22 Travel Items Every Parent Squad Needs (and Yep, You’ll Thank Yourself Later)
Traveling is wild, right? No matter how many times we try to pack light, chaos sneaks into our bags and we always forget something totally obvious, including including essential travel accessories and various luggage accessories. .
Seriously, who else has left home without their phone charger or favorite hoodie?
We pulled together this list because we all deserve to skip the packing panic and focus on making actual memories, not just lists.
These are the best travel accessories that are the travel essentials we swear by for smoother, happier trips.—because travel should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Let’s make the “Where’s my passport?” drama a thing of the past, together.
1) Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Okay, we’re obsessed with this bag and its accessories —it’s like the superhero sidekick we never knew we needed!
The Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag is cute and keeps our stuff safe with a slash-resistant strap and body panels.
There are locking zippers and RFID-blocking pockets for our cards and passport.
Pockets galore so we don’t end up digging for snacks or baby wipes during meltdown moments. It also fits a water bottle.
And let’s be real, we all need to stay hydrated on our adventures! Check it out for yourself at the Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag.
2) Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner
We all know how wild airports can get, right? It’s a reminder to prepare for our next trip.
That’s why we’re obsessed with the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner. This suitcase is super lightweight but still feels tough enough to survive the chaos.
The spinner wheels glide like a dream—no more dragging awkward luggage behind us!
The textured shell helps hide those scrapes from all our trips.
Want to peek at it? Check it out on the Samsonite site here.
3) Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Let’s be real—our phones never seem to last the whole day when we’re out exploring, which is why a power bank is essential .
That’s where the Anker PowerCore comes in! It’s small enough to throw in any bag, but packs enough power to keep our devices charged on the go.
No more hunting for outlets at the airport or asking strangers for a charger.
We can even charge an iPhone or Galaxy multiple times, thanks to the Anker PowerCore’s battery capacity. So clutch, right?
4) Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow
We all know planes are not built for naps, but the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow is basically our travel BFF.
It’s all about that soft memory foam hug for our necks when we’re sandwiched between strangers at 3 a.m.
No floppy head here—this beauty keeps us comfy and stops the awkward head bob.
Check it out for a better snooze at Amazon or Walmart.
5) AirFly by Apple
Okay, let’s talk about how annoying those airplane headphone jacks are. We’ve all been there, right?
Our fancy wireless earbuds just stare at us, useless. But with the AirFly Bluetooth adapter, we can finally use our own headphones on flights or even at the gym.
No more tangled cords or hunting for weird adapters. Seriously, AirFly saves our sanity and makes travel way more comfortable.
6) Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
Okay, let’s just admit it—we love being organized, but sometimes our bags look like a tornado hit.
Enter Eagle Creek packing cubes! These little lifesavers help us separate everyone’s clothes, undies, and even random snacks into their own tidy spots.
No more digging through everything for that one missing sock. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and make packing (and unpacking!) way less stressful.
Find out how they keep our suitcases super neat at Eagle Creek’s packing cubes.
7) Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
Okay, if we’re heading anywhere wild or just trying to survive airport water fountains, we need a Lifestraw Personal Water Filter in our bags.
It’s super easy to use—just sip water right through it and feel like a hydration superhero, especially during long haul flights . We love that it’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space.
Plus, we can drink from rivers, streams, or sketchy sinks without freaking out, thanks to our reliable travel gear . If you’re curious, check out the LifeStraw Go Series water bottles for options with built-in filters, too!
8) Nomad Universal Cable Organizer
Okay, let’s be real—cables in our bags are chaos waiting to happen.
The Nomad Universal Cable Organizer saves us from digging for lost chargers at the bottom of our purse for the millionth time. We love how it keeps all our chargers, headphones, and cables in one neat spot—no more cable spaghetti!
Its compact design makes it perfect for travel, fitting easily into a carry-on or backpack. Perfect for those of us juggling way too many devices, this organizer truly helps keep our tech together on the go.
Check out more about durable travel cables and organizers at Nomad Goods.
9) Sea to Summit Packable Dry Sack
Okay, real talk—nobody wants soggy socks or snacks on a trip.
That’s why we are obsessed with the Sea to Summit Packable Dry Sack. It squishes right into any backpack and keeps our stuff dry, no problem.
We love how it comes in different sizes and colors, so everyone can pick their fave. It’s a total peace-of-mind travel buddy!
10) Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag
You know those bags that just seem to be made for chaos?
The Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag is totally our go-to for travel, work, or wrangling all the random snacks our kids sneak into our stuff.
It has a comfy cross-body strap and pockets that actually make sense for our non-stop lives. Plus, it’s sturdy—we’re talking hardwearing functionality, but still cute.
We can just toss in our laptop, diapers, a phone charger, and feel like we’ve got it together—at least for five minutes!
11) Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack
This pack is basically the friend who fits in everywhere—tiny, but always ready for adventure! We toss it into our suitcase, and boom, instant daypack for exploring new places or wrangling kid snacks and sunscreen.
It folds up super small but somehow still holds our essentials. No more wrestling with big, bulky bags when we can just grab our Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack.
Comfy straps, sneaky good pockets, and it even fits a big water bottle. We’re obsessed!
12) Kindle Paperwhite
We’re not about to carry around a stack of books on our next trip. The Kindle Paperwhite totally saves our backs (and our over-packed bags).
It’s lightweight and the battery goes for days. We can squeeze in a few chapters while the kids nap, or even on the plane.
No worries about scratches—we just pop it in our carry-on and go, like a pro at traveling with a Kindle Paperwhite.
13) Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella
Let’s be real—getting caught in the rain with the kids is just not it. That’s why we always pack the Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella.
It’s compact, easy to toss in our bag, and opens with the push of a button—like, hello, one-handed magic! The canopy is strong enough to handle wind, so we don’t end up chasing runaway umbrellas.
Those rounded tips mean we aren’t poking anyone’s eye out in the crowd. Travel win! Check it out here.
14) Clear Travel Bottles Set
How many of us have had a shampoo explosion in our bags? That’s why we’re obsessed with clear travel bottles.
We can spot what’s inside fast (no more mystery goop!). They’re small, easy to fill, and perfect for all our lotions and potions, making them a great shopping content .
Some sets, like these leak-proof refillable bottles, even come with handy storage bags. Less stress, more space, and zero mess. Yes please!
15) LifeStraw Flex Water Filter
No one wants to get sick from sketchy water while traveling—especially when we’re already surviving shared bathrooms and questionable snacks. The LifeStraw Flex Water Filter has our backs!
We love that it can be used five different ways, including as a personal straw or with a bottle. It even works as a gravity filter system, so we can all fill up safely and keep adventuring.
16) Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit
Let’s be real—keeping track of toothpaste, hair ties, and all those random travel bits is a wild ride. We love how the Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit saves us every single time.
This bag fits our chargers, makeup, snacks, and even hubby’s mystery beard oil. It’s roomy, cute, and tough enough for real-life parenting chaos.
See more at the Chapter Travel Kit page.
17) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones
Okay, let’s be real—we ALL need a tiny break sometimes, especially travelers with kid . These Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling headphones with noise cancellation features are our secret weapon. are our secret weapon for airplane sanity or hotel room chill time.
We can block out all the chaos (yes, even that one loud snorer!) and actually hear our music or podcasts. Calling home? The mic makes us sound super clear, even if we’re hiding in a bustling airport.
They’re wireless, comfy, and the battery lasts up to 24 hours. Our ears? So happy. Want to peep the specs? Grab all the details on the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
18) Vapur Eclipse Collapsible Water Bottle
Let’s talk about our new travel BFF! The Vapur Eclipse Collapsible Water Bottle is ridiculously handy.
We love that it folds up small so it doesn’t hog backpack space—totally key when we’re juggling snacks, wipes, and random toddler socks. It holds plenty of water, but when it’s empty, it squishes down flat.
That carabiner? It snaps right onto our stroller or bag without a fuss. Traveling lighter (and cuter) is totally possible—cheers to that!
19) Moleskine Classic Notebook
Sometimes we just need a cute spot to scribble all our random thoughts on our journey , lists, or that hilarious thing our kid just said. The Moleskine Classic Notebook is perfect for that, and it totally makes us feel a little more grown up (even if we’re just doodling cats).
It comes in different colors and sizes, so there’s a fit for everyone. These notebooks are sturdy enough to toss in any bag, and honestly, they make journaling on the go way more fun.
Check out the selection at the official Moleskine site.
20) Ansmann Travel Luggage Scale
Let’s be real, we’ve all had that “oh no” moment at the airport check-in when the suitcase is juuust a little too heavy.
This is where our trusty Ansmann Travel Luggage Scale comes in clutch. It’s light, it’s cute, and it saves us from that dramatic suitcase shuffle right at the counter.
