Travelling with kids can sometimes mean packing half the house and still feeling like you’ve forgotten something important. Over the years, we’ve learned that the right travel accessories for kids can make a huge difference. Some items keep little travellers entertained, others make airports and long drives easier, and a few simply help avoid those classic family-travel meltdowns.
Here’s a curated list of travel accessories we genuinely think are worth packing – whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers, tweens or teenagers.
Luggage and mobility
Giving kids and teens their own travel gear isn’t just practical; it also helps them feel involved in the adventure.
Stylish backpacks for older kids and teens
Older kids often want something that reflects their personality. A backpack with a unique print can make travel feel a little more “theirs”. Platforms like RedBubble feature designs by independent artists, making it easy for teens to show off their style while still carrying something practical.
If you’re looking for something more functional, BagSmart’s Faro 29L carry-on travel backpack is designed with family travel in mind. With multiple compartments, a removable crossbody bag and suitcase-style packing access, it helps keep everything organised – from devices to snacks and spare clothes.
Ride-on luggage for toddlers
Got a toddler or young child? Ride-on suitcases can be a game-changer for families during long airport waits and large airports with lots of walking.
A colourful ride-on luggage case gives kids somewhere to sit, rest or scoot along while still storing their essentials. Lightweight designs with spinner wheels and a pull strap or handle make them easy for parents to manoeuvre too, which is especially handy when little legs are tired and you’re rushing to get to the gate.
Soft baby carrier
When travelling with babies or younger toddlers, ditching the pram makes moving through airports, markets and uneven paths much easier.
A baby carrier like the Ergobaby Alta Hip Seat allows for quick ups and downs while keeping your hands free. Breathable mesh, ergonomic support and multiple carry positions make it a practical option for travel days when pushing a bulky stroller just isn’t realistic. It’s also great for crowded public transport and walking baby up and down the aisle when they’re a bit out of sorts on the plane.
Entertainment essentials
Let’s be honest, travel involves waiting around a bit at airports, train stations, luggage carousels and more. It can get a little boring for both kids and adults so you’ll need to be prepared with a little extra entertainment.
Yoto Mini (screen-free audio player)
One of the most surprisingly useful travel accessories we’ve tried is the Yoto Mini. This compact, screen-free audio player uses physical cards to play audiobooks, music and podcasts. It’s small enough for carry-on luggage, easy for kids to use independently and perfect for long car trips or bedtime at unfamiliar hotels.
In our house, it quickly became one of the most-used travel items because it avoids screen battles while still keeping kids engaged.
Flexible beach bucket
Traditional beach toys take up far too much suitcase space and the plastic tends to crack under pressure if you pack them in too tight. Flexible silicone buckets are a simple but brilliant alternative.
Packable options from Coast Kids squash into luggage and pop back into shape when you arrive. They’re incredibly versatile too – useful for beach play, bath time, collecting rocks or even carrying snacks on outdoor adventures.
Tablet or phone (with a proper hard case)
Sometimes, a tablet or phone is simply the easiest way to fill long travel hours.
Older kids can stay connected with friends or download entertainment via hotel Wi-Fi, while younger kids can play games or watch movies offline. Just make sure you pair it with a sturdy protective case to survive accidental drops.
Headphones: A travel courtesy
Kid-friendly headphones with volume limiting are essential. Not everyone on a plane wants to listen to what your child is listening to. Wired headphones are the better alternative here, so you don’t have to worry about charging them while you’re travelling. However, many newer devices are wireless only, making it unavoidable.
Rugged camera for kids
If your kids love documenting trips, a rugged action camera like a GoPro can be a fantastic option.
Waterproof, durable and simple to use, they allow kids to capture snorkelling adventures, beach days and family road trips without parents worrying about fragile gear.
Snacks and safe drinking
Never underestimate the power of snacks when travelling with kids!
Snack boxes with compartments
Reusable snack boxes with multiple compartments make it easy to pack a mix of fruit, crackers, nuts or treats without everything getting mooshed together.
They also help with portion control and reduce the need to buy expensive airport snacks. Nine dollars for a small bag of chips? No, thank you!
LifeStraw water bottle
A filtered water bottle might seem like an over-the-top expensive accessory – until you’re travelling somewhere with questionable tap water.
The LifeStraw Go bottle filters bacteria, parasites and microplastics while improving taste. It’s an investment, but for families travelling internationally, it provides extra peace of mind and reduces reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
Health and safety
Some of the most important travel accessories for kids aren’t the most exciting, but they can save the day when things go wrong.
Compact first aid kit
A lightweight travel first aid kit is essential for family adventures, especially if you’re heading outdoors. Look for something compact with organised compartments so you can find what you need quickly.
Hand sanitiser
Public bathrooms without soap happen more often than we’d like. Small travel-sized hand sanitiser bottles are one of those items you’ll reach for constantly.
Motion sickness bags
Not glamorous, but incredibly useful. Leakproof sick bags take up almost no space and can be a lifesaver on winding roads, boats or long flights – particularly if you have kids prone to motion sickness.
Travel accessories that actually earn their spot in your bag
The best travel accessories for kids aren’t necessarily the trendiest; they’re the ones that make travel smoother for the whole family. Whether it’s a ride-on suitcase that turns airport queues into fun, a screen-free audio player that keeps kids entertained for hours, or simply a well-packed snack box, these small upgrades can transform the travel experience.
Because when kids are comfortable, entertained and prepared… your family holiday suddenly becomes a lot more enjoyable.
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