Family vacations are some of the most joyful and memory-filled times we can have—but let’s be real, traveling with little ones takes a lot of planning. Between the snacks, the naps, the meltdowns, and the never-ending list of things to pack, getting from point A to point B can feel like a mission. Over the years (and many trips later), I’ve found a few tried-and-true essentials that make traveling with kids much smoother—and dare I say, even enjoyable. In this post, I’m sharing all of my travel must-haves for littles that make family trips smoother. I’ll be sharing lifesaving sleep gear to fun distractions, so that you can spend less time stressing and more time making memories.
Sleep Essentials
If there’s one thing that can make or break a family trip, it’s sleep. A well-rested little one is more likely to enjoy the adventure—and let’s be honest, everyone’s day goes a lot smoother when naps and bedtime go as planned. Here are our favorite travel-friendly sleep essentials that keep our routine consistent and our kids well-rested, from hotel rooms to grandparents’ houses.
- SlumberPod – This portable blackout tent creates a completely dark, private sleep space for your little one—perfect for naps and bedtime in bright hotel rooms, shared spaces, or anywhere on the go. We just use our normal Pack n’ Play, and it fits perfectly over the top. It helps maintain a consistent sleep routine and gives everyone a better night’s rest!
- Hiccapop Mattress – This comfy foam mattress turns any Pack ‘n Play into a cozy, supportive sleep space for your little one. We use the Hiccapop mattress inside ours, and it makes a huge difference—way more comfortable than the standard base. It fits perfectly, is easy to fold for travel, and helps our baby sleep so much better whether we’re at home or on the go!
- SlumberTot – Once Dottie outgrew her Pack ‘n Play, this inflatable toddler bed quickly became one of our go-to travel items. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and sets up in minutes. The built-in side bumpers give us peace of mind, and she sleeps so well on it whether we’re in a hotel, a rental, or visiting family. It’s seriously been a game changer for transitioning her to a big-kid sleep setup on the go. To see it in action, check out this reel.
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For the Car
When you’re on the road, it’s the little things that make a big difference in keeping your kids comfortable and content. For us, that means having reliable items like the Yeti Rambler Jr. to keep drinks cold and spill-free, a stainless steel Snackle Box for easy access to snacks, and fun distractions like car toys to keep little hands busy. And, of course, a car fan for rear-facing seats ensures Dottie and Duke stay cool and comfortable no matter how long the drive. These essentials make road trips smoother and more enjoyable for everyone!
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Beach Essentials
A good beach day starts with the right gear. Our beach wagon—with big wheels perfect for rolling through the sand—makes it easy to haul everything we need, from towels to snacks. We never leave without it! We also bring a comfy little cot that’s perfect for our toddler to nap on while we relax nearby. Dottie loves her little shell bag for collecting treasures along the shore, and we always pack clean sunscreen to make sure her skin stays protected from the sun. These essentials help keep our beach trips organized and stress-free, so we can focus on enjoying the day.
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Traveling with littles may require a little extra prep, but with the right essentials, family trips can go a lot smoother. I hope you enjoyed reading about my travel must-haves for littles that make family trips smoother! From sleep aids to beach gear, these must-haves help keep everyone comfortable and happy, so you can focus on making memories instead of managing chaos. For more ideas on how to prepare for your next family getaway, check out my post on the Beach Outfits For Your Next Summer Vacation. Happy travels! Let me know in the comments what your fun summer plans are!
Thanks for reading!
Xo- Lo
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