Travel Gear You Won’t Know How You Lived Without – Updated for 2023

Traveling with useful gadgets can make your trip more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. A smartphone is an essential gadget that can help you stay connected with loved ones, navigate unfamiliar places, and capture memories with its camera. A portable charger can ensure your devices stay charged on the go. A noise-canceling headphone can make a long flight or train ride more peaceful. A lightweight laptop or tablet can enable you to work or entertain yourself while traveling. A travel adapter can ensure your devices are compatible with different power outlets around the world. And a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can keep you connected to the internet in places with no Wi-Fi. Packing these gadgets can help you make the most of your travel experience and alleviate some of the stress that comes with traveling. Here are some other must-have items for your next trip:

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Phone Holder for Plane/Car

Travel Phone Holder for Plane

This convertible phone holder can turn your tray table or seatback into a screen for watching your favorite shows and movies. Clips and clamps easily and strongly onto almost any table, headrest, or armrest.


Flexy Tablet Holder

Travel ipad Holder for Plane or Car

This flexible bendable tablet holder can be used in many ways to hold your tablet or phone in cars, planes, and on tables.


Ultra Cushy Seat

Tailbone Cushion for Plane

This seat cushion will turn any car, train, plane, or bench into a cushiony heaven. Small enough to stick in a backpack and bring everywhere with you.



Watch and Phone Charger

Travel Apple Watch charger

This handy portable charger can charge your apple watch, and almost any iphone or ipad.



Travel Laundry Detergent

Travel Laundry Detergent Liquid or Sheets

These packets of liquid detergent are perfect for washing clothing and accessories in a sink or tub while traveling.

You can also get dry detergent sheets that dissolve in water.


Portable CO Monitor

After the recent deaths in the news, we recommend everyone travel with a portable carbon monoxide monitor.


Refillable Cologne or Perfume Spray Bottle

Travel Perfume Refillable Bottles

This 4 pack of leak-proof refillable bottles is perfect for taking a travel-sized amount of fragrance on your trip.


Accessory Clip for Bags

Travel Clip for Hat or Accessories

This handy little strap clips hats or other accessories onto your bag or backpack so you don’t lose them but also don’t crush them!


10 pack of Travel Hangers

Foldable Hanger for Travel

These small, handy hangers are great to bring with you to hang wet clothes and swimwear to dry.


Universal Travel Adapter

Universal Adapter for Travel

This adapter can convert EU, UK, Australian and USA outlets into USB and electrical plugs.


Silicone Leak Proof Covers

Leak-Proof Covers for Travel Bottles

These covers conform to most bottles and help prevent them from leaking during travels.


Portable Hanging Closet

Travel Hanging Portable Closet

This Portable Closet turns your suitcase into an easy to hang closet when you arrive at your destination. Keeps everything nice and organized for travel.


Individual Make Up Wipes

Travel Size Makeup Remover Wipes

These single makeup wipes are handy to throw into an overnight bag for travel.


Waterproof UNO cards

Waterproof Card Game

These plasticized waterproof cards are perfect for camping, lakeside, poolside or beach game-playing.


Blister Prevention Stick

Blister Prevention Stick

Rub on some of this balm and prevent blisters when doing lots of walking, especially in new shoes!


Travel Booster Chair

Travel High Chair

This collapsible and washable mini booster is perfect for babies in parks or on the beach.


Waterproof Portable Speaker

Waterproof Travel Speaker

This small clip-on speaker is portable and waterproof for music on the go.


Inflatable Toddler Bed

Toddler Travel Bed for Hotel or Camping

This compact inflatable bed is perfect for hotel rooms and even has elevated sides to prevent rolling off.


Travel Ponchos

Disposable Ponchos

These ponchos are perfect for when you encounter rain and have no umbrella or jacket with you. Small enough to tuck into a purse or backpack.


Compact Umbrella in Case

Smallest Travel Umbrella

This tiny umbrella comes in a case to keep it handy and protected. Weighs only half a pound and only 7 inches long.


Hydration Packs

Hydration Powder

These packets of hydration powder are great for kids who get sick while traveling and need to be hydrated.


