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Packing Checklist and Must Haves for Traveling with a Baby 2025
Traveling with a baby? What should I pack? What do I need? Here’s everything you need when traveling with a baby from strollers that fit in an overheard compartment to the best travel bed to get babies to sleep in hotel rooms!
Baby Travel Essentials
Make Traveling with a Baby Easier in 2025
Babies are so small yet need so many things! Traveling isn’t as easy as just packing a small bag for the weekend when bringing a little one. Whether you’re flying or driving, here are some handy tips and a packing list for what to pack and travel hacks for infants 6 months+!
Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!
Shop our Amazon list for all things listed below!
Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List
Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller - best travel stroller
Car Seats and Strollers
If you are driving, you’ll already have your car seat (we love our Graco 4Ever DLX car seat).
If you’re flying I recommend a much lighter car seat like the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat that doesn’t need a base and can still be strapped in by the seat belt. It only weighs about 7 pounds and helps protect rear-facing infants 4-35 lb and up to 32". You might not need the car seat on the plane which you can gate check it, but you may need a car seat once you land to get to your hotel or Grandma’s house. If you are gate checking, just make sure to grab a tag from the gate host before you board and I recommend this Gorilla Grip car seat gate check cover for it that can also be worn as a backpack! It also packs into a small handy pouch!
We absolutely love our Uppababy Vista stroller but it is a monster to travel with! We bought the Ergobaby Metro+ stroller which compacts nicely into the overhead compartment of an airplane or the trunk of a car. The stroller weigh 16.9 pounds, holding up to 50 pounds or 50” (ages 0-4 typically) in the seat and up to 20 pounds in the carriage below. We also hang the diaper bag on the handles and if it’s not too heavy, the stroller won’t tip over. The wheel suspension is great and work well on a variety of surfaces, pretty impressive for being so lightweight.
We liked the Ergobaby stroller compared to the Baby jogger.
Food and Breastfeeding
Baby’s first flight was when he was 8 months old, so he was starting to eat solids but more solely relying on breast milk than food. We packed a thermal lunch box that had reusable ice packs and packed extra ziplock bags to get ice at a restaurant or on the plane when the packs melted.
When going through TSA, tell them you have breast milk and they may have you put in a separate bin along with baby wipes, so have that ready. In Syracuse, they scanned the milk and opened the bottles and didn’t properly secure one so it slowly leaked everywhere. 😩 Always triple check the bottles and flip them upside down to make sure they aren’t leaking.
During take-off and landing, it’s recommended to feed the baby a bottle or breastfeed. The sucking helps with the pressure in altitude change. I sat in the window seat so there was a little more privacy.
We also packed teething crackers which was entertainment for 20 mins and a snack. Also, your water cup could be the best new toy your baby has ever played with. 😂
If baby is 9 months or over one year old, you’ll want to pack either baby food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated or a thermal lunchbox full of food (and maybe even a sandwich for Mom and Dad). Don’t forget to pack a bib, spoon, bowls, or plates!
We are into baby led weaning and so when baby was 10 months old, I packed a steak knife, spoon, foldable measuring cup, paper towels, small trash bags, baby safe soap, and small cutting board. The steak knife would need to be checked and I would prep as much food as possible so you can check all of these items. I put Mrs Meyers soap in a travel bottle to wash breast pump parts and baby food containers.
If you’re driving, same situation as above, only we packed a small cooler.
Shop our Amazon list for all these things in one place!
SlumberPod is a must have for traveling with a baby!
Sleeping and Travel Crib
Most hotels will have a pack n play but it’s not always guaranteed, so make sure you call ahead. We typically bring ours as it’s the best travel crib if we’re driving and must bring the SlumberPod!
The SlumberPod is a blackout tent that goes over the pack-n-play to help keep the light out and allows you to sneak around the hotel room without baby seeing you. We always bring the Hatch too for white noise but you can always use an iPhone or iPad for that.
Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List
Deuter Baby Carrier for hikes
Best Baby Carrier
We have several baby carriers that all have their own purposes. However, we have 2 specifically for travel:
For hikes and outdoorsy events, we like the Deuter Kid Comfort Active carrier. It weighs just over 5 pounds by itself and is perfect for carrying around your precious cargo. Baby’s first trip was when he was 9 months old and about 20 pounds and it holds up to 35 pounds which is the size of a 4 year old. Its an odd size so it’s a little harder to pack than our other carriers. The benefit is that it has pockets and space for your stuff, so you can carry other things in the carrier such as water bottles or snacks!
If you’re looking for something smaller and compact, we also have the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier which is convertible where you can have baby face-in and face-out or wear front and back for newborns and older babies 8-32 lbs. It’s super lightweight and very breathable.
