Essential Items for a Stress-Free Family Vacation: 25 Must-Haves to Ensure a Smooth Trip
Rewritten:
Hop on Board: Your Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Kids
Written by Raylyn Paquin, Contributor for BuzzFeed
Ever feel like your back is breaking from dragging around suitcases while your kid is clinging to your legs, whining about being bored? We've got your back! We've rounded up the hottest travel essentials for kids that'll turn your family vacation into an unforgettable adventure. So, buckle up, buttercup!
Wanderlust Wonders for Your Mini Me
1. The Ride-On Suitcase: Let your little one ride shotgun at the airport or hotel room.
Pack this travel-ready suitcase with clothes or toys and let them take control of the action. With a leash to boot, you'll have one less suitcase to haul, and a safe place to secure them when their tiny legs give out.
2. The SlumberPod: Sweet dreams are made of these!
Slip this brilliant invention over your kiddo's pack 'n play or travel crib, and watch as they drift off to la-la land. Say goodbye to the grouchy kid who hasn't had a wink of sleep, ready to rain misery on the whole family.
3. The Travel Cot: Because beds are for adults, and the ground is for acrobats.
Perfect for hotel stays and camping, these lightweight sleeping wonders fold up easily and can be stowed away. Plus, they're up off the ground, so you won't have to worry about stepping on any tiny feet.
4. The Collapsible Potty Seat: Say goodbye to dreaded airplane bathrooms!
Eliminate the struggle of holding a toddler over the tiny airplane toilet. This compact seat is easy to put on any toilet, making the job easier for everyone! And remember, flushing sounds are still a thing, but we'll tackle that another time.
5. The Portable High Chair: Wherever you go, good meals follow!
Give your little one a secure place to eat, no matter the location. When your dining adventure is over, the high chair folds down neatly for transportation and storage. So whether you're camping, playing at the beach, or visiting family, you'll never have to worry about how to feed the baby.
6. The Kid-Size Neck Pillow: A comfy companion for little heads.
Help your child find a comfortable position to nap, avoiding those awkward, contorted positions only they can handle. It'll (hopefully) help them sleep, ensuring you won't have to deal with a cranky, tired kiddo.
7. The Water Wow Travel Set: The ultimate boredom buster!
Give them endless entertainment with the help of a water-activated drawing panel, stamps, stencils, and a pen on a wrist harness. No more lost crayons or markers, friend!
8. The Car Seat Travel Bag: Keep it all together!
Traveling with a car seat just got easier. This handy bag makes checking your car seat a breeze, and keeps all the parts organized during your journey. If you plan to use the car seat during flight, it'll make navigating the airport a cinch too.
9. The Snack Spinner: Say goodbye to excessive snack wrappers and hello to happy children.
Fill each compartment with a different food group, and keep your kids occupied during long flights or car rides. The Snack Spinner will not only keep them fuller longer but also help with their nutritional intake!
10. The Portable Charger: Power up!
Keep your devices charged, even when your flight is delayed for (seemingly) no reason. This sleek charger can power up two devices at once!
11. The Travel Activity Tray: Playtime on the go!
Give your little one a dedicated play area in the car or on the plane without taking up excess space. It folds down easily for transportation and storage, so you can make the most of your journey.
12. The Handheld Luggage Scale: Be prepared!
Spare yourself the hassle of rearranging baggage at the check-in counter because one bag is overweight. This handy tool packs easily, so you won't have to worry about extra weight from those souvenir stuffed animals and wooden swords.
13. The Back-of-the-Seat Organizer: Nice and neat!
Keep essentials like snacks, toys, and tablets at arm's reach during long road trips. Perfect for those moments when your kiddo starts crying, "Are we there yet?" for the (millionth) time.
14. The LCD Writing Tablet and Doodle Pad: The modern alternative to crayons and paper.
No more losing crayons in the car! This tech-friendly drawing tool will make reaching for a crayon on a turn a thing of the past.
15. The Backseat Storage Bag: Gone but not forgotten!
Keep toys, snacks, and other essentials within easy reach during long drives. Say goodbye to turning around and rummaging through the backseat hundreds of times.
16. The Portable Trash Bin: Less mess, more ease!
Keep tissues, snack wrappers, and other garbage contained. Save yourself from having to clean out your car after a long trip.
