Anything that helps travelling with children go smoother are gladly welcomed by the Wander Mum family. During our family travels there are certain items that stand out as travel essentials – and some you can’t leave the house without (passport anyone). Here are some of the family travel essentials which have made our holidays with children that bit easier.
Mifold Grab and Go booster seat
We recently tried out the mifold booster seat and were hugely impressed. It is road safe and so sleek and compact it can be popped into your bag. From now on we won’t be worrying about seatbelt safety when travelling from the airport in a foreign country. Made for children aged 4-12 it can be used instead of hiring a car seat. See my full review here.
Thermometer
Ever since Mrs T had a febrile convulsion during a trip to Amsterdam when she was a baby, we’ve always packed a thermometer. It is small, easy to carry and gives us piece of mind. A full first aid kit is also essential.
Travel Insurance
Check your travel insurance is valid and up to date. Our family know only too well the importance of travel insurance after my husband got ill overseas. His medical bill must have tipped $1m during his two month stay in a Chicago hospital after he contracted meningitis and had heart surgery. Thanks goodness we didn’t have to pay ourselves. If, like my husband, you need travel insurance for medical conditions ensure you are covered.
Rucksack
We were recently sent to review the American Tourister rucksack which proved ideal for our family trip. It’s big, sturdy and has endless space inside. It’s a travel companion which works for road trips, airports and city breaks. As it’s red, it was also a hit with my daughter (her favourite colour). It has a separate section for the laptop and numerous other pockets which I enjoyed filling. I particularly loved the water bottle holders at the side. This will get a lot of use!
Passport
Doh – obviously!
Toothbrushes
Don’t forget toothbrushes for all your family. If they are electric, take chargers.
Camera
My Canon SLR 550D has been my camera of choice for the past few years. I haven’t quite mastered all its settings so its auto focus option frequently comes in handy. I’m looking at upgrading it at some point, its updated version is the Canon EOS 700D.
iPad & headphones
Long car journeys (and short flights) have become a lot easier now my daughter is older (5). She can happily watch back-to-back Paw Patrol and the odd movie too. Take kids headphones and a dual adapter if two children are sharing.
Colouring & kids activity packs
My daughter is at the age where she loves sticker and colouring books so they are an essential item in my rucksack. For younger children Melissa & Doug’s Water Wow is a mess-free activity as is a travel magic sketcher which my one-year-old loves.
Mosquito repellent
As a family we use the deet-free brand Incognito which is fine for young children and was safe to use when I was pregnant.
Sun Cream
Anti bacterial gel
We always carry a small bottle of hand santizer with us. I dread to think the amount of germs on public transport, planes, at airports and the numerous toilet facilities – with no soap.
Sunglasses
Surely the top holiday essential!
Phone (including charger)
As a travel blogger, I use my iPhone overseas to post on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as well as write about my travels in the notes section.
Swimwear and goggles
A family holiday usually involves a swimming pool and my daughter gets very annoyed if we forget her goggles!
Beach Towel
We recently tried out Australian brand, Tesalate’s sand-repellent beach towel. I mean, that says it all right? The lightweight, quick-drying towel easily fits in luggage or hand luggage and comes in a range of stylish colours. It’s incredibly versatile whether you want to use at the beach or as a picnic blanket, yoga mat or play mat for babies. We got the Bohemian XL which is perfect for families. It’s double-sided too so change choose which pattern to sit/lie on!
TravelSnug
If we are travelling long-haul this funky accessory comes with us. It makes an adult seat child-sized giving them a snug and cozy journey – and always helps my daughter gets to sleep. Hurrah! Check out my full review here.
There you have it, some of my family travel essentials. What items make your list?
*Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. Any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a few pennies back.
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So many I would agree with here – and I have my eye on the same camera too!
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…Review: Go Jetters Jet Set Go – and giveaway
Oooh really? I’m very tempted by an upgrade!
I need a travel snug! Do they do them in adult sizes!? Man, her hair – your daughter is adorable!
Awww thank you! She’s a cutie. The TravelSnug goes up to 12 years so if you’re petite it may work (I think it would for me)! I certainly enjoyed using the blanket that comes with it. X