We are a family that loves to travel a lot, we have tried many family traveling must haves to discover what works and doesn’t work on our family adventures. There is nothing like getting to your family vacation destination and realizing that you forgot something important.
Trying to decide what is needed without over packing is really hard even for the most experienced travelers. We travel “mostly” with only carry on bags so that we can save money on the cost of checking a bag, and also so we can easily exit the airport and get our family vacation started sooner. (#teamcarryon)
This article is your ultimate guide to the best travel items for families so that you can make sure you have everything you need and nothing you don’t!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclaimer here for further information.

Looking for more tips and tricks on your upcoming adventure?

Check out my tips about international travel with kids tips about road trips with kids, and how to save money on food while traveling.

Get your kids excited about traveling by learning about different countries from the comfort of you home with my list of travel box subscriptions , around the world food boxes, and fun kid oriented travel tv shows.

Perfect Suitcase Or Backpack Is A Must Haves For Traveling

Start your traveling off right with the perfect bag! We are very much part of the team carryon only when traveling.  If you too are like us, then finding the perfect bag to hold all things to carry while traveling with kids is golden.  You will love these eBags that work perfectly for our family travels because of the numerous travel items that they will fit and the compression features to make them still carryon size.

eBags Mother Lode USB Travel Backpack (Black w/USB)

Specifications:
  • Product Dimensions 10 x 22 x 14 inches
  • Item Weight 3.75 pounds
  • Compartments with compression straps
  • Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 19″
Average Rating: 5 Stars

eBags Mother Lode Jr Travel Backpack

Specifications:
  • Product Dimensions 9 x 19.5 x 14 inches
  • Item Weight 1.36 pounds
  • Comes with 4 compression straps
  • Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 17″
Average Rating: 5 Stars

eBags Mother Lode 21 Inches USB Carry-On Rolling Duffel

Specifications:
  • Product Dimensions 9 x 21.5 x 15 inches
  • Item Weight 3.95 pounds
  • Hard backside with cloth top and compression straps
  • Hide-away Add-A-Bag webbing strap
Average Rating: 5 Stars

Packing Cubes Are The Best Travel Items For Families

Now that you have a bag, you need to pack it. You’ll love that packing cubes allow you to pack a little bit more and compress the items down to fit snuggly into your carry on. Packing cubes are perfect for packing travel items and keeping you organized during your trip. Packing cubes can be remove from your bag and used in draws (or on shelves as draws) to keep everything organized. We like to buy different colors so every family member will have their own color set. This is a great trick as toddler travel must haves because it makes it easy for kids to know where and how to located their travel items and toys.

Compression Packing Cubes, Gonex Extensible Storage Mesh Bags Organizers

Specifications:
  • Size L+M+S+XS+Slim+Laundry Bag
  • Material Nylon
  • Color 6 PCS Black
  • Closure Type Zipper
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Compression Packing Cube Set for Carry On Luggage, Travel Packing Organizers with Laundry Bag for Backpack

Specifications:
  • Size L+S+S
  • Material Nylon
  • Color Painting(L+S+S)
  • Closure Type Zippe
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Packing Cubes Luggage Bags Organizer Durable Travel Accessories With Clothing Label

Specifications:
  • Material Nylon
  • Color 8 Set – Rose/Blue
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH 13 x 9 x 1.5 inches
Average Rating: 5 Stars

Travel Carseat Is A Baby/Toddler Gear Must Haves

Until very recently I was one of those parents with a cart that pulled a heavy car seat through the airport and I know how painful and stressful that can be. I’m telling you that so you can avoid this being your family. I highly recommend getting a travel vest or travel booster seat. A travel vest / travel booster is a must have travel accessories for your toddler that will change the way your family travels. You can read our full travel vest review here.