We just clip it on, lift, and boom—no surprises! For more ideas, check out these portable luggage scale must-haves.
21) Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment
We all know travel means mystery bumps, random bug bites, and our kids discovering new ways to skin their knees. Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment is our tiny tube of magic for all of that!
It’s a multipurpose balm—one tin for cuts, scrapes, and even dry patches. The best part? It’s made without harsh stuff like parabens or petrolatum, so we actually feel good about using it on our family.
Check it out on Amazon if you want to add it to your bag!
22) Muji Portable Steam Iron
Okay, let’s be real—nobody wants wrinkly clothes when we’re on the go. The Muji Portable Steam Iron is tiny, cute, and honestly gets the job done fast!
We love how simple it is to use, even if ironing isn’t our thing. Just fill the little tank and swipe away wrinkles.
This thing fits right in our bags, so no more excuses for those “just rolled out of bed” outfits. Check it out here if you want to see for yourself!
How 22 Travel Items Can Totally Change Your Travel Game
Let’s be honest, traveling can get messy if we’re not prepared. The right gear takes us from scrambling in our suitcase to actually enjoying the trip (even that layover in Denver, somehow).
Stress-Free Packing Vibes
Packing is hands-down one of the most stressful parts of travel to any destination . We’ve all panicked at the airport, digging for a charger at the last minute.
With smart travel items—like packing cubes, a mini first aid kit, or a solid toiletry bag—it’s a totally different vibe. Our favorite trick is using packing cubes to group outfits.
No more searching for that one elusive sock! Travel-size laundry packs mean we can wash a few things in the hotel and keep our bags lighter.
A digital luggage scale is a lifesaver. No more guessing if we’re over the baggage limit (and that’s just good for our wallets and nerves).
If you want more ideas, these 22 travel essentials really step up our packing game and keep us sane.
Travel Organization: Goodbye, Chaos
When our stuff is organized, we feel like travel superheroes. Collapsible backpacks for day trips, cord organizers for all those cables, and a pouch for every little thing—yes, please.
It might sound silly, but having sunscreen in one spot and meds in another, instead of a jumble at the bottom of our bag, makes a huge difference. We swear by bringing a small, dedicated bag just for snacks and another for baby wipes—because, let’s face it, spills happen!
Clear bags or color-coded pouches help us find what we need in seconds. There’s nothing fun about dumping out our whole bag at airport security.
With a little organization, travel stops feeling chaotic. Honestly, we feel like our best, most together selves.
Looking for more must-haves? There’s an epic list of game-changing travel products that help us keep our act together on the go.
Smart Packing Tips for Busy Parents
Packing with kids is a wild adventure! We don’t have time for overthinking or hunting for lost socks at the bottom of the bag.
Let’s break down what’s actually worth packing and how to survive the chaos once we’re on the road.
What to Pack vs. What to Leave (No Guilt!)
We all want to be prepared, but nobody wants to haul a suitcase bigger than a fifth grader. The trick? Pack what we need, not what we think we might need.
Go for mix-and-match clothes so we can make the most out of a smaller wardrobe. If our little ones spill (and they will), packing a laundry bar or finding a washer is way easier than bringing extra everything.
Here’s a guilt-free packing mantra: If it doesn’t work with at least two outfits or keeps getting left behind, it’s officially off the list.
Don’t fall for the hype on “must-have” gadgets. There are a ton of travel items we don’t actually need—less is more, trust us.
If you’re curious about which items to skip, check out this round-up of travel items you don’t actually need.
Packing cubes are our BFF. They make it easier to share bags and still keep everyone’s stuff in check.
Less overpacking = less stress for us. And really, isn’t that what we all want?
Keeping It All Together While On the Go
Once we hit the road, staying organized honestly saves a ton of stress. Try using different colored pouches or cubes for each kid or category—think toys, clothes, first aid, whatever you’ve got.
That way, when someone inevitably asks, “Where’s my socks?” you can find them in five seconds, not 25 minutes. If you can get everyone to put their stuff back in the right ‘color cube,’ you’re basically a superhero.
I keep a master list on my phone. Whenever something new pops up, I just add it for next time.
For snacks and essentials, I like tossing a smaller bag inside the big one. Then, when it’s time for a bathroom dash or snack break, I can just grab what we need—no need to tear apart the whole suitcase in public.
If something gets forgotten, honestly, most things can be picked up along the way. No need to haul around every “just in case” item—let’s leave that panic at home.
