-C, and Lightning cables , versatile charging ports, digital display LCD screen, and portable design make it the perfect travel companion.
Family Travel Must-Haves: Screen-Free Things to Do During Waits
The waiting that comes with plane, train, and sometimes automobile travel can feel quite long to us but even longer to little ones. Here are some screen-free ways to keep kids entertained whether you’re en route or at your destination.
Traveler Tote from Untamed Post ($50)
The Traveler Tote is a 13×9” zippered pouch that comes filled with age-appropriate goodies such as activities, games, and fidget toys tailored to your child’s age and interest. Designed to engage without screens or candy, this is perfect for road trips, flights, or even keeping little ones entertained at restaurants.
Rapid Around from Merk Games ($34.99)
Quick thinking, focus, and creativity is the name of the game when playing Rapid Around. One player draws a card with a question and players go around the table, coming up with answers. For example, if the card drawn asks for “flavors of soup” players must name kinds of soup such as tomato, chicken noodle, etc. Play continues until someone is stumped and can’t come up with an answer or answers are exhausted. Rapid Around/Children’s Edition is best for ages 7+ and Rapid Around/Family Edition is recommended for ages 14+
Popdarts ($34.99)
Keep yourself and the kids occupied while you wait at your gate with Popdarts, a modern twist on traditional darts with suction darts that stick to smooth surfaces. Stick the orange target marker on a smooth surface and take turns throwing towards the marker. Earn three points for the Popdart that’s closest to the marker, one point for each that sticks and 10 points for landing on the marker! First team to 21 points wins. Put down the screens and reconnect with friends and family with this competitive game!
Family Travel Must-Haves: Health & Safety
Things happen on vacation so it’s always best to be prepared. Staying hydrated, protecting from the sun’s harsh rays, and guarding yourself against bug bites and other maladies are important and here are some of the health and safety items that have become family travel must-haves over the years.
Fun in the Sun Toolkit from Dr. Doug’s Balms ($30)
The Everyday Toolkit includes four great items blended with zinc and titanium dioxide, a natural sun protecting mineral, to relieve sunburn and itchy insect bites. Miracle Balm + Clear Zinc in a Large Jar and Large Twist-Up protects from chafing and blisters while hydrating skin and healing minor cuts. The two sizes ensure there will be plenty of this calming salve for everyone in the family. Bug Potion + Clear Zinc in a Large Twist-Up features lemongrass essential oil, a natural way to repel insects- no chemicals required! Lip Logic + Zinc contains healing ingredients like extra-virgin coconut oil and lavender essential oil to prevent dryness and cracked lips.
First Aid GoKit from Keep > Going ($39.99)
When you’re on the go, you don’t want anything to stop you which is why I love the GoKit from Keep>Going. Created by a mom of four this lightweight TSA approved kit is packaged in an organized, stylish water, and stain-resistant case and contains 130 pieces of emergency supplies. With everything from insect bite relief to bandages, it’s the perfect vacation companion. If you need other sizes, there are a total of four kits available, including the SuperKit (270 pieces), Adult GoKit (130 pieces), and MiniKit (my favorite for work travel). Each kit comes in a variety of stylish, trendy patterns and colors.
Handzies Soap + Water Wipes ($9.99 for 18)
We all know what it feels like to want that clean hand feeling when there’s not a sink around. Handzies Soap + Water Wipes use natural castile soap, water, and essential oils—no alcohol, triclosan, or harsh chemicals—so they’re safe for the whole family. The individually packaged wipes are easy to pack in your camp lunchbox, carry-on bag, picnic basket, cooler, or beach bag for a quick refresh wherever your adventures take you.
Canary Toothpaste Tablets ($15.95 for 126 tablets)
Say goodbye to plastic toothpaste tubes thanks to Canary Toothpaste Tablets. Just pop a tablet, chew, and brush. There’s no mess and no waste, just clean teeth and cleaner oceans. Packaged in 100% compostable refill pouches and perfect for travel, this is a must-have swap for your sustainable self-care routine. Comes in 6 flavors: Peppermint, Wintergreen, Watermelon, Strawberry Kiwi, Coconut Mint, and Bubblegum.
Buzz Patch Mosquito Patch Stickers for Kids from NatPat ($14.95)
As a mosquito magnet, I love the idea of BuzzPatch. This mosquito repellant sticker is made with all natural, plant-based essential oils so it’s non-toxic and DEET free. It provides instant and effective protection in the first 8 hours but continues to be effective for 24-72 hours. Kids love the colorful, cute smiley patterns that are comfortable to wear and fast to apply. Parents love that they can keep their babies, toddlers, and kids protected from mosquitos without the harmful chemicals. Each package of 60 Buzz Patches come in a small package so they’re perfect to take with you on outdoor adventures. They’re great for hiking, vacation, backyard, camping, patio, and parks but if you do get bitten, BuzzPatches Magic Itch Relief Patches can help soothe itchy skin fast with natural ingredients.
