Universal Essentials for Every Trip
No matter your destination or your child’s age, here are the core items you should always consider:
Documents & Health
Passports (including child’s passport or birth certificate)
Health insurance cards / travel insurance papers
Vaccination records (if needed)
Copies of documents (paper + digital)
List of allergies, medications, emergency contacts
Hygiene & Care
Wet wipes (lots!)
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Travel-size soap/shampoo
Trash bags or zipper bags (for dirty clothes or snacks)
Snacks & Drinks
Non-perishable snacks (crackers, dried fruit, cereal bars)
Refillable water bottles
A few treats for tough moments
Bibs or snack containers for toddlers
Entertainment & Comfort
Coloring books / travel games
Tablet or phone with preloaded games and shows
Headphones (child-size)
Blanket or small pillow
Favorite toy or comfort item
Clothing & Extras
Weather-appropriate layers
Extra set of clothes (in hand luggage!)
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Rain gear (light poncho or umbrella)
Baby (0–2 Years) Must-Haves
Diapers (calculate how many you need + extras)
Changing mat
Baby formula or breast milk storage (cooler if needed)
Bottles, pacifiers, baby spoon
Baby carrier or travel stroller
Lightweight travel crib or sleeping solution
White noise app or machine
Life hack: Use packing cubes to separate feeding, clothing, and diapering items for quick access during flights or train rides.
Toddlers & Preschoolers (2–5 Years)
Small backpack with toys, snacks, and books
Foldable booster seat (if renting a car)
Child leash or wristband in busy areas
Water-friendly sandals or slip-ons
Mess-free craft kits (stickers, water coloring)
Life hack: Download a few “surprise” apps or games they haven’t tried before to use during long waits or plane rides.
School-Age Kids (6–12 Years)
Travel journal or sketchbook
E-reader or lightweight books
Activity books with puzzles and mazes
Card games or magnetic board games
Compact binoculars or a camera for sightseeing
Life hack: Let them be “trip planners” for one day—pick an activity or snack stop to give them a sense of involvement.
Teenagers (13+)
Power bank and chargers
Noise-canceling headphones
Sunglasses, skincare, and personal care items
Journal, music playlist, or travel blog app
Personal ID or student card
Life hack: Give them some responsibility (navigating with maps, budgeting for snacks) to keep them engaged and learning independence.
Bonus: Airplane & Road Trip Add-Ons
For flying:
Compression socks for longer flights (for older kids)
Travel sickness bands or medication
Tablets with offline games/videos
Travel neck pillow (kid-sized)
For car travel:
Window shades
Audio stories or kids’ podcasts
Small caddy for backseat organization
Scheduled stop planner every 2–3 hours
Every trip with kids is different—but preparation is the secret to making it smoother. Use this checklist as a starting point and adjust it to your destination and travel style. And remember: it’s okay if not everything goes as planned. A sense of humor and a well-packed bag go a long way.