17. The First Aid Kit: Always prepared!
Band-Aids are the miracle cure for kids, and this kit has got you covered for minor injuries while out and about.
18. The Vomit Bags: For those unexpected moments.
Motion sickness can be brutal, but with these bags on hand, you can collect the evidence and skip the deep cleaning of car seats after the trip.
19. The Antibacterial Wipes: Keep it clean!
Great for those moments when your kiddo just has to touch the gross stuff. Hand sanitizer is useful, but nothing beats the satisfaction of a good wipe-down.
20. The Car Seat Snack Tray: Snack central!
Give your little one a sturdy place to store snacks while driving. With a built-in cup holder and secure plate, crumbs will be a thing of the past.
21. The Flexible Mini Fan: Beat the heat!
Keep your child cool in a stroller or the backseat. Because why does air never circulate enough back there??
22. The Sunscreen Applicator: Sunscreen without the drama!
A simple yet effective solution to applying sunscreen, minimizing the usual drama that comes with the task. No more slippery octopus children!
23. The Family Game: The ultimate boredom buster for long journeys and hotel stays.
Simple yet fun for all ages, it's a win-win situation that won't take up much valuable suitcase real estate.
24. The Travel-Size Magnetic Tiles: Screen-free entertainment on the go.
Perfect for creative play and educational activities, these tiny tiles offer endless possibilities for kids.
25. The Noise-Cancelling Headphones: A lifesaver in crowded spaces and during firework shows.
Great for children who don't appreciate loud noises or need a moment to themselves. They're the perfect earbuds for those pesky fireworks shows!
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Best of luck on your family vacation adventure! Remember, the secret to a stress-free trip is being prepared. With these tools by your side, your journey will be smooth sailing. Safe travels!
Visit our site for more travel tips, gear recommendations, and other insights to upgrade your family travel experience!
-Susan Johnson, Editor-in-Chief, BuzzFeed Travel
Enrichment Data:
Luggage and Travel Essentials
- Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage: Affordable, colorful, and designed for youth travelers.
- Younglingz Ride On Suitcase: A combination ride-on suitcase and seat, doubling as entertainment and transportation.
- Travelers Club Kids' 5-Piece Luggage Set: Includes a hardside carry-on, backpack, a personal item, and a foldable tote bag with fun prints.
- Packing Cubes: A reusable and sustainable solution for organizing clothes and accessories in luggage.
- Backpack for Kids: Versatile, durable, and designed for optimal organizing of kids' essentials.
Travel Activities and Entertainment
- Travel Blanket: A comfortable, versatile and machine washable blanket that doubles as a changing mat, play mat, and pillow.
- Portable Nintendo Switch: A compact, handheld gaming console that offers hours of entertainment on-the-go.
- Road Trip Board Game: A family-friendly, car-friendly board game featuring fun-filled challenges and activities.
Organization and Comfort
- Snack Organizer: A compact, stackable tray that keeps snacks organized and minimizes spills.
- Travel Pillow: Comfortable, adjustable, and designed to provide adequate neck support during travel.
Safety and Comfort Accessories
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit tailored for travel, featuring supplies such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and pain relievers.
- Travel Stroller: Compact, lightweight, and durable option for travel, like the Babyzen Yoyo or GB Pockit strollers.
- Sunscreen: A travel-sized sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, protects against UVA and UVB rays, and is water-resistant.
- Bug Spray: A safe and effective bug repellent, containing DEET-free and environmentally-friendly ingredients.
- Portable Baby Monitor: A portable baby monitor that allows parents to monitor their baby from a distance, featuring a rechargeable battery and two-way talk capabilities.
These items can help reduce stress and enhance the travel experience for both kids and parents.
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- A freelance travel blogger might find the ride-on suitcase particularly useful, as it would enable them to juggle their responsibilities more efficiently, with their toddler accompanying them on layovers.
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- The e0f8ef90ec6c66ed7dc0a4542515074d travel activity tray could be a game-changer for a freelance content creator and parent who needs to balance work and family during extended layovers, keeping their kids entertained and happy.
- The LCD writing tablet and doodle pad would be an excellent addition to a freelance artist's travel accessories, offering a more tech-friendly and portable alternative to traditional art supplies when on the move.
