Travel Favorites for Toddlers
Traveling with a 3-year-old on a long-haul flight from the US to Europe can feel like a daunting task, but having the right toys at hand can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve discovered a variety of travel toys that keep my little one entertained and engaged, especially during those crucial moments when boredom strikes—a challenge on flights that can last up to 10 hours. While I always include some of their favorite at-home toys, I also like to surprise them with new finds, saving these hidden gems for key moments like hour eight into our journey or during a long car ride. In this blog post, I’ll share my top travel hacks, products and toys that have worked wonders for us, helping to make our adventures enjoyable for everyone involved.
Pack your kids toys in this and hang it on the seat in front of them for easy access to everything they need on a flight!
I use these bags daily! They are great quality, lightweight and the way they clip together makes them great for airplane travel! Use them to organize snacks, small toys, etc.
I got this baby carrier WAY TOO LATE. It has a hard shell bottom, so for kids it feels like sitting on a seat. Zip the top part off when the kids get older for an easy toddler hip seat!
Our vtech monitor has been the best travel purchase! Use this at home and on the go!
Fits the GB Pokit perfectly! But my favorite thing about this stroller bag is, it packs down small and has a trolley pass for sitting on your rolling suitcase
This iPad case has saved us many falls and accidents. It's easy to hold and carry and you can even add a strap to hang on an airplane seat.
The tray cover keeps toys for falling off, has storage pockets, a loop for holding a water cup and folds up easily! Perfect for airplane travel. Plus no need to wipe down a tray to snack on. Just wash this when you get home and it's ready for your next trip.
I cannot explain the hold this simple toy has on my daughter. She spent one hour of a road trip playing with this green phone. It's easily her most entertaining toy outside of an iPad.
Dot art can keep toddlers entertained for a while! It's tedious work but once they get the hang of it, it's time consuming & fun!
Reusable stickers are perfect for different settings! Pick your child's favorites and let them build their own scenes!
Another fun alternative to screen time for older toddlers and young kids!
Hands down my favorite travel purchase! My daughter will ride on his from security to the gate and onto the airplane, so no more chasing toddlers or convincing her to sit in the stroller. She can ride all the way through and she loves it!
This rotating snack container is perfect for the kids who need a lot of food to stay still! Click the button and rotate to a new snack.
These Bubble Podz are great for bubble baths on the go, but you don't have to worry about liquid (spills, 3 oz rules, etc.)
Travel sound machine, not just for babies! I love this thing for all ages!
I got this to free up my hands when pushing a stroller and watching my Google Maps walking directions! It's a great easy fix to travel problems!
These crayons are great for not making a mess in your bag! Just twist them up as you need them!
We never travel without this LED writing pad! Hours of entertainment in the size of a sheet of paper.
No-mess art on the go?? Sign me up! Your kids can do this foil art on an airplane easily!
These tiny play dough containers don't take up any space, but easy to pull out when traveling!
These mini magnetic tiles are great for building on an airplane, but don't take up much space.
These counting cards are a bit more involved for parents but an airplane can be a great way to grab a child's attention and learn something new.
On shorter trips, I can pack all of my 3 year old's clothes in this toiletry organizer. Roll up shirts, shorts, pants and dresses. Shoes and socks in the bottom along with hair and toiletry items on top!
I love how these stay clean, but also can easily be packed away when they are dirty!
These stain treaters are individually wrapped and easy to throw in your bag and pull out when you have a spill or stain.
Don't gamble on black out curtains at your rental house. Pack these along for an easy way to black out bright windows and maximize the chance of your kids sleeping in!
This stroller is the lightest and smallest on the market! I hate lugging a large stroller around. 9/10 the airlines let us walk this on the plane and put it in the overhead bin. No more gate checking the stroller!
Finger puppets are the perfect tiny and entertaining toy for your little one! Lots of hours spent with these during our baby shark phase.
Calling all sticker fans! This is an easy and fun way to keep lots of stickers coming!
Once your toddler is at coloring age - you can't get enough of these! We took about 12 of these on an 18-day trip with our 3-yr-old and used them all!
Graduating from play dough can be daunting. This putty is not quite slime, but perfect for the kids constantly the move. We use putty on airplanes and restaurants when our toddler needs some movement but she can't run around.
This pad is cheap and simple but a great alternative to screen time!
These stuffed animals double as an activity! With buckles and straps included, they can work on buckling. Lots of versions out there, but an airplane version could be fun for kids excited to travel on an airplane. And if they love stuffed animals, you've got a great stuffy for your trip!