Safe Traffic System Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5

Specifications:
  • No installation required
  • Dimensions: 15 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches
  • RideSafer’s age range is 3 years and above
  • Weight range is between 30 lbs. and 110 lbs
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Mifold Comfort Grab-and-go Car Booster Seat- 3X Thicker Cushion

Specifications:
  • No installation required
  • Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 2.6 inches
  • Item Weight – 1.6 lbs
  • World’s most compact, backless booster
  • Designed for kids aged 4 and up, 40-100 lbs.
Average Rating: 4 Stars

Mifold Hifold Fit-and-Fold Highback Booster Seat

Specifications:

  • Convenient and narrow booster seat
  • Designed for kids aged 4 and up, 40-100 lbs.
  • Item Dimensions: 14.6 x 13.4 x 10.7 inches
  • Adjustable, safe and comfortable

Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reusable Water Bottles Are Useful Travel Accessories

Reusable water bottles are more of useful travel accessories than necessity. The reason these make the travel items must have list is because there are numerous benefits to bringing your own reusable bottle that will save you a lot of money.

With the TSA now allowing no liquids great than 3oz through security, these reusable water bottles are great to fill up once in the terminal (many terminals now have filtered water bottle fills attached at water fountains).  First time use will save a family of 4 over $10 at the airport. Imagine if you fill that bottle up more than once 😉 . These bottles are also useful travel accessories at hotels.

Collapsible Water Bottles 2 Pack BPA Free Siliconce Leak-proof Reusable Travel Water Bottle

Specifications:
  • BPA free and odorless
  • Wide-mouth design makes it easier to clean
  • Cold and heat resistance
  • 20oz portable silicone bottle / foldable type
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

eddy®+ Kids 14oz Bottle with Tritan™ Renew

Specifications:

  • Flip, Bite, Sip: Drink through straw
  • Leak-Proof when closed, spill-proof when open
  • Comfortable Carry Handle
  • Lightweight and Durable
  • Odor and Stain Resistant

Average Rating: 5 Stars

On The Go Coffee Cup | Pocket Size Collapsible Silicone Travel Cup

Specifications:

  • Collapsible Coffee Cup: height 2-inch x diameter 4-inches
  • No need to use disposable cups ever again
  • Made from food-grade silicone and recyclable materials
  • Capacity – 16 Ounces

Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Multi Device Portable Charger Family Traveling Must Haves

In our world of technology having a way to charge your electronics is a essential. Multi Device Portable are a carry on must haves for long flights when you have no where to plug in your electronic items (such as those great deal economy seats you snagged during an awesome sale).

Anker Portable Charger, PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank with PowerIQ Technology

Specifications:
  • Connector Type -Usb type c, Usb, Lightning
  • Voltage 5 Volts
  • Battery Capacity 20000 Milliamp Hours
Average Rating: 5 Stars

Anker USB-C Portable Charger, 18W PowerCore Slim 10000 PD, 10000mAh Power Delivery Power Bank

Specifications:
  • Connector Type – Usb, Micro usb
  • Voltage 9 Volts, 15 Volts
  • Battery Capacity 10000 Milliamp Hours
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Universal Adaptor Is A Must Have Travel Gear When Traveling Internationally

If you have ever traveled outside the USA you know that not all countries use the same currency for electric. Instead of buying multiple adaptors for each location, invest in a great universal adaptor to meet all of your travel needs.

Pro tip — Make sure that all of your electronics have a cord that reads at least 110/220. This will ensure that you don’t need a transformer to use them.

SAUNORCH International Travel Adapter

Specifications:
  • Smart High Speed 2.4A 4xUSB Wall Charger
  • European Adapter
  • Worldwide AC Outlet Plugs Adapters for Europe, UK, US, AU, Asia
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Travel Adapter, JOOMFEEN Worldwide All in One Universal Power Wall Charger

Specifications:
  • Travel Adapter Cover more than 150 Countries with US/EU/UK/AU plugs
  • Compatible with almost all USB Devices
  • SIMULTANEOUS use of the AC Power Socket and Dual USB Ports
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Compact Travel Stroller Needs To Be On Your Packing List For Family Vacations

When you are traveling with a baby or toddler, a good airplane travel stroller that fits in the overhead compartment is definitely an item for your travel gear for kids checklist. You will want to make sure that it is lightweight, portable, and compact enough to fit in overhead bins. With the right toddler stroller, you will now be able to push your little one all the way to the plane and then put the stroller in the overhead bin. No more having to wait after debarking the plane on your stroller while trying to juggle your kiddo and luggage.
Want more options? Make sure you check out our complete list of the best airplane strollers for toddlers.

