Traveling as a family—especially multi-generational travel—can be a beautiful mix of joy, chaos, and logistical gymnastics. Add kids, grandparents, and family members with disabilities into the adventure, and it’s easy for excitement to turn into overwhelm. But take a deep breath…you’re in the right place.
I’m here to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the messiness, and make the memories anyway. Don’t wait for the “perfect” age to travel with your kids. Don’t assume Grandma is too old. And don’t let mobility challenges keep anyone from being part of the experience. With the right travel tools and systems, there truly is an adventure for everyone.
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Below are our favorite family travel essentials—products that make our trips more joyful, more accessible, more organized, and far more effortless. Whether you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, grandparents, or a loved one with mobility needs, these are our tried-and-true go-tos.
Our Favorite Family & Multi-Generational Travel Must-Haves
No-Sand Towel (Nomadix)
Compact, packable, and ideal for beach or lake travel. These towels resist sand, dry quickly, and double as a clean surface for little ones. Great for wiping off dirt or sand before hopping back into the car.
2-in-1 Charger
We always travel with a waterproof tech bag, and this charger is our #1 essential. Being able to charge two devices at once—especially during airport layovers or road-trip pit stops—is a game changer.
Waterproof Zip Cube (Nite Ize)
We have several sizes of these waterproof cubes, and they’re perfect for organizing electronics or keeping items dry around pools, boats, or beaches. The waterproof seal makes the zipper firmer to pull—but the protection is worth it.
Reusable Zip Bags (Stasher Bags)
Accessible, easy to open, and endlessly useful. We use these for snacks, toiletries, toy storage, and sunscreen. They replace single-use plastic and hold up beautifully through repeated use.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes or vacuum-style bags save space and reduce suitcase chaos. For bulky winter clothes, we still swear by old-school large zip bags that you can manually compress. You’ll be shocked how much fits into one suitcase—ski pants included!
Suction Grab Bar
Important disclaimer: I never recommend suction grab bars for permanent home use.
However—when traveling—they can be incredibly helpful.
We use ours on large, smooth tile surfaces to assist with stepping in/out of tubs and to give temporary support for a family member with mobility challenges. Works well on wide tub ledges for kids to pull up on or for adults to push to stand. Always test the suction and never place it across grout lines or uneven tile.
Blackout Suction Curtains
Perfect for baby naps, early bedtimes, or hotel rooms without curtains. We’ve even used these at home in spaces still waiting on window treatments.
Doona Car Seat + Stroller
A splurge, yes—but one of the most space-saving, fatigue-reducing travel items for babies. FAA-approved, fits in airplanes without a base, and eliminates the need to haul separate strollers or car seat bags. Your arms will thank you.
Collapsible Stroller (gb Pockit)
Our favorite toddler travel hack. Lightweight, durable, and folds small enough for overhead bins or even inside a suitcase. Perfect for airports, city travel, and tight hotel rooms.
Kids Ride-On Carry-On (JetKids/Stokke BedBox)
Toddlers love it, and parents love that it carries all their essentials—books, iPads, blankets, toys, and snacks. It rolls smoothly, doubles as entertainment, and keeps the backpack burden off you.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list gives you a helpful starting point for making your next adventure more accessible, organized, and joy-filled. Multi-generational travel doesn’t have to be stressful—with the right tools, it becomes a memory-maker for every generation.
Happy travels!
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