Amazon Travel Favorites
With countless trips planned and taken overseas, I have found my favorites to travel with that make being on the go just slightly easier. See all of my favorites below!
My favorite Amazon packing cubes and shoe bag.
Clip this to your backpack or bag for an easier time carrying something along the way.
I love floss sticks vs. regular floss. This keeps them organized and neat!
This dual voltage curling iron and straightener allows a 2-in-1 curling iron that works around the world. One of my favorites!
These silicone covers will help stop all of those toiletry bag spills that happen!
I love packing a foldable laundry bag for traveling. This one is perfect for roadtrips. Throw your laundry in, take it home and unpacking just became super easy!
This portable charger has cords built in and is slim and easy to pack!
Another great option for extending the cord when you can't find an outlet anywhere near where you need it!
My favorite inflatable neck pillow! allows your head to lean back (not forward).
If you are someone who needs to put their feet up, and can't stand the idea of 8+ hours with your feet down, this has saved me on a few flights in economy! It's not a perfect device, but it is super helpful for someone who needs to elevate a bit!
This jewelry case folds perfectly flat. Perfect for packing light.
Cincha straps help you keep your bag on your rolling bag! I don't travel without this! It's perfect for freeing your hands up on the move!
I love to depend on hotels for my hair dryer (not packing one is a huge space saver), BUT if you need to take one, this one works on multiple voltage and fold up for easy packing.
This is the smallest folding travel toothbrush I have been able to find! Packing light for toiletries is an easy way to clear up space.
Travel razor to save space! The case keeps it clean in random hotel showers!
Folding Laundry Bag - saves you time and effort traveling home. Use it to do laundry on your trip, or throw it in your bag full of dirty laundry and it's ready to throw in the laundry rom when you get home.
Another great laundry option - throw all dirty laundry into these vacuum bags to save space on the way home.
I love this international charger for those awkward stays where there is no outlet near the bed. The long cord allows you to have everything you need right by your side!
If a 10 hour flight worries you or you have back pain, this will save you on a long flight in an uncomfortable seat.
I used this pillow for elevating my arm while breastfeeding my daughter on long flights, but we keep using it for so many different flights! It's pretty comfortable and compresses down nicely.
I love packing one of these folding duffles on any trips where I may be shopping. Unfold it and carry it on the plane home.
These packing cubes are another great option! Very similar to Calpak packing cubes (another favorite of mine).
This stays permanently on my travel tote to carry my hat so I don't have to pack it or wear it!
If you are someone who travels with vitamins or medicine often, this organizer makes it easy!
Perfect for those on a regiment of vitamins and pills! Don't take a whole bottle when you can just pack what you need for your trip!
I have tried all of the expensive versions of these. These cheaper Amazon options are the best! Put in a little lotion, face wash or whatever else and pack EXTRA light.
I love to pack a few of these in a ziploc so if I'm doing laundry on-the-go I can throw all colors in together. These things will let me wash a red shirt with a white shirt with no color transfer! It's a lifesaver and takes up no space.
Another easy laundry hack for travel - these sheets will fit in a ziploc bag, won't take up liquid requirements and easy to throw in a load of laundry. Instantly soaps up!
If you have multiple devices to charge on a trip, this folding one makes it super easy. Less colds and way more organized.
A favorite for traveling with kids (or anyone sensitive to the light). Pack these to black out bright rooms (great for vacation home rentals). They suction to windows for easy installation!
Tips for Packing Light
Packing light for a longer trip can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with the added challenge of fitting everything into a carry-on for international travel.
The key lies in smart choices and strategic planning.
Packing light for a longer trip can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with the added challenge of fitting everything into a carry-on for international travel. The key lies in smart choices and strategic planning. In this article, we’ll delve into essential tips for minimizing your luggage while maximizing your travel experience. From versatile wardrobe selections to efficient packing techniques, you'll learn how to make the most of limited space without sacrificing comfort or style. Say goodbye to the hassle of checked bags and hello to the freedom of traveling light!