Infantino Baby Carrier
Baby Toiletries and Amenities
I pack the following in a toiletry bag:
Baby shampoo and soap
Tylenol + syringe
Baby Comb
Vitamin D
Saline spray
Baby lotion
Baby Sunscreen
Some I have in travel size, others I fill a 3 oz travel bottle. Hotels might have a baby proofing amenity on request, but if you have a crawler or walker, I recommend bringing a handful of outlet covers.
Also, request a fridge ahead of time or when checking-in to your hotel.
In my diaper bag, I always have multipurpose wipes in a Ziploc bag, good to wipe down plane seat areas, table or high chairs at restaurant, toys, etc. I pack an extra baggie of them on trips.
Shop our Amazon list for all these things in one place!
Beach and Pool Travel Gear
If you’re heading to a beach destination, I recommend a few things:
Shade tent - having fun in the sun is great but shade is even better! We liked the COMMOUDS Large Pop Up Beach Tent with UPF 50+ beach sun shade including a carry bag! It’s lightweight is great for 3 people with some room for baby to run around. It is a pop up tent with screen windows (that can also close up) which compacts into a small bag weighing only 2 pounds. There are stakes and bags for sand bags to anchor the tent.
Beach blanket - this is great to have just in general. We like the HIHOHO Beach Blanket Sandproof, Lager 82" X79" and use it at the park or any lawn, really. It has pockets in the corner to fill with sand or rocks or even heavier toys and stakes to anchor. It’s machine washable too!
Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Baby Must Haves for Small Spaces and Travel in 2026
I made this list as I needed all the help I could get when preparing for baby. At first, we were living in a one bedroom apartment so I wanted only the essentials as we didn’t have much room to spare. My list below outlines my must haves and what was nice to have or not necessary! See our TRAVELING WITH BABY TIPS!
Last updated: January 2026 — tested and loved by real parents
Baby Must Haves 2026: What’s Worth Buying vs Skipping
If you’re reading this, congratulations! Building a baby registry or preparing for a newborn is extremely OVERWHELMING! There are so many options and lots of research to do for everything! This list covers the baby must haves you’ll actually use — not the trendy stuff that collects dust.
I made a similar post in 2022, but now that I’m 2 kids deep, I feel like I have more to share! For my friends expecting, I can’t wait for you to enter parenthood! It’s a journey but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I didn’t completely know what to expect and what I’d actually use or need. I made this list as I needed all the help I could get when preparing for baby in a small space. At first, we were living in a one bedroom apartment so I wanted only the essentials as we didn’t have much room to spare. My list below outlines my must haves and what was nice to have or what you can skip purchasing!
Scroll down to the bottom for TRAVELING WITH A BABY TIPS!
Shop the list below on AMAZON
Let’s Stroll! Stroller and Car Seat Essentials
Must Haves:
Stroller – Worth investing in a good stroller. You’ll have it for a while and quality is important.
UPPAbaby Vista - has rumble seat (infant/toddler) and bassinet attachment (newborn/infant)
Pro tip: get it on sale at Nordstrom sale in July! If you’re having 2 kids, this stroller is amazing!
Add ons: I recommend the snack trays, but not necessary until baby is 8-9 months. We also have the piggy back that is like a kick board which is fun at first, but not really worth it.
Backup Options:
Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0 Double Stroller (around $270) – it’s VERY similar to the UPPAbaby and half the price.
The Doona Infant Car seat $550 is great too but pretty much only good for a year. The convenience of being a car seat and having wheels is pretty great, especially for traveling.
Stroller Organizer and Cup Holder – I use this to hold my phone, keys and water bottle when I go for walks around the neighborhood. This is a must have for me!
Ergobaby Metro+ Travel Stroller - We LOVE our UppaBaby, but it’s not the best for traveling with. The Ergobaby Metro+ stroller is lightweight, compact and fits in the overhead bin on a plane. You can open it with one hand, which helped tremendously when I was holding the baby and trying to open the stroller. Perfect for newborns to toddler with the adjustable seat and holds up to 50 pounds.
Car seat - We were only going to get the Graco car seat but ended up borrowing and were handed down the Nuna.
UPPAbaby Mesa V2 – I borrowed this infant car seat from my sister for a couple of months, only fits newborns or infants. It’s nice if they fall asleep in the car then you can bring them in without disturbing baby but they tend to wake up anyway. Also, easy to carry them around to places like doctor appointments. This one worked with our stroller, but we never actually used it that way, Josh just carried him in the car seat everywhere.
