Family trips are awesome, but they can also be extremely stressful if you don’t have everything you need. With Spring Break and summer nearly here, we’ve rounded up some of the best travel essentials to make your vacay the best yet. Whether you’re heading across the Atlantic to Europe or planning the ultimate road trip, these must-have products will get you there and having fun in no time.
Packing Cubes
$20 BUY NOWWe could write a book on how wonderful we think packing cubes are! The small, zippered pouches not only keep everyone's clothes separated and wrinkle-free but they also help save tons of space. They work for overnight trips or week-long adventures, coming in tons of colors so each family member can have their own. We particularly love Bagail's set of four cubes that come with handles and different sizes to store everything from toiletries to shoes to sweaters.
Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
$13 BUY NOWWhen it comes to air travel, there isn't much worse than finding out your luggage weighs too much and you're slapped with tons of fees! A simple product like the Etekcity Digital Hanging Luggage is only $13 and can save you tons of money and frustration at the check-in counter. Simply pack your suitcase and attach the scale to the handle and pick up!
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack
$19Coming in 11 colors, ZOMAKE's Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack is a must for your upcoming trip. With 74 percent of its reviews coming in at five stars, the Amazon bestseller packs a waterproof layer, lightweight design that can hold books, tablets, phones and a change of clothes. When you don't need it, simply pack it into the packable pocket and be on your way.
BUY NOWUniversal International Travel Power Adapter
$20 BUY NOWTraveling out of the country? Then you'll want to make sure you keep your phone, camera and other memory-saving devices charged! A universal travel power adapter will keep you powered up in through much of the world, including Europe, the U.K., Australia and can be used here in the U.S.
Travel Shoe Bags
$14 BUY NOWOutdoorsy vacations usually equal filthy shoes and who wants those next to your clean clothes? Stock up on travel shoe bags that are waterproof and come with a clear window for easy viewing. Not only do these shoe bags prevent scuffs on your nice shoes while traveling, but they also make great bags for other odds and ends, like snacks, diapers and other travel essentials.
Silicone Travel Containers
$18 BUY NOWOver 1,000 reviewers rave about these TSA-approved silicone travel bottles. The leak-proof bottles are made from BPA-free material and are reusable and refillable. These are not your average one-use and toss bottles!
Power Bank
$15 BUY NOWEven if you're heading out on your vacay to unplug, it's always a good idea to keep a power bank on hand for emergencies. With an inexpensive option like the Aibocn 10,000mAh Power Bank, you can get roughly three charge cycles for your devices, keeping the kids happy in a pinch. This device also comes with a mini flashlight so you don't have to stumble around trying to plug in your phone in an unfamiliar hotel room, or in the pitch blackness of a tent.
Collapsible Water Bottle
$20 BUY NOWWhether you're trekking through the Rocky's or bustling through TSA, a collapsible water bottle will keep you hydrated! This version is made with food-grade, BPA-free materials and is great for cold drinks and even freezing. When not in use, simply roll up and pack away into tight spaces that won't take over your precious carry-on space.
Travel Umbrella
$18 BUY NOWYou never know when a rainstorm will hit, especially if your vacation is mainly an outdoor one, or you're traveling abroad. This unique inverted umbrella can handle it all––from 60 MPH winds to hot days, to pouring rain. The UV-protected material and reverse closing mechanism pushes the elements away from you, and the small design makes it ideal for travel.
JOTO Universal Waterproof Case
$9 BUY NOWWith over 25,000 reviews, you know this JOTO Universal Waterproof Case is something special. Perfect for outdoor adventures, or just for protecting yourself from a rainy foreign day, this case fits tons of phone models and comes with a lanyard for easy carrying.
Bucky 40 Blinks Ultralight Eye Mask
$12 BUY NOWSleeping in unfamiliar places, trying to take a snooze in the car or on a plane, or just adjusting to a new time zone––there's nothing the Bucky 40 Blinks Eye Mask can't do! Coming in over 30 patterns, the lightweight mask is perfect for adults or kids and keeps pressure off eyes so you can rest.
Hand Sanitizer
$19 BUY NOWEver stop at a rest stop or a foreign bathroom that was less than clean? Or what about those germy sight-seeing destinations? Keep everyone's hands clean and stock up on Hand Sanitizer and stash in backpacks, cars and suitcases to keep everyone healthy on your vaycay.
Polarspex Polarized Sunglasses
$15 BUY NOWVacation is not the place to take your designer, expensive sunglasses and that's why we love Polarspex's Polarized 80's Sunglasses that come in so many colors, we can't name them all. The Wayfarer look-alikes are functional, come with polarized lenses to keep your eyes safe, don't sacrifice style and are so cheap, you can order a few pairs to take with you.
Travel Blanket
$14 BUY NOWGetting comfy while traveling is difficult at best but the Cloudz Fleece Travel Blanket makes it a little easier. The travel size blanket is made of ultra-soft coral microfleece, and it come with a carrying handle for stowing any going. The best part? You don't have you use those gross airplane blankets!
Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID Blocking Travel Passport Wallet
$14 BUY NOWThis super functional RFID blocking travel wallet from Zoppen comes in 35 color choices! The vintage-looking, slim, lightweight wallet is made from eco-friendly PU leather and has everything you need for a trip.
Editor’s note: All products available and $20 and under at the time of publication.
RELATED STORIES
31 Epic Treehouses Across the US You Can Rent with Your Kids
23 Road Trip Hacks That’ll Save Your Sanity
Camping Gear That Does Everything (Except Pitch the Tent)