gb Pockit+ All-Terrain

Specifications:
  • Stroller Weight – 12.3 lbs
  • Toddler Limits – Up to 55 lbs
  • Folded Dimensions – 13.4” x 7.9” x 16.5”
  • Reclining – Yes
  • Bonuses – XXL UPF50+ Sun Canopy
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Baby Jogger City Tour Stroller

Specifications:
  • Stroller Weight – 14.5 lbs
  • Toddler / Baby Limits – Up to 45 lbs
  • Folded Dimensions – 17.7 x 7.1 x 22.24
  • Reclining – Yes
  • Bonuses – Travel Bag
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Jovial Lightweight Baby Stroller

Specifications:
  • Stroller Weight – 16.3 lbs
  • Baby Limits – Up to 35 lbs
  • Folded Dimensions – 18.9” x 10.6” x 22.0”
  • Reclining – Yes
  • Bonuses – Travel Bag
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Portable Bed Accessories For Traveling

When you are packing up for your trip, it usually slips most peoples mind on where your baby/toddler will sleep. Keeping your kids on a schedule in unfamiliar surrounding is important. Make sure you add to your travel gear for kids a portable bed. There are many options available from blow up ones to full sets ups. Need more family planning tips? Check out our page on Planning Family Vacations.

DockATot #BabyEssential

Specifications:
  • Bring the comfort of your child’s bed with you on the road
  • Lightweight & simple to travel in its own Grand Transport Bag
  • Product Dimensions – 39 x 24 x 9 inches
  • Cover & Mattress protective pocket= 100% cotton
  • Bumper filling and Mattress pad = 100% polyester
Average Rating: 5 Stars

Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Electric Pump

Specifications:
  • Leakproof Air Mattress w/ Reinforced Protective Bumpers
  • Includes Carry Case and Pillow
  • Fits Kids Up to 4ft Tall
  • Ideal for Traveling, Camping, & Sleepovers
Average Rating: 5 Stars

Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed

Specifications:
  • Made with an all steel frame that is light-weight
  • Hold up to 75 pounds
  • Large 48”L x 24”W x 9”H sleep surface
  • Cot folds down to 9”L x 8”W x 24”H
  • Includes Fitted Sheet
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Portable Electronics Are The Best Travel Items For Kids

Many of you may cringe at the thought of giving your kids an electronic to keep them entertained, but I’m here to tell you that one of the most useful items for long plane or car rides is an electronic device to hold your kids attention. I recommend if you are a parent that limits screen time that you do this at the location you’re traveling to as to help make the actual travel part of the trip more enjoyable for all (just my opinion).

Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

Specifications:
  • Includes 1 year of Amazon Kids+
  • Includes a Kid-Proof Case
  • 2-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, return it and Amazon will replace it for free.
  • Octa-core processor & 3 GB RAM
  • 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display, dual cameras, USB-C (2.0) port
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Apple iPad Mini 4

Specifications:
  • Mini makes it travel gear friendly
  • Wifi and/or cellular
  • 7.9″ Retina Display, 2048 x 1536 Resolution
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars

Wrap Up Of Family Travel Must Haves – Best Travel Gear And Accessories That Will Change The Way Your Family Travels

You have asked and we have answered, these are the travel items we use and don’t leave home without.  It doesn’t matter if you are looking to purchase multiple travel items or just one, you should definitely check out all of these travel gear items for your family. Most have changed the way we travel for the better. Travel like a pro with these useful travel accessories, essential travel items, and travel must haves

If you are looking to take a family beach vacation, why not check out my toddler beach essentials guide. If you want to teach your children about different countries and cultures, check out our monthly travel box subscriptions here.

If you haven’t joined our Facebook Group: Little World Adventure Travelers yet then don’t wait. You will get to hear about all types of places around the world and ask questions to make sure you aren’t missing anything as you take off to build your next adventure.

Check This Post Often For Updates By Pinning To Pinterest!

10 Family Traveling Must Haves: Best Travel Gear And Accessories That Will Change The Way Your Family Travels
Mommy And Me Travels Family Travel Blog

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our travels.

Thank You for Subscribing!