GRACO 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4 in 1 Car Seat Infant to Toddler Car Seat – We got this one since it is a 10 year convertible car seat, works from newborn to 10 years old! It’s already budget friendly and the color I liked was on sale for under $200. 4 years later - still a solid purchase!
Nuna Rava Car Seat - 10 position headrest with Ride rear-facing from 5–50 lbs. Ride forward-facing at least 2 years old or 25–65 lbs. We were given this as a hand me down. Buy new for $499
Cosco Car Seats - No, not COSTCO! We have 2 of these Cosco Car seat for travel and they are the set I have in my car now that the little one is out of the infant car seat. Easy to install and the car seat itself is lightweight weighing in around 10lbs. Cosco Finale Dx 2-in-1 is great for kids 30-100lbs (about a 2 year old) and the Cosco Scenera is great for infant to 40lbs. They don’t have bells and whistles but machine washable seats and did well on the safety tests.
See all items on our AMAZON list
Nice to Have:
Car seat protector in car seat – they pee, spit-up, etc. Easier to wash this!
Car seat mat – Protects your car seats
Car mirror – to see what baby is doing while driving
Baby Carrier – I have 3 different ones that we used for the 4 months:
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier – light weight and comfortable! Josh and I both use this one. Josh likes it best because of the airflow and light weight. For around $20, it’s perfect! I would wear this in the house and make dinner while baby slept in it.
Sleepy Wrap Carrier – I don’t use this one as often but good for around the house, especially when he’s sleeping in the first few months.
Lillebaby Carrier – This was a hand me down from a friend and I love that it has a pocket and you are able to have baby face you or face out once they have more head control.
Babyletto Hudson Crib and Baby Einstein Activity mat
Sleepy Time
Must haves for Baby Bedtime:
Pack n Play – I’ve mentioned it a few times, it’s perfect to use as a crib at first if you don’t have space or want to move it around. We used the bassinet in the bedroom and the Pack n Play in the living room before baby had his own room.
Graco Pack n Play – we have this one
Mattress – we have the Hiccapop Dual Sided for Infants and Toddlers
Sheets – tons of pack n play fitted sheet options on Amazon
Crib – We didn’t buy the crib until our first born was about 3 months because we were giving up the bassinet for my sister to use. You could totally use a pack n play too, which was our plan until we moved into the 2 bedroom and had more space. Our second born was supposed to inherit the crib but we moved and by the time we did, he figured out how to climb out of it around 1.5 years old. We then opted for Montessori beds that are pretty much on the ground.
Babyletto Hudson Crib – love the look of this crib and it was fairly easy for Josh to put together. I bought on sale on Black Friday and used the completion discount (as well as gift cards from friends)!
Sealy baby flex cool 2stage airy dual firm mattress – good mattress for crib, also bought on sale on Black Friday.
Sheets – have 2 or 3 fitted sheets that fit your mattress, nothing else should go in the crib until baby is one.
Waterproof Mattress pad – make sure it fits your mattress, this one is standard size so it should fit! You’ll definitely need it!
Sound Machine – we use the Hatch for EVERY nap and every night’s sleep! It plays white noise and has a light. There’s an app and a variety of options of noise and colors for the light. We made it part of our sleep routine and I think it helps him fall asleep as well as drown out noise.
Nice to have:
Bassinet – Baby slept in the bassinet in our room for the first 3 months. We borrowed a friend’s bassinet, but the Pack and Play also works if you’re minimizing your space. When we were in the one bedroom apt, we would move the bassinet into the living room during the day and the bedroom at night. In the 2-bedroom we had the Pack n Play in the living room and bassinet in the bedroom.
This Graco one is like my Pack n Play but has a bassinet and changing station! Being able to see the baby through the net while sleeping is really helpful.
Halo Bassinest – newer version of the one I borrowed.
Sheets – have 2 or 3 at least
Baby Monitor – we got security type cameras that you can see on your iPhone, iPad, or even Apple TV! We figure we can use them after we don’t need them as baby monitors. Didn’t start using until 3 months when noise would wake baby up and we put him to nap in his own room.
Eufy Security Camera – we have one in his room and one in the living room
Vtech Audio Monitor – we use this and look on our phone when we hear him
My sister has the Vava 720P (thermometer, 2 way talk, night vision)
Get if and when needed:
Sleep swaddler/Sleepsuit – Neither one of my babies liked to be swaddled tightly so we wrapped them from the chest down in Muslin blanket swaddles like these. We have about 6 or 7 of them and swaddled him for about 4 months until the day we found him sucking on it after a nap.
Zip up swaddles – My sister used Love to dream. If you live someplace cold, you might want these as an extra layer. We have the heater run if it gets to cold so his long sleeved footed onesies did the trick!
