The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Kids: Must-Have Essentials & Tips

Have you ever returned from a family vacation feeling you need another vacation to recoup from THAT vacation? Yeah, me too. Traveling with kids can feel like an Olympic sport…exhausting, unpredictable, and requiring some serious preparation. 

Whether you're heading on a road trip, flying across the country, or planning a weekend getaway, I’ve learned over the years that having the right essentials can make all the difference. From mess-free activities to sleep-saving hacks, here’s my go-to list of must-have travel items and tips to help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Travel Must-Haves for Kids

1. Mess-Free Activity Kits

Keeping little hands busy is key for a smooth trip. We love mess-free activities that include sticker books, magnetic puzzles or "dress up" fun, magic/invisible markers or water coloring, reusable sticker scenes, books (paper back to lighten your load), and pop-it or other fidget toys. These keep kids entertained without creating a giant mess in the backseat or on the plane.

2. Portable Sound Machine

A sound machine is a game-changer for blocking out unfamiliar noises and helping little ones sleep in new environments. It’s especially helpful for hotel stays, Airbnbs, or even car rides when you need a consistent sleep cue. This sound machine from Amazon is the one we have and I love that the size isn't too big or too small, but most of all love that it can operate on batteries too- juuust in case!

3. Window Blackout Cover

Many Airbnbs and hotels don’t have blackout curtains, which can make naps and bedtime a challenge. Portable blackout shades with suction cups or a roll-up window cover have saved us more than once, ensuring our kids get much-needed rest on vacation. If you'll be traveling by car for a decent distance, you'll also want to be sure you had window shades for the car too!

4. Kid-Friendly First Aid Kit

Because let’s be real, owies are inevitable when traveling with kids. A compact first aid kit stocked with Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, and kid-safe pain relievers (like chewable Tylenol) is a must. For little ones prone to car or air sickness, chewable Dramamine is a lifesaver. We always pack this just in case, it’s better to have it and not need it than to be caught off guard mid-flight or mid-road trip.

5. Hand Wipes & Sanitizer

Germs are everywhere when traveling, and kids touch everything. Having a stash of hand wipes and sanitizer makes it easy to clean hands and surfaces on the go.

6. Fun Travel Toothbrushes

Brushing teeth feels more exciting when kids have a fun travel toothbrush! Bonus points for one that lights up or plays music to encourage good habits even on vacation.

7. Zarbee’s Melatonin Gummies

Our kids have always struggled to sleep away from home, and these Zarbee’s melatonin gummies have the been the absolute best to help them wind down in unfamiliar places. We use them only when necessary, but they have been a vacation lifesaver for helping with bedtime routines when away from home.

8. Inflatable Portable Toddler Bed

If you’re traveling with a toddler, an inflatable portable bed is a must! It’s compact, easy to set up, and fits a standard crib sheet, so they can sleep comfortably with their own familiar bedding. The bumper design keeps them feeling secure, and it’s a great alternative to hotel cribs. For bigger kids who will be sleeping a hotel bed but may still benefit from a bumper, these inflatable bumpers are a great option to pack when traveling. We've personally used both and have been very happy with them!

9. Hanging Travel Bag for Each Kid

We started using hanging travel bags for our kids last year, and it was a game-changer! Each child gets their own organizer filled with snacks, small toys, and activities. They loved having their own special travel kit to explore throughout the trip. Great for the plane, car, or even hotel room!

👉 Checkout the checklist below and shop ALL of recommended products mentioned above PLUS more by clicking here. Then be sure to peek at some of my personal favorites for traveling (with or without the kids) here.

Bonus Tip: The “Surprise Prize” Trick

One of our BEST travel hacks that I've found? Wrapping up small, inexpensive toys and activity sets and handing them out as prizes throughout the trip!

• Hit up the dollar store beforehand and grab fun surprises like sticker books, small puzzles, or fidget toys.

• Wrap them up and hand them out as rewards for good behavior or at set intervals (every hour during a long car ride or after a smooth flight).

• This builds excitement and anticipation while keeping kids engaged and well-behaved!

Parent Travel Must-Haves

1. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

If you’re flying, TSA PreCheck is a lifesaver when traveling with kids. Skip the long security lines and avoid the hassle of removing shoes, laptops, and liquids. It makes airport travel much less stressful, especially when juggling little ones.

2. Travel Document Organizer

Keeping passports, boarding passes, and travel documents in one place is a must. A travel document organizer with designated pockets helps ensure everything is easily accessible, preventing last-minute panics at the airport.

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right essentials, you can make your trip fun and enjoyable for the whole family. Whether it's ensuring better sleep, keeping them entertained, or packing smart, these must-haves have been lifesavers for our family travels.

I've also put together a few of my personal favorite products for traveling (with or without kiddos) here!

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