Must-Have Travel Gadgets for Families
Travelling as a family can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. To make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable, consider investing in some essential travel gadgets.
As a mum of two and the owner of Kooshy Kids, I’ve found these gadgets to be lifesavers on our family trips.
Here are the must-have travel gadgets for families that will keep everyone comfortable and entertained on the go.
Portable Power Bank
Keeping all your devices charged while travelling is a game-changer! A high-capacity portable power bank is your ticket to keeping smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets powered up throughout your trip. Go for one with multiple USB ports so everyone can charge their devices at the same time. It’s like having a charging station right in your bag!
Headphones
Travelling with kids can be noisy, especially on long flights or road trips. Noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver for both parents and also for children…although I’m always cautious with their little ears.
Headphones make it easier for everyone on the flight to relax or enjoy their favourite movies and music without distractions.
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Recommendation: The Kooshy Bands Headphones are a great option for kids, designed for comfort and durability. They are safe for young ears and help keep the noise levels down. Soft and can also be pulled down and used as an eye mask for sleeptime.
Travel Organiser/Family Passport Wallet
Keeping your travel documents, tickets, and passports organised is key!
A good travel organiser is your best friend for managing all those important papers and making sure they don’t go missing.
Pick one with plenty of compartments and a secure closure to keep everything neatly in place. It’s like having a personal assistant for your travel docs!
- Tip: Look for a travel organiser with RFID protection to safeguard your personal information from electronic theft.
(WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A POSSIBLE RETURN & UPGRADE OF OUR BEST SELLING FAMILY PASSPORT WALLET.)
Portable Snack Containers
Travelling with kids means facing a never-ending stream of snack requests!
Portable snack containers are a lifesaver for keeping snacks fresh and within easy reach.
Choose ones that are spill-proof and have compartments to keep different snacks separate. It’s like having a snack bar on the go, making those hunger emergencies a breeze!
- Tip: Choose containers that are easy to open and close, even for little hands, to foster independence and convenience.
Inflatable Footrest
For those long journeys, especially on flights, comfort is everything! An inflatable footrest is a total game-changer, giving you extra support and making it easier to kick back and relax.
It’s like having your own mini lounge right at your feet!
Recommendation: The Kooshy Kids Kooshion is a versatile option that can be used as a footrest or even as a small seat for children, adding a bit of extra comfort during your travels. It helps create a flat surface, making it easier for kids to sleep.
Travel-Friendly First Aid Kit
Accidents and minor illnesses can happen while on the road. A compact, travel-friendly first aid kit ensures you’re prepared for any emergencies. Include basics like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any medications your family might need.
- Tip: Customise your first aid kit with items specific to your family’s needs, such as allergy medications or motion sickness remedies.
Compact Travel Blanket
A lightweight, compact travel blanket is a total lifesaver for chilly flights or road trips!
It keeps you warm and cosy, and when you’re not using it, it packs away easily.Perfect for staying comfy on the go!
- Recommendation: The Kooshy Kids Mini Travellers Dream Kit includes a plush blanket that's perfect for keeping little ones cosy. It also comes with a memory foam neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs.
Travel Stroller
Travelling with infants or young kids? A compact, foldable travel stroller is a game-changer! It makes getting around a breeze and is super easy to fold up and stash in overhead compartments or car trunks.
Lightweight and handy, it’s your best buddy for smooth and stress-free travel! My top picks are:
- Babyzen YOYO2
- Lightweight (around 6.2 kg), compact, and folds down to fit easily in overhead bins. It’s also sturdy, has a one-hand fold, and is suitable for newborns up to 22 kg.
- Mountain Buggy Nano V3
- Weighing just 5.9 kg, this stroller folds small enough to meet most airline carry-on requirements. It also has infant car seat compatibility without the need for additional adapters.
- GB Pockit+ All-City
- Known for being one of the most compact folding strollers, the GB Pockit+ weighs around 5.6 kg and folds into a handbag-sized package that fits easily in the overhead bin.
- Joolz Aer
- Weighing 6 kg, this stroller is incredibly easy to fold and unfold, and its ultra-compact design makes it perfect for air travel. It’s also comfortable for your little one, with a padded seat and a recline feature.
- Ergobaby Metro+
- The Ergobaby Metro+ is lightweight (around 6.3 kg) and compact, with an ergonomic design that’s ideal for city strolling and travel. It meets most airline carry-on requirements and folds down to fit in the overhead compartment.
These strollers are perfect for families who travel frequently, as they combine convenience, comfort, and ease of use with the ability to fit in the overhead bin of a plane.
- Tip: Ensure the stroller is durable and has good suspension to handle various terrains, making it versatile for different travel destinations.
Universal Travel Adapter
A universal travel adapter is a total game-changer for international adventures! It lets you plug in your gadgets no matter where you are around the globe. Look for one that works with multiple plug types and has USB ports for extra convenience. It’s like having a global power hub right in your bag!
- Tip: The Kooshy Kids Jetsetter Powerbank Pro comes with multiple global adapters so it’s much more than just a powerbank!
Water Bottle with Filter
Staying hydrated on the go is a must, especially when travelling! A water bottle with a built-in filter is a fantastic way to sip safely and conveniently, even in places where the water quality might be iffy.
It’s like having your own portable water purifier, ensuring you stay refreshed wherever your adventures take you!
- Tip: Choose a bottle that’s easy to clean and has a high filtration capacity to ensure safe drinking water throughout your travels.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Family Travel Experience
- Tablet with Pre-Downloaded Content: Load your tablet with movies, TV shows, and educational apps before the trip. This ensures your kids have plenty of entertainment options without relying on in-flight Wi-Fi. I download enough movies for the kids for their entire flight and for myself I’ll find a new series to binge and have them already downloaded from Netflix so that there is no need for Wifi.
- Baby Carrier: For infants and toddlers, a baby carrier can be invaluable for navigating airports and sightseeing. Check out Frog Orange-they sell waterproof Carriers so they can be used in the pool, beach and shower -it was game changing for me.
- Travel Pillow: Ensure everyone gets rest with a comfortable travel pillow. The Kooshy Kids Luxe Inflatable Neck Pillow is a great option for both adults and kids.
- Wet Wipes: Always have wet wipes on hand for quick clean-ups, whether it’s for hands, faces, or surfaces.
- Disposable Plastic Bags - (like nappy bags), I use these for rubbish and soiled clothing..they are always in my bag!
These essential travel gadgets can make travelling with your family more comfortable and enjoyable. From keeping devices charged to ensuring everyone stays entertained, these tools will help make your family adventures as smooth as possible.
Bon voyage!