I love the freedom of traveling internationally in only one rolling carry-on bag and a backpack (personal item). I am often traveling with my daughter, and I require free hands during the airport/airplane process. Having one hand free to control a stroller or hold a toddler hand is an essential part of my more recent packing light journey. Prior to traveling with kids, I loved the convenience of never having to arrive early to check a bag, never waiting at the annoying baggage carousel to receive my bag, and being able to easily take public transport at my destination with light baggage. I have learned a lot over the years about different tips and tricks to packing light, and if you have ever had a checked bag that didn’t make it to your destination, it can really put a damper on a trip to not have your things on vacation. Now, there are still situations outstanding that require a checked bag that seem unavoidable. A few times I have needed to check a bag include: packing decor for my sister’s bachelorette party (decor, favors, pool floats, etc.), and a 12-day beach trip with a baby where I thought I needed every comfort of home. So I am just here to confirm that even I have needed to check a bag when I was stressed about not having everything I needed in on a trip. So if it is a complete source of stress, just go ahead and check a bag. This information is for people who are determined and willing to make sacrifices needed to pack light.
Packing light means more freedom when you travel.
With less to lug around, you can easily maneuver through crowded spots, speed through baggage claim, make last-minute plans without worrying what to do with your stuff and spend less time repacking.
If you are ready to take the jump and start packing light…
I am going to give you some tips I have learned to packing light that can streamline your process.
PREPARATION: Packing light requires prep and planning. I’ve never been able to pack in a carry-on for a long trip without lists, planning, outfit preparation and downsizing my needs. I always, always, always make packing lists and check all items, then I double check items. For a longer trip (2 weeks or more), I may start this list up to a month or two ahead of time so I know if I need to buy anything. I use my Notes app on my phone but if you are a pen and paper type, anything works! I don’t use a list to start, because every trip is different with different needs. So I start from scratch or occassionally will copy and paste from my last trip to my new trip. I list outfits by day, as well as how I am going to re-use items with each outfit.
PACKING LIGHT: Yes, I know I already mentioned this is all about packing light… I mean actually pack light. Pack lighter items, thinner shirts, thinner pants, thinner dresses. For a summer trip, I would lay out potential items and choose the ones that actually fold down into smaller items than thicker material choices. The material makes a huge different, linens, cottons, and no thick fabrics. I know this sounds tedious, but it could be the difference in packing 8 outfits or 10 outfits in a bag. If I do pack something that takes up more space, I always make sure it will work for 2 or more days. Versatile options are best. If you are going on a beach trip, think about wearing a dress out and about, and reusing that dress as a swimsuit coverup later in the trip. On longer, cooler temperature trips, I consider one jacket, 1-2 pairs of pants and versatile top options that I can switch out. If I pack a vest, I want to make sure I have plans to wear that vest multiple times.
DONATE ITEMS: This tip does not work for all personality types. I love to shop, which requires that I cycle through clothes via resale or donating items along the way, otherwise we would be drowning in clothes. If you are someone who has minimal items at home or will struggle to part with things - skip this tip! On every trip, I try to pack at least three items I would be willing to let go of during my travels. If I buy something and need bag space, I then have shirts or dresses to leave behind and make space. A good way to leave behind items: fold nicely in your hotel room and leave a note to housekeeping staff that they are welcome to have them as you are checking out! I usually keep it simple and say, “FREE CLOTHES! May need a wash.” In my experience they will be happy to take them or know someone who will want the free clothes. They were nice enough for my vacation, they are likely nice enough to donate! If you are staying in a house or AirBnb and can’t leave things behind, consider finding a donation clothing drop somewhere. I love packing pajamas to leave behind as these don’t really matter what they look like. Pack an old t-shirt and shorts or just an old pajama set that has seen better days. When it’s dirty, leave it behind vs packing it home! More room for buying things, yay!
MINIMAL SHOES: This should come as no surprise, but 1-2 pairs of shoes on most trips work just fine, as long as you pack the most versatile options. Shoes take up tons of space and add a lot of weight to a bag. I usually consider a sneaker and a sandal. Again - fashion choices may be sacrificed for packing minimal shoes. If you have an event that requires a special shoe or will be working out and needing athletic shoes, this is the exception to this rule. I recently packed a pair of Rothy’s sandals that I could wear to the beach or out to dinner. My other choice of shoe is my most comfortable sneaker for sightseeing and daytime activities. I love a comfortable sneaker that can work with dresses, jeans, etc. I find that a dress and sneaker is often appropriate for most dinner and nice restaurants at lunch, especially in cities where lots of walking takes place. A lot of people will be wearing comfortable shoes in heavy walking destinations.
