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Travelling with kids is always an adventure and packing well can make all the difference. Whether you’re heading off on a long road trip, catching a ferry to France, or escaping for a weekend in the UK, having the right gear takes the stress out of the journey.
Over the years, we’ve built up a list of go-to travel essentials we rely on again and again. Some are small things that make life easier, others are lifesavers with little ones in tow. Here are our tried-and-tested family travel must-haves and perfect for your next trip.
1. Bugaboo (or similar) Travel Case for Prams: A Must for Flying with Toddlers
When our kids were younger, this case was a total lifesaver. It protected our pushchair during flights and folded up small when not in use (top tip – add all your nappies to save on your weight in your other bags). Strong wheels and padded sides meant we could check it in worry-free, one of the best buys we made for travelling with a baby or toddler. Once they got older and could sit better in a stroller we absolutely loved the Yo-yo – cabin approved, but we often put it in the Bugaboo travel case to keep it safe!
→ Bugaboo travel bag
2. Packing Cubes: The Game Changer for Family Suitcases
If you haven’t tried packing cubes yet, you’re missing out. We sort by child or category (PJs, swimsuits, spare clothes), and it’s made unpacking and repacking so much easier, especially when we go to a Eurocamp and there is limited space.
→ Packing cubes
3. Car Organisers for Road Trips: Keep It All Within Reach
No more questions about where everything is! These seat-back organisers hold snacks, toys, books, and tablets and keep the car much tidier.
→ Car organiser
4. Travel Games & Colouring Sets to Keep Kids Entertained
Perfect for road trips, rainy days, ferries, or waiting around in airports. Magnetic games, mini puzzles, or zipped pouches with colouring bits have saved us many times, especially when you want to avoid screen time overload.
→ Sticker Dolly dressing books
→ Magnatiles – have a few of these stashed in hand luggage for easy creative play or get a travel set
→ Dobble and a younger version too Dobble (this is our favourite family holiday game)!
→ Uno
5. Portable USB Chargers: Stay Powered Up
Phones, tablets, music, maps, all essentials when you travel with kids. A portable power bank (or two) means you never have to ration battery life again. We always keep one charged and ready to go.
→ Power bank
6. Neck Pillows for Kids: Comfort on Long Journeys
Ours love having these for the plane, especially when we have early or late flights. Look for soft ones with fun designs they’ll actually want to use, it’s one of those things you’ll be glad you packed. Encourage them to carry them too with some fun luggage that they can carry along.
→ Kids neck pillows
→ Trunki
7. Reusable Water Bottles for Family Days Out
Each child gets their own (no sharing = fewer arguments!). We go for flip lids or straws that don’t leak and stainless steel to keep things cool. Perfect for days out at the beach, theme parks, or just keeping hydrated in the car.
→ Chilly’s Bottle 500ml – multiple colours
FAQs
What are the best travel essentials for families with young children?
A pram travel case, packing cubes, and entertainment kits are top picks. For flying, we always recommend neck pillows and a portable charger too.
How do I keep the car organised on long family road trips?
Use car seat organisers, pack snacks and games in reach, and give each child their own small bag or cube of items.
Love Sarah x
Our Dorset Life 
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