Travel Gear Essentials

Welcome to our Family Travel Gear page! Here, you’ll find all the essentials we use to make traveling with kids easier, safer, and more enjoyable. From tried-and-true travel gadgets to everyday must-haves, these are the items we rely on for smooth adventures as a family. Click the pictures to take you where you can shop our travel gear favorites and support our family, as we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels!

Bags/Carriers

Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier

We've been using this for nearly five years, and it’s incredibly durable. It’s a better option than a stroller for navigating airports and cities, keeping your hands free as a parent.

FUL Workhorse Rolling Duffle Bag

This is the only checked luggage we use for our family of four, and it never disappoints. It’s incredibly durable, with multiple compartments to keep everything organized.

Cotopaxi Travel Pack

Our day pack holds all our essentials for town outings, short hikes, or airports. It’s colorful for the kids, yet durable and practical for parents.

Osprey 46L Backpack

It's our "just-right" bag—spacious enough for groceries or extra items on travel days, yet compact enough to fit as a carry-on.

Cross-Body Bag

Keep your valuables secure and within easy reach to reduce the risk of pickpocketing.

Safety

RideSafer Travel Vest

Incredibly user-friendly, compact, and safety-rated for use both in the USA and internationally.

Cosco Sceneca Car Seat

We love this rear-facing car seat for its lightweight design and affordable price, while still being both functional and safe.

Pildegro Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide detectors are uncommon in homes abroad. This compact, lightweight device works effectively and features a convenient magnetic backing.

Kids Entertainment

Writing Tablet

Perfect for doodling, learning, and creativity, this lightweight, space-saving tool keeps kids entertained and reduces paper waste.

Yoto Mini

With simple controls and a compact design, this is a great way to entertain our kids while hiking, exploring cities, or during independent playtime.

BuddyPhones Headphones

Available in a variety of colors, these are comfortable and safe for little ears, with a capped maximum decibel rating.

Left Center Right

A compact, easy-to-learn game that provides hours of fun—perfect to take along on all your travels.

Uno

Simple enough for young kids to enjoy, yet entertaining enough to keep adults engaged

Kids Miscellaneous

NoseFrida SnotSucker

For little ones who haven’t mastered blowing their nose yet, this is a must.

Roshambo Toddler Sunglasses

These are indestructible and super stylish. The kids love them and they have UV protection too.

Babelio Portable Sound Machine

This tiny sound machine packs a punch, blocking out intercity noises, fireworks, and any other sounds trying to keep the kids from sleeping.

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Bed

Need a toddler bed? This folds compactly and fits in checked luggage—perfect for travel.

Flextrail Electric Air Pump

This compact device takes up minimal space and inflates a mattress in under a minute.

Joolbaby Travel Toilet Seat Cover

Compact and foldable, it fits in your day pack—ideal for little ones on the move.

Maliton Inflatable Leg Rests

Perfect for long plane or bus rides—just inflate and instantly boost your child's comfort. It might even help them fall asleep!

Keen Closed Toed Sandals

From hiking adventures to beach days, these are a must-have.

For Adults

Tripped Packing Cubes

Perfect for organizing clothes for a family of four, these compress to save valuable space in your luggage.

Gerber Dime Utility Tool

Compact and foldable, it fits in your day pack—ideal for little ones on the move.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jackets

These cozy jackets compress and fit nicely into their own pockets when needing to be packed away.

Gerber Foldable Pocket Knife

This travel essential belongs in your checked bag, but it’s proven invaluable time and time again during our adventures.

Ceptics Universal Outlet

This universal adapter features multiple USB ports, making it perfect for charging all your electronics on the go.

Osprey 3.0L Water Reservoir

When carrying 4 water bottles gets cumbersome, we use this water reservoir while out and about.

Waoaw Sleep Eye Mask

When your Airbnb or hotel lacks proper blackout curtains and sleep feels impossible, this comfy eye mask is your perfect solution.

Anker Portable Charger

No outlets nearby, a power outage, and devices running low? This portable charger has been a lifesaver for us!

Bagsmart Travel Organizer

Keep all your cables, headphones, and chargers organized in one spot—no more loose items floating around in your luggage!

Headphone Adapter

This compact adapter lets me enjoy movies on the plane and seamlessly switch to listening to podcasts or music on my phone.