Traveling with family is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest, it can also be a bit of a juggling act. Between keeping the kids entertained, managing snacks on the go, and making sure no one forgets their favorite stuffed animal, preparation is everything. The right travel essentials can turn potential chaos into smooth, memorable adventures for everyone. From comfort must-haves to clever organization tools, packing smart helps families focus less on the stress and more on the fun. Ready to make your next family trip a breeze? In this post, I will share some of my favorite family travel essentials through my Amazon Affiliate links!
- The first item that I recommend has been the biggest help while traveling – it’s a Collapsible Wash Basin. We’ve used it since my son was a few months old while traveling and at home to keep his bottles, pacifies and pump parts separate from the rest of the dishes (after staining a bottle with pasta sauce). We still use this while traveling to wash his cups, especially in hotels.
- We used these Dr. Brown’s Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags when my son was an infant (under 1). We used these both at home and while traveling which saved a ton of time (and sleep) in the first year. They are good for 30 Uses per Bag and comes with 5 in a box. It Steam sterilizes baby bottles and accessories in as little as 90 seconds which is a game changer.
3. My favorite baby carrier that I’ve found is the Baby Tula Lite Compact Baby Carrier. It’s super lightweight and with a place to keep your phone and wallet secure. It allows for multiple carrying positions for babies 12lbs to 30lbs.
4. I had a different one than the one linked here, but a rain cover for the baby carrier helped keep us both dry in the rain. I like the Orzbow All-Season Baby Carrier Cover because it’s waterproof & windproof with a rain and sun hood.
5. Going along with the rain gear, having a stroller cover for the rain is essential especially when going to Walt Disney World. The Bemece Stroller Rain Cover is similar to the one we have. Make sure to check the dimensions of your stroller when ordering products like this.
6. With kids, a good stain remover is essential. I love the Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray. We went to Walt Disney World in August 2025, and of course my 2.5 year old had a Mickey Premium Bar that got all over him. I didn’t feel like doing laundry on vacation, but when I got home I used this stain remover on the chocolate stain that had sat for a week and it came out. I did repeat the process 2 or 3 times before drying it, but his shirt not stained!
7. Last thing I’ll list is a good portable charger. This has been my FAVORITE that I’ve found. It tells you how charged it is in a percentage rather than just a light. It’s the VEGER Portable Charger for iPhone Built in Cables and Wall Plug. I actually left mine in a hotel and rebought it because I love it so much.
Every family trip comes with its share of surprises — but with the right travel essentials, you’ll be ready for just about anything. A little preparation goes a long way toward making your adventures smoother, safer, and a lot more fun. Whether it’s a long road trip or a flight halfway across the world, having your must-haves packed and ready means more time for laughter, exploration, and making memories together. So pack smart, stay flexible, and enjoy every moment of the journey — because family travel is about the experience, not just the destination.
I have more travel items listed on my Amazon Storefront if you’d like to check it out! I hope this helped, and if you’re ready to plan your next magical vacation, reach out to me via email at courtney@remembermevacations.com to get started today! My services are available at no extra cost to you. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more frequent updates.
Adventures by Begley 