Traveling with kids is a nightmare: gear to make it a little easier

Traveling with kids is a nightmare, pictured is a tantrum in a balloon.

What's going on travel aficionados!

Let’s be real—traveling with young kids, especially when you’ve got more than one, is a nightmare. I still brace myself every time we board a plane—you just never know what chaos might unfold. But here’s the silver lining: it’s only temporary, and the magic of the destination usually makes it worthwhile.

Below, I’ll share the gear we’ve used to make our trips a bit easier:

• General things:

  • Inflatable booster: this deserves a Medal of Freedom, no more lugging around boosters. It packs down so small, and blows up in a few seconds. Pucker up!

  • Passport holder: holds up to six passports along with cards and cash.  

  • Card holder wallet: we bought 3to distribute cash and cards across multiple bags for backup. 

  • Exercise bands: you can’t always find a gym. These compact bands let you do resistance workouts anywhere.

    
    

• Travel bags: we wanted functional, lightweight and rugged

  • Osprey backpack: spacious 45L bag with plenty of pockets and excellent shoulder support. I love this bag. 

  • Osprey rolly: waterproof, rugged, and lightweight.

  • Patagonia backpack: super lightweight and collapses down to the size of your fist. Great diaper bag / day pack.  

  • Baby carrier: lightweight, compact, and durable—and, as my wife says, CUTE.

    
    

• Travel clothes: we wanted functional, lightweight clothing that’s easy to clean. 

  • Girls: shirts, shorts, jackets, and Eddie Bauer has a lot of good stuff.

  • Women: shorts, pants, and then REI has a lot of good stuff.

  • Men: REI has a lot of good stuff.

  • Rain gear: ponchos for kids, men, and women.

  • Shoes: chaco’s for kids, men, and women.

    
    

• Electronics:

  • Refurbished iPad: the kids don't need the new shit. My older 2 kids will zone out on this while we double-team the 2 year old (don't judge, we are just trying to survive).

  • Headphones for kids: compact and easy to use. 

  • Splitter for headphones: essential for sharing the iPad. 

  • Gear Organizer: spacious enough to hold all our cables, chargers, and small gadgets.

  • AirTags: great for putting in bags but also on your kids and keys. Keeps track of everything worth tracking. 

  • Travel adapter: needed for all the different sockets; this one includes USB ports. 

More to come, but just wanted to share a few items with a long-time friend embarking on his first trip with 2 young kids. I'd wish him luck, but we all know he's doomed.

Peace!

This post is part of our 'find your why' series, sharing real-world stories of why families choose financial independence and early retirement with kids.