We get asked all the time what we actually use when we travel as a family. And the honest answer is – not much.
We’re not full-time travellers. We don’t pack perfectly. And we’ve definitely learned the hard (and expensive) way.
Over the years, we’ve worked out that a few simple tools make the biggest difference when travelling with kids – especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget and keep things stress-free.
These are the ones we use every single trip.
This is non-negotiable for us.
We like knowing we can:
access bookings
check maps
message family
look things up on the go
Without relying on airport Wi-Fi or paying ridiculous roaming fees.
Being connected gives us peace of mind, especially when travelling with kids – and it honestly removes so much unnecessary stress
Taking my mum and nan to Bali was really special. Being able to stay connected while we travelled around gave us so much peace of mind, especially when we were splitting up or heading off on our own little adventures.
If you travel with kids, you already know why this matters 😅
Spills, accidents, sandy clothes, sweaty days – it adds up fast.
Having a way to wash clothes ourselves means:
we pack less
we don’t rely on hotel laundry
we save money every single trip
It’s one of those things you don’t realise how useful it is until you travel without it.
👉 5% off through this link: Scrubba bag 5% off
Flat phones with kids is a hard no.
Between photos, maps, entertainment, and keeping in touch, our phones work overtime when we travel.
Having a reliable power backup means:
no panic when batteries die
no fighting over charging points
no missed bookings or directions
It’s one of those “quiet heroes” that just makes everything run smoother.
👉 Powerbanks: Pulse Charge’s
Power banks might seem small, but they’ve saved us so many times. Whether it’s keeping phones charged to capture special moments or transferring money on the go for extra experiences like elephant feeding, they’re something we never travel without.
We don’t share every product we pack.
We don’t jump on every trend.
And we don’t promote things just because they exist.
If it doesn’t:
save us money
reduce stress
or make travel with kids easier
…it doesn’t make the cut.
Everything listed here is something we’ve personally used, tested, and travelled with as a family.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.
That means if you choose to use them, they help support our family at no extra cost to you 🤍
We only ever share things we genuinely use and trust.
If you’re planning a trip and want:
packing checklists
family-friendly travel tips
budget-friendly tools we actually use
You can explore more of our guides here:
👉 [Link to your blog hub or homepage]
As you can see, I’m wrapped in a lovely blanket we got from Bali, originally called a ‘sarong.’ It’s perfect for covering up at temples! If you’re anything like me and tend to feel cold, I always bring extra blankets to keep cozy during our flights. 🧣✈️
Thanks so much for being here and trusting us with your travel plans.
If this helps make your next trip a little easier (and less stressful), then I’ve done my job 🤍
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