Sunscreen
If you have a favorite brand of sunscreen, make sure you bring enough from home to last you throughout your trip. You might not be able to find your favorite product at your destination or pay a premium for an American import. My husband always transfers his favorite Coppertone Sport in the blue bottle into 3oz silicone travel bottles. I love Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch and love that the entire Dry-Touch line is carry-on friendly thanks their 3 ounce size! Other good choices for sunscreen include:
- Biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen – Blue Lizard or Happy Ocean
- Sunscreen kids will love- Sunshine & Glitter eco-friendly biodegradable glitter sunscreen
MaxAccess Cubes Deluxe Hanging Toiletry Organizer from TravelPro ($54.99)
MaxAccess Cubes is the ultimate organizer for all your toiletries, grooming products, cosmetics, and more. It’s unique angled opening provides access to packed contents and a hanger hook lets you hang it while open to save counter space and make it easy to find what you need quickly. Made of high-density polyester fabric, it resists abrasions, has two built in accessory pockets, two removable water-resistant pockets, and an elasticized organizer system is perfect for holding cosmetics and brushes in place.
Family Travel Must-Haves: Snacks
Photo by Arthur Poulin on Unsplash
Snacks are high on our family travel must-haves list because they help prevent fellow travelers from getting hangry. Here are some new favorite snacks along with how to keep items cool and easily accessible for little fingers while on the go.
2 in 1 Travel Tote & Cooler from TravelPro Essentials ($99.99)
Whether on the road, in the air and everywhere in between, this tote/cooler combo serves multiple uses with separate packing areas for food or non-food items. Keep food warm or cold in the insulated compartment, which zips open for easy access and wipes clean when not in use. The tote’s separate main compartment offers a spacious, non-insulated interior outfitted with a built-in key leash and zippered accessory pocket for organization, along with a zippered front pocket that is ideal for quick access to a cell phone or other necessities on the move. A zippered expansion option increases the main compartment’s capacity an additional two inches. Carry it using the removable adjustable shoulder strap, double handles, or slip the rear strap on the handle of your rolling bag for hands-free mobility.
Modern Lunch Box & Snack Cup from Bentgo ($50.99)
Bentgo’s Modern Lunch Box & Snack Cup make it easy to eat healthy while traveling thanks to a container that features customizable compartments that hold up to 5.5 cups. The Snack Cup is lightweight, durable, and convenient for granola, nuts, chips, or fruit that you want to keep separate from the contents of the lunch box. Both feature a leak-resistant design that is easy to clean and reusable.
Stainless Steel Travel Utensil Set from Bentgo ($14.99)
There have been so many times when I’ve been traveling where I need a fork or a knife and haven’t had one. Since getting the Stainless Steel Travel Utensil Set, I tuck it in my carry on bag whenever I travel. I love having my own set of utensils that are an eco-friendly alternative to single use plastics. The high-grade steel set is super compact thanks to utensils that nest together in a 100% BPA free and non-toxic case.
Favorite snacks and new-to-us items can make travel a bit easier especially if they help to improve mood and morale. Here are a few of our new favorites that we’re packing:
- Wiley Wallaby— I love licorice so sweet snacks like their Licorice Beans, Allsorts, and Sourrageous Drops are must-haves in my backpack.
- Sweet Chaos Popcorn— Whether those in your house are sweet or savory lovers, Sweet Chaos has popcorn, drizzled popcorn, and even seasonal flavors that everyone will love.
- Antoninia’s Gluten Free Bakery— We’re not a gluten-free house but for those who are, I highly recommend Antonina’s Gluten Free Bakery for their Double Chocolate Brownies and Chocolate Cupcakes and brownies. Their tagline is “You won’t believe it’s gluten-free” and they’re right- you won’t! Their brownies and cupcakes were some of the decadent chocolate desserts I’ve tried and ones I’d definitely pack for gluten-free friends.
Family Travel Must-Haves: Things for International Destinations
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
When traveling internationally, there are a few additional items that become family travel must-haves. Medical insurance, voltage adapters, and a safe and secure way to store your family’s passports top my list.
Passport and Travel Document Case
The best way to breeze through border and passport control when you get to your destination is to be organized. Complete paperwork while in the air and tuck it in a passport case with your family’s passports so everything is in one place when you exit the plane. This ensures that no passports will be lost or left behind and once you arrive at your destination, you can lock the entire case in your in-room safe for safe keeping. I really like the Travelon Safe ID Family Case Passport Wallet (starting at $17.99 from Amazon) because it holds up to 4 passports and features RFID blocking technology to keep our personal information secure.
International SOS Travel and Medical Insurance
Photo by Luis Sánchez on Unsplash
Some airlines offer medical plans as an add-on when you book your ticket and give you 24-48 hours to cancel. Depending on where you’re going, this might be a worthwhile expense to add to each family member’s ticket to ensure you’re covered in case of delayed or cancelled flights, luggage delays, or certain medical mishaps. If you’re traveling to a destination where medical infrastructure is not up to Western standards and you need more comprehensive coverage including the ability to be airlifted out, International SOS allows you to purchase coverage just for the duration of your trip but if you’re looking for longer term coverage that covers both work and family travel, look into year-long plans offered by companies like Allianz Travel Insurance AIG Business Insurance.
International Voltage Adapter
Voltage and outlets can vary around the world so if you’re packing your passport, you’ll want to figure out what kinds of outlets are used at your destination and if you need to pack a voltage adapter or converter. A converter helps to decrease 220 volts that flow through other countries’ outlets to the 110 volts used in the US. An adapter helps your plugs fit in outlets around the world, but they differ depending on where in the world you’re going. I always like to consult this handy world electricity guide from REI to find the one that’s right for your trip. If you’re heading to Europe, I like this 2 pack that has 4 outlets, including 3 USBs with a Type C for $23.99.
Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash
Wishing you and your family safe travels and many memories made to last for years to come!
No compensation was received for this post. Some samples were received to facilitate reviews, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post.
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