33 Essential Items to Pack for Family Travel in 2023
No matter where or when we travel, these must-have items come along like they are part of the family.
Looking for more family travel gear recommendations? Check out our latest “best-of” guides on travel car booster seats, travel strollers and systems, travel backpacks for parents and travel pillows for the whole family.
Gear to keep devices charged
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Portable Battery
Keep your phones and other key devices charged on the go. We typically bring 2-3 fully charged on each trip.
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Multi-Port USB Charger
Charges up to 5 devices simultaneously and helps keeps cords organized.
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Universal Travel Adapter
Especially handy if you travel internationally, but also still useful domestically with 4 USB ports in one small charger.
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Extra USB Chargers
Having extra iPhone or iPad chargers on hand can be helpful in the event one becomes lost or damaged during travel.
Take-everywhere bags
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Laptop Backpack
A roomy, durable, and stylish backpack with exterior pockets for grab-and-go items and interior organizers is a must-have for all travels. Our recommended “hers and his” versions below.
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Packable Lightweight Tote
Lightweight, foldable, packable. Made of durable nylon and comes in a variety of colors.
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Kids Backpack
Colorful and comfortable with exterior and interior pockets. Comes in multiple color combinations.
Fuel for the family
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Kid-Friendly Healthy Snacks
However many snacks you think you will need, bring more. You will never regret bringing too many snacks, but will rue the day you are staring at the bottom of an empty snack bag with a hungry child (trust us, we know). The criteria for what snacks to bring: 1) tasty (kids will actually eat it), 2) healthy (it’s a spectrum, but avoiding items with too much sugar can help prevent kids from bouncing off the walls or experiencing a sugar crash), and 3) durable (not a good travel snack if it is messy, sticky, easily crumbles or melts). If you’re flying, avoid bringing unpackaged seeds, nuts, fresh fruits, or vegetables unless you will be able to finish them all before you get off the plane — it’s a big no-no to take these foods through customs and can result in major fines.
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Reusable Snack Containers
Pre-organize snacks for easy access with reusable ziplock-style bags or pill boxes (or both).
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Reusable Water Bottle
We’ve tested several different kinds of reusable water bottles, including stainless steel and aluminum styles (many were too heavy or bulky) and collapsible styles (didn’t like the taste), and this one is by far our favorite. It comes in lightweight aluminum and is pre-filled with purified water (so, if flying, be sure to drink and bring empty prior to airport security). Can purchase a neoprene carry sleeve to attach to bags / backpacks with a carabiner.
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Hydration Supplement
No-sugar hydration-boosting tablets to add to your water bottle. Especially helpful for long-haul airplane trips or high-altitude destinations.
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Emesis Bags
Because sometimes kids get overfueled (IYKYK).
Gear to stay organized
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Packing Cubes
Save space and make life easier when you’re living out of a suitcase at your destination.
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Electronics Organizer Travel Case
A must-have item to keep electronics accessories organized on the go.
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Apple AirTag 4 Pack
Although these can be used to keep track of lots of items (keys, phone, wallet, purse, backpack, etc.), we primarily use these for luggage. The keychain accessories are also useful.
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Hanging Toiletry Bag
This versatile bag doubles as a toiletry bag or a travel toy organizer for kids.
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Travel Bottles for Toiletries
TSA-approved reusable bottles for toiletries made of silicone with a no-drip valve.
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Luggage Scale
An essential item for international flights. If one luggage is over the weight limit, you can redistribute items to others before you get to the airport.
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Wet Dry Bags
All-purpose, zipper-close, washable wet-dry bags can be used for diapers and soiled clothes during baby years and for wet swimsuits / gym clothes in transit in later years.
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Stroller Hooks
These come in handy for a variety of uses when traveling with strollers during the baby years, as well as to enable iPad cases to hang from car seats, airplane seats, etc.
Entertainment
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Airplane Phone Stand Holder
Watch in-flight entertainment hands-free in the air.
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Kids Bluetooth Headphones
Noise limiting, comfortable, and portable — frequently top “best of” lists compiled by experts. Our kids love these headphones. Available in multiple colors.
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Kids Headband-style Headphones
For younger children or kids who may struggle with regular headphones, these headband-style headphones can be a good alternative. Available in multiple colors.
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Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
These older generation AirPods are a great choice for quality and value. Or go with the newest generation AirPods if you prefer.
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Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones
Similar to the above, these noise-canceling over-ear headphones are not the newest generation but still remain one of the most recommended tech expert picks. You can also find the latest model with a different aesthetic here.
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Apple iPad (10th Generation)
Even if your kids don’t normally get much screen time, having an iPad during travels can be extremely helpful. Pre-download your favorite apps (we love the PBS Kids Games app) and be sure to log into the accounts and download your / your kids’ favorite movies and episodes for offline viewing in advance before you travel (also be sure to check the day before you travel as some streaming service downloads can expire).
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iPad Case for Kids
Pick a case with a handle and stand, ensure it fits the generation of iPad you own.
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Smartwatch
These are a great alternative to iPads or TV time and include fitness games that get kids moving and shaking.
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Kids Card Games
Six different kid-friendly card games to keep the whole family entertained. Ages 3+.
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Mini Colored Pencils with Sharpener
Just add paper.
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Essential Kids Swim Gear
Just add water.
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Masking Tape
Comes in handy for things you would not expect (e.g., taping hotel room curtains together to create a blackout effect) but can also tear off small strips to use as art projects and easy entertainment with airplane windows and tray tables.
