10 Essential Travel Gear Items for Families in 2024
Traveling with kids can be a delightful adventure, but it does come with its own set of challenges. Wondering what gear and toys you need before traveling with your baby, toddler or big kid?
Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying to your next destination, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here’s a roundup of the 10 must-have travel gear items for families in 2024, perfect for kids aged 1-10. These essentials will help ensure safety, comfort, and ease, making your family travels smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Travel Car Seat
Safety first! A reliable travel car seat is non-negotiable for road trips and car rentals. This is one of the most important things you need before road tripping or flying with your baby or toddler. The Cosco Scenera NEXT is a lightweight, FAA-approved car seat that’s easy to install and fits in most vehicles. It’s budget-friendly and designed for children from infancy to preschool age. This is a great option for traveling to locations where you will need a carseat but don’t want to risk anything ruining your current carseat you use at home! This carseat is actually often cheaper than renting a carseat through a rental car company. Make sure to grab the
2. Portable Travel Crib
A good night’s sleep is crucial for happy travels with your baby. The Lotus Travel Crib is a game-changer. It’s ultra-light, easy to set up, and comes with a backpack carrying case. It’s perfect for hotels, visits to Grandma’s, or even naps on the beach! This travel crib is beyond a typical packnplay and was designed to be traveled with. If you prioritize anything on your next trip with your baby, it should be good sleep! This is an essential you need before your next roadtrip with your baby.
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Wondering which headphones are best for your toddler? Keep the peace during flights or long drives with BuddyPhones Play+. These headphones are designed for kids, featuring volume-limiting technology to protect little ears and soft padding for comfort. Plus, they’re durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel. We don’t love our kids watching tons of screens but we also know that sometimes long travel days call for some screen time and I love that these are volume limiting. These headphones are a key travel gear before your next trip with your kids!
Lego’s make for a great travel toy for kids. Keep little hands and minds busy with the Matty’s Toy Stop Brick Case. This portable Lego set comes in a sturdy, easy-to-carry case with compartments for organizing the bricks. It’s perfect for car rides and flights, allowing kids to build and create wherever they are. Bringing legos along is always a life saver for us, especially during long layovers!
Making travel fun and easy, the MINI LOGAN CARRY-ON SUITCASE is both fashionable and functional. These bags come in adorable designs, making them a hit with kids. They’re lightweight, durable, and perfectly sized for little travelers to wheel through the airport, carrying their favorite toys, books, and snacks! This is a perfect carry-on suitcase for kids and is a great addition to your kid travel gear before your next trip with your kids!
6. Portable White Noise Machine - Travel White Noise Machine
Help your kids sleep soundly in unfamiliar places with the Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine It’s compact, rechargeable, and offers soothing sounds to drown out background noise, ensuring your children get the rest they need. Read more about our favorite portable sound machines, here! This travel sound machine is a necessary addition to your packing list before your next trip with your baby!
7. Travel Stroller
A lightweight, compact stroller is indispensable for navigating airports and sightseeing. The GB Pockit+ All-Terrain Stroller folds down to an incredibly small size, fits in overhead compartments, and is sturdy enough for all-day use.
Keeping everything organized is a breeze with the Kids' Refugito Daypack 18L. It’s perfect for your child's carry-on, with fun animal designs, durable construction, and just the right size for little ones to carry their own toys, books, and snacks. Also make sure you have a solid travel backpack! Read our guide for the ultimate travel backpacks for global travel here!
Keeping kids entertained while traveling can be challenging. The Yoto Player is a fantastic solution. This screen-free device plays audiobooks, music, and educational content, ensuring hours of entertainment and learning without the need for a tablet. It’s easy for kids to use and comes with a variety of content tailored for young listeners.
10. First Aid Kit
Be prepared for minor mishaps with the My Medic MyFAK Mini First Aid Kit. It’s compact yet comprehensive, including bandages, antiseptics, and other essentials. Perfect for stashing in your car or carry-on, this kit ensures you’re ready for any bumps and scrapes along the way.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Plan Ahead: Make a list of must-haves and pack early to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep It Light: Choose multi-functional items to save space and reduce the load.
Stay Organized: Use packing cubes or separate bags for each family member’s belongings.
Entertainment: Bring a mix of new and favorite toys and books to keep kids entertained.
Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your plans as needed and allow for plenty of breaks.
With these essential travel gear items, your family adventures in 2024 will be more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Embrace the journey and create wonderful memories with your little ones, knowing you have the right tools to make the trip as smooth as possible. Happy travels!