Rechargeable Portable Fan

Travel Portable Fan

This small fan is great for hot days. Rechargeable and with a power bank you can use as well. Comes in many colors.


Mosquito Repellant Bands

Mosquito Bracelets

48 individually-wrapped bug bands to repel bugs while traveling.


Custom Tattoo for Kids

Tattoos for Lost Child

These temporary tattoos can help if your child gets lost or separated from you. Customizable with your own choice of images and phone number.


Pill Organizer

Travel Pill Case

We like to use this pill organizer to store pain medication, cold medicine, anti-nausea medicines and more for our travels. Label them with a label printer for easy use.


Ultimate Travel First Aid Kit

Travel First Aid Kit

It’s no wonder this first aid kit for travel has almost 70,000 reviews. It contains almost anything you can think of such as tweezers, bandages, gloves and thermometer.


Mini White Noise Machine

Best Mini Travel White Noise Machine

This is one of the best travel purchases you can make. This small but powerful white noise machine will drown out street noise and hotel hallway sounds so that your family can sleep soundly.


Water Bottle Safe

Water Bottle Safe for Travel

This water bottle can store valuables in its base to hide them in plain sight.


Door Lock

Door Lock for Travel

This device helps secure your door while traveling to prevent intrusions while you are in the room.


Smallest Travel Razor

Tiny razor for travel in a plastic case for safe travels!


Best Jewelry Case for Travel

Plastic case (in a set of 3) to organize your jewelry (or medicine) for travel. So affordable and over 11k ratings!


3-Pack Travel Towels

Quick Dry Travel Towels

This pack of travel towels is perfect if you’re looking for quick-drying towels for your trip.


Portable Air Lounge Chair

Travel Air Lounge Chair

This lounge chair inflates just by holding it up to the breeze. Super comfy and folds up into a tiny size.


Waterproof Phone Case Bag

Waterproof iphone Bag Case

This Bag will keep your phone dry while also allowing you to take photos and videos under water.


SPF 50 Hat

The Best Kids Sun Hat

This hat protects the face and neck from sun, while keeping kids cool. We have tried dozens of hats and this one is our favorite because of the quality and also how well it washes.


Packable Day Backpack

Tiny Travel Collapsible Backpack

This day backpack can be collapsed into a tiny size for portability. Easy to open up when you need more space.


Money Belt

Belt you can Hide Money In

This adjustable belt stores cash safely in a zippered pouch inside it.


Traveling, especially with kids, can be a daunting undertaking. Here are some tips to make your family vacation go smoothly:

  1. Plan ahead: Make sure you plan your trip well in advance, taking into consideration the needs and interests of each family member. Research your destination and make a list of things to do, places to eat, and places to stay.
  2. Pack light: It’s always tempting to overpack when traveling with kids, but try to keep your luggage as light as possible. Only bring what you need, and consider packing items that can serve multiple purposes.
  3. Bring snacks and entertainment: Long car rides or flights can be tedious for children, so bring plenty of snacks and entertainment to keep them occupied. Consider packing healthy snacks and some toys, books, or electronic devices to keep them entertained.
  4. Choose family-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals that are family-friendly, with amenities such as pools, game rooms, and outdoor play areas. Consider renting a vacation home or apartment with a kitchen so you can prepare meals for your family.
  5. Plan for downtime: It’s important to schedule some downtime into your travel itinerary, especially for younger children. This can be a time to rest, recharge, and enjoy some quiet time together.
  6. Embrace spontaneity: While it’s important to plan ahead, be open to spontaneous adventures along the way. Let your children have a say in what they want to do and see, and be willing to deviate from your original plans if something catches your interest.
  7. Be flexible: Traveling with children can be unpredictable, so be prepared to be flexible and adjust your plans as needed. Be patient and have a sense of humor, and remember that sometimes the most unexpected moments can be the most memorable.
  8. Stay safe: Always prioritize safety when traveling with your family. Keep an eye on your children at all times, and make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency. Bring a basic first-aid kit with you, and familiarize yourself with local medical facilities and emergency services.
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