Top 4 Products to Save Your Sanity when Traveling with Kids

I LOVE traveling. I’ve had some serious wanderlust since about middle school. But let’s be honest – traveling with kids does NOT feel like a vacation. Packing, unpacking, planning the logistics of plane or car travel, maintaining some semblance of a schedule...it all feels like a Herculean task. But while traveling alone or with friends SOUNDS good, the reality is that I miss my kiddos when I’m gone!

I WANT to share my love of travel with them, show them new places, and grow their minds and spirits in the great big world. I’m a firm believer that seeing new places and experiencing new things opens your mind in a way that nothing else can. Even if your kiddo is too young to remember a trip, new neuro-pathways are still built in the brain with new experiences. And I promise – that is nearly as important!

So, after some trial and error, our family has found products that make traveling with kids SO. MUCH. EASIER. You can thank me later.

1. A portable travel bed

A portable bed has been invaluable to us! We are a family of 5, and sleeping accommodations just aren’t often set up for families of larger than 4. Whether we’re staying in a hotel or at a friend’s house, having a travel bed for our youngest has been a lifesaver. Regalo Baby has multiple travel bed and even an extra-long sized travel bed for taller toddlers and preschoolers. They even offer a travel bassinet if you’re traveling with an infant!

2. A seat for meals

Speaking of infants, a travel highchair or booster seat is also super helpful when traveling with little ones. Restaurant highchairs gave me the heebie-jeebies BEFORE COVID-19, so.... pretty sure I’ll never touch one again. Having a portable highchair means that mama can eat her own food without trying to wrangle a wiggly baby or toddler. NEVER underestimate how lovely that is!

3. Busy Bags

Whether you’re traveling by car or by train or by plane, busy bags can totally tame down the “Are we there yet?” questions. If you’re short on time, you can order busy bags from multiple vendors – Etsy, Amazon, and toy companies like Fat Brain toys all offer busy bags shipped directly to your door! For a more time-consuming, yet economical, busy bag, you can absolutely make these yourself! Pinterest has a million and ten ideas to fill up travel busy bags for kids of all ages. Places like Hobby Lobby and Dollar Tree will be your best friends when you’re filling up a busy bag.

4. Travel car seat

If you have a kiddo still in a car seat or booster (up to 8 years old or more!), consider investing in a travel car seat! There are several on the market at varying price points, and if you travel via airplane often, it is WELL worth the investment. Most travel car seat options fit inside a suitcase, and you don’t have to lug your huge, heavy car seat through the airport. Some great options are here, here, and here.

There are definitely other travel products that make traveling with kids easier – travel strollers, ride-on luggage, or your favorite baby carrier/sling. But these are our top 4 Don’t-Leave-Home-Without-It kids’ travel items!! What makes YOUR adventures with kids easier?