STREAMLINE TOILETRIES: For women, this is a doozy. I have a lot of products that I use on a daily basis at home. On a trip, I use a small portion of the options. If I am staying in a nice hotel, I will consider skipping the shampoo/conditioner and lotion since I know they will have them. If you have sensitivities that require shampoo/lotion from home, definitely pack them in a small travel-size bottle. I also pack only my essentials for makeup. I recently started using Subtl Beauty stackable makeup for things like powders (bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, highlighter) and only packing the liquids I need to look good but no extras! I also pair down my face routine to the most important items. Packing light is not the time for your vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, multiple moisturizers and under-eye creams. Pair it down to one versatile moisturizer that will get you by for two weeks or less. I have always been a big fan of Cadence travel size liquid holders, but more recently found that cheaper Amazon version are easier and at the price-point, practically disposable.
PACKING CUBES: I love a packing cube, my favorites are from Calpak. On my recent trip (18 days in a carry-on), I took all of the clothes (10 dresses, 2 swimsuits, 4 shirts, 1 short) that I was going to pack, and tried three different methods for packing. 1. I laid the clothes flat in one side of my suitcase, one on top of the other, this minimized wrinkles but it was the least efficient. I couldn’t even get every dress in one side of my suitcase. 2. I rolled each item (my usual method) and put each one directly into one side of my suitcase. This fit everything I needed but it was overloaded for sure. 3. I rolled each item and organized into a packing cube and stuffed that thing full! When I closed the packing cube, I had fit every item, and I had room to spare for shoes and undergarments around the packing cubes (those little corners that don’t get filled from using packing cubes. This confirmed my choice to ALWAYS use packing cubes. Plus, I love to take a packing cube out of my bag once I arrive, and put it in a drawer or closet to pull clothes from. Rolling does mean at your destination you may need to hang a few items up when you arrive and get those pesky wrinkles out. If you roll very slowly and precisely, you will minimize wrinkles, but not entirely avoid.
VACUUM BAGS FOR LAUNDRY: I love taking these vacuum bags to shove my laundry into and roll the air out and throw in my bag for the least amount of space. Once something is dirty, I’m not worried about wrinkles, it saves time repacking and it makes unpacking a breeze because you can dump the entire vacuum bag straight into the laundry basket at home.
WASH CLOTHES: If you are on a long trip, this is a must! At a lot of higher-end resorts, you can find washer dryers for free of charge around the resort. Or ask the hotel if there is one available. Some European hotels have coin-operated laundry and in most cities they have laundromats a quick walk away. I have also booked Airbnbs with a washer/dryer included mid-way through my trip to most easily handle my clothes washing. I have done all of these, we once sat down for breakfast, I ran the clothes to the laundromat to put them in (6 min walk), came back to eat, went back to switch them out and waited at a coffee shop nearby while they were drying. It’s a commitment, but I honestly cannot imagine packing for a long trip without this tip if it is hot and I’ve been sweating in my clothes. It was an hour and a half of my entire trip that allowed me to pack light. If something needs hang drying or is not quite dry enough from the dryer, take it back to your hotel room to air dry there!
ESSENTIALS ONLY: This part of packing light seems simple, but I find those last minute items I see laying around my house can easily go in the bag because I may need an extra hat, sunglasses, chargers, water bottles, OTC meds, books, etc. I really don’t allow myself to add ANY EXTRAS until everything is in my bag and I know I have space. I sometimes carry this packable sand blanket for trips we may do an impromptu picnic in a park or go to the beach and need a place to sit. Sometimes we use it, and sometimes we don’t. It is small enough to fit in my purse, but seems to be one of those extras not everyone needs on every trip, but I seem to use it often! So find those items that are important to you that you will definitely need. And the extra sunglasses, spare chargers, and books you can buy at your destination if you are really needing them! OTC meds is something I do not use very often, and I always plan to buy at my destination if the need arises. I also know I’m not going to read more than one book on a trip, so I only need one. But something in each one of us thinks, WHAT IF I LEAVE MY CHARGER BEHIND, I SHOULD PACK THREE EXTRAS. These are thoughts that you should re-train yourself to think, if I lose my charger, I will buy one along the way. Chances are you won’t lose it, but packing light requires this mindset.
DON’T STRESS! If you are someone who this information completely stresses out, then no worries, just check a bag! Travel should always be a time to relax and vacation. It is never a time to create stress before you even leave.
Traveling light with kids is a whole different story, but something I have achieved in my three short years of being a parent. I will be doing a separate article on traveling light with kids very soon!
Thanks for following along!
Courtney