There’s no other time of year when Americans are packing bags, downloading boarding passes, or strapping luggage carriers to car roofs like they are now. It’s not even a week into the official summer season, but it’s likely you’ve roasted a marshmallow already. 😉

If you’re a subscriber to this newsletter, it’s a pretty fair bet that you already know your way around packing a suitcase (or five). But just in case, we’re rounding up 10 things we try to never head on vacation without—from the item most used in our first-aid kit to my favorite PJs.

And in case you missed it over on Instagram, we’re also sharing a peek inside our recent dome stay! (Total kid hit.) Situated just over a creek that kept both kids occupied for hours, and near several amazing hikes, this is definitely a destination to take note of.

10 things you shouldn’t travel without

Because traveling with kids is an adventure—and preparation is your superpower.

Have you ever gulped the nightmare parent gulp? The one that lodges in your throat when you realize that you left your kid’s [fill in the blank: blankie / stuffie / prized cuddle thingy] at home? I have. And ughhhh, there’s nothing worse.

That’s what led me to create our free downloadable packing lists for babies, toddlers and kids. Because honestly, you might as well start your trip feeling confident, knowing that surely something, somewhere along the line, will fall apart. (I’m a realist, I know.)

With that in mind, we recently published our full packing guide over on the website. But for our newsletter crew, we wanted to go one step further. Here's our can’t-leave-home-without-it list to keep you one step ahead of toddler meltdowns and snack-time emergencies.

1. Wipes, Wipes, Wipes (Even if your kids are past diapers)

They clean sticky hands, mystery spills, public surfaces, and… well, everything. Always bring more than you think you’ll need. And never, ever get overly confident and think you’re past “that stage.” (My worst assumption always.)

2. A Mini First Aid Kit

Because scraped knees, unexpected fevers, and rogue splinters happen—and almost always once the local drugstore is closed. We stock ours with Band-Aids, chewable pain reliever and Pepto for Kids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and any meds your child might need. And, drumroll, our most-used item? Pedialyte electrolyte packets, which are great for keeping kids hydrated in tropical locations or as soon as someone isn’t feeling well.

See our favorite first-aid items here.

3. Snacks That Won’t Melt or Crumble Everywhere

Choose high-protein, low-mess options that won’t squish to inedibility at the bottom of your tote. Our favorite snacks for travel are here—the appeal of those True Lemon powdered drink sticks are unmatched and YumEarth suckers never fail to quickly cure a meltdown or alleviate ear pressure on mountain drives or in planes.

4. A Comfort Item from Home

A small blanket, stuffed animal, or “lovey” can make new beds, strange hotel rooms, or long flights feel a little more familiar—and a lot more calming. We also pack a portable sound machine (or just pack the normal one from home) and travel with a familiar travel crib most of the time.

5. Entertainment That Doesn’t Rely on Wi-Fi

Books, sticker pads, activity books, magnetic puzzles—anything screen-free (and volume-free) that will keep them busy in the car, on the plane, or waiting in line. We’ve rounded up our favorites here. (TMI, but that froggy find toy has gotten loads of play during potty training, too!)

6. Save-Your-Sanity Sprays

SPF sunscreen and kid-safe bug spray. These are the no brainers that somehow, I’ve left the house without. And darn it if I don’t end up spending a ridiculous amount of money on bug spray at a gas station near the trail head. Don’t be like me. Keep mini versions of both on hand so that they’re easy to grab and go, even if you’re just heading out for an impromptu playground trip!

Hot tip: I also keep a quick-dry towel folded up and with these items. If your family is anything like mine, you never know when someone might go unexpectedly jump in a lake.

7. Change of Clothes (for everyone)

One for the kids, one for you. Because accidents, spills, and surprise messes don’t always stay on one side of the seat. 🙃 When we’re flying, I try to grab a few of our bamboo favorites (since they pack up so wonderfully small!)—brands like Kyte, Little Sleepies and Bums and Roses for the coziest pajamas and play basics—along with our toothbrushes, and a few spare diapers, just in case our luggage doesn’t end up where we need it to.

8. Child-Safe Headphones

If screens are part of your travel toolkit (we’re an iPad family over here, with zero regrets), having a pair of headphones that fit your child’s head and won’t turn up so high that it damages their ears is clutch. Just make sure that you PRACTICE using them at home before you leave… otherwise, you may find yourself in a bind on the plane.

9. Inexpensive Travel Gear Bags

If you’re flying, you may not plan to check that stroller, car seat or travel crib, but being able to when needed is a game changer. We buy inexpensive travel bags, fold them up and tuck them into the outer pockets of our luggage just in case we need to use them in unexpected cases.

10. A Crossbody Mini Bag, Actual Bag and Tote

Every trip, I’m stuck not having the right bag on hand for the occasion. Either we’re running out for lunch and I forgot my easy sling bag that fits a diaper, credit card and sunglasses, or I failed to pack a “real” handbag for dinner. But most of all, I’m always left using something ridiculous when we decide to spend an hour at the beach. If you’ve got thin and easily packable versions of each, bring them all! When you’re the main bag carrier, you can sacrifice a bit of space to ensure you’re prepared. (Though dads, don’t forget the backpack!)

A Kid-Hyped Dome in The Woods

A dome in the woods WITH an upstairs?! 🤯

Our five year old’s mind was blown by this place, but I don’t know where he gets that “what the” stuff. 😂

In addition to a hot tub, kitchen, full bath and fire pit, this place sleeps six and sits just above a gurgling creek in Kentucky’s climbing / hiking dream—Red River Gorge.

If nature is your thing, this sort of space is ideal for families. A grill made cooking up dinner easy, s’mores for dessert, a dip in the temp-lowered hot tub, and a full day of exploring was JUST what the doctor ordered.

See the exact dome that we booked here.

P.S. Get Your Kids Geeked for Your Trip!

When we’re dropping hundreds (or thousands) on family travel, spending less than $10 to maximize the impact for your littlest adventurers feels like a no brainer. And that’s exactly what you’ll pay for the discounted “Let’s Get Excited” Kid’s Pre-Trip Packet, creating a rich learning and excitement-building experience for your child.

In a 20-page downloadable PDF, you’ll get loads of tips and tricks, offering easy ways to introduce and educate kids on your soon-to-visit destinations, as well as 12 printable activity pages designed for ages 3-8 years old. Exclusive to newsletter subscribers is limited-time 50 percent discount totaling just $6.49 for your download. Use code SUBSCRIBER to nab this deal today! 

*Please expect a link to your downloadable PDF to arrive via email, within 12 hours of your purchase—thank you!

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