Velcro swaddles – My sister also loves the SwaddleMe
Magic Merlin Sleep Suit – my friend swore by this and got us one! It’s to help their startle reflexes to sleep longer.
Feed ME!
Must haves:
Bottles – we’ve been using the Avent bottles since day one (and to this day). Just make sure whatever brand you choose that their bottles work with your breast pump. Between the Avent Starter set and 2 bottles that came with my pump, that’s all we really need. Everything else goes in a Kiinde bag and is stored in the freezer.
Avent Bottle Starter Set – Love this set and it comes with a brush. It has three 4 oz bottles (which can be 6 oz if you fill to the top) and two 8 oz bottles.
Nipples – Make sure you follow the nipple size as baby grows. The kit comes with different sizes but you may need to buy more eventually. I bought size 4 for the Avent bottles for baby and started using them at 4 months.
Nuliee Breastmilk Storage bags - Best value, BPA free and some have a temperature sensor so you know when the milk is ready!
Drying rack – Munchkin Fold Rack – there’s one with just the rack or one with brushes if you don’t get the brush in the Avent kit. We use this daily and it folds for easy storage!
Burp cloths and bib- Aden and anais - multipurpose!! You can use as a burp cloth for the first 6 months then as a bib 6 months+. You can get any kind of burp cloths really. We have 7 or 8 and keep one out in each room, to easily grab when there’s a mess!
Don’t need right away:
Booster seat - Bumbo 3 in 1 – My sister has one and loves it. We got one and ended up wanting a highchair instead once we had more room. Won’t need this until 6 months.
High Chair - We got the Graco 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair which was highly rated on all lists for 2022 High Chairs. It’s easy to clean and grows with the baby into a toddle booster seat! Best bang for your buck!
Sippy cups
Munchkin Trainer Cup - use at 6 months transitioning from baby bottles to sip cups.
Munchkin Straw Cups - use around 9 months after they have mastered the trainer cup.
Fresh food feed – Everyone recommended the to me! You put fruit in the mesh and they suck on it - great to introduce food and helps with teething! Baby loves sucking on watermelon with this! Didn’t really use until 7 months.
Bibs
For the first few months, we used bibs when we fed him bottles as milk leaks out of his mouth. We have some of these Carter Bibs and ones that look like bandanas.
At 6 months, when we started solids, and you have to get the PandaEar Silicone bibs to catch food and easily wash after eating.
Food storage containers - don’t need until 7+ months
Munchkin Love-a-bowls 10 piece set - comes with 4 bowls with lids and 2 spoons! They go in the microwave and dishwasher too! I use these all the time for oatmeal, fruit, etc.
Babie B Suction Cups - Baby likes to try and pull the bowl, creating spillage! With these bowls, the suction keeps the bowl in place!
Baby Nutribullet – Great food storage system, but I honestly just used my food processor or Ninja blender. And I made both boys most of their purees. There are even all-in-one appliances that steam, cook, and puree like Grownsy!
Utensils – We started our first foods with Olababy utensils as they are soft, flexible, and make it easy to get in jars or use like a spatula in any bowl. Needed at 6 months.
Plates - we have suction plates with lids so you can prep ahead of time of save for later!
Pottery Barn Kids - Wingback Manual Swivel Glider Recliner
Nursing and Boobies
Breastfeeding Must haves:
Breast feeding pillow - my breast friend - I have used daily for every breast feed since day 1!
Breast pump - You should get a free pump through your insurance. I got the Spectra 9 Plus pump because it is portable and small. I was worried at first that it wasn’t strong enough but after my milk came in between 6-8 weeks, I’m really glad I got this one. It comes with 2 bottles but also works with the kiinde bags and Avent bottles. Order this at 32 weeks pregnant to make the most out of the warranty!
Breast pads - change at least once a day or if they are soaked. I like Baby Bliss because it came with a bag to store them and a bag to wash them! I’m a bra Size C and got the large size.
Nipple cream - Earth mama organic nipple butter - I used it after every feed the first few months or my nipples would crack and hurt! Now I use it every once and a while.
Nursing bras - Amazon Hofish - I have 6 bras - leaks, spit up are bound to happen. I started to wear them around 32 weeks, because they come with extenders and were so much more comfortable. Also, here is away to adjust your bra so you can pump hands free - this will come in handy! https://youtu.be/spPwcPeQQ5I
Nice to Have:
Rocking Chair - I didn’t think I needed this, but I use it EVERY SINGLE DAY! I wanted one that swiveled and reclined, because the nights that baby wouldn’t fall asleep