# 8 Travel Essentials I Won't Fly Without When Traveling With Kids
As a mom of eight, I've learned that flying with kids doesn't have to be stressful—but it does require a little preparation. After countless flights with babies, toddlers, tweens, and teens, there are a few items I never leave home without.
These simple travel essentials help keep everyone comfortable, organized, and happy from takeoff to landing. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, these are the items that always earn a spot in my carry-on.
1. Barf Bags (Trust Me on This One)
This might not be the most glamorous travel essential, but it may be the most important.
Motion sickness can hit unexpectedly, especially during turbulence, takeoff, or landing. I always keep a few disposable barf bags within easy reach—not buried in an overhead bin. Even if they never get used, the peace of mind is worth it.
Bonus: They're also handy for collecting trash during the flight.
True Story: I actually have these barf bags everywhere...my car, my purse, my bedside table...never known when you need it! You can find yours here: Blue Barf Bags
2. Travel Pillow and Blanket Combo
Airplanes are cold. Kids get tired. And somehow everyone wants a blanket at the exact same time.
A travel pillow and blanket combo keeps little travelers comfortable without taking up too much space in your bag. I love options that fold into a compact carrying case and can double as a pillow when not in use. These checkered ones are SO cute!
Comfortable kids = quieter flights.
3. Medicine Organizer with Labels
Gone are the days of digging through random bottles trying to find the right medicine at 30,000 feet.
I use a labeled medicine organizer stocked with travel-sized essentials like:
Pain reliever
Allergy medicine
Motion sickness medication
Tummy relief
Bandages
Children's medications
Everything stays organized, easy to find, and TSA-friendly.
4. Snack Containers for Kids
Hungry kids are rarely happy travelers.
Instead of packing snacks in multiple bags, I use compartment-style snack containers that keep everything organized and easy to access. I usually fill them with a mix of:
Crackers
Pretzels
Fruit snacks
Dried fruit
Granola bites
Trail mix
Having snacks ready to go helps avoid expensive airport purchases and keeps kids occupied during long flights.
5. Hard Plastic Zipper Pouches
These clear zipper pouches are one of my favorite travel hacks.
Each family member gets their own pouch filled with essentials like:
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Gum
Mints
Travel lotion
Lip balm
Tissues
Charging cords
Because they're transparent, everyone can quickly find what they need without dumping out an entire backpack. See my Instagram Post to see how I pack them and what goes in them.
6. Sticker Books and Quiet-Time Activities
Screen time is great, but it's not my only plan.
Sticker books, activity books, coloring pages, reusable sticker scenes, and small travel games are lifesavers when batteries die or kids need a break from devices.
They're lightweight, inexpensive, and provide surprisingly long stretches of entertainment.
For younger kids especially, sticker books have saved more flights than I can count.
7. Essential Oil Roll-Ons
These have become a staple in my travel bag.
I keep a few different roll-ons handy for common travel situations:
Relaxation and calming blends for nervous flyers
Peppermint blends for upset stomachs
Breathing blends during cold and flu season
Stress-relief blends for hectic travel days
While they're not a replacement for medical treatment, they're a simple way to help everyone feel a little more comfortable while traveling.
8. Travel First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit is something I hope I never need—but I'm always glad to have.
Mine includes:
Bandages
Antiseptic wipes
Antibiotic ointment
Tweezers
Medical tape
Gauze pads
Blister treatment
Whether it's a scraped knee at the airport or a surprise headache during a layover, having basic supplies on hand can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids doesn't require packing your entire house, but having the right essentials can make your trip much smoother.
These eight items have earned permanent spots in my carry-on because they help me stay organized, prepared, and ready for whatever travel day throws our way.
If you're planning an upcoming family vacation, start with these essentials—you'll thank yourself when you're cruising through the airport with a little less stress and a lot more confidence.
Shop my favorite family travel essentials here: Travel Essentials for Kids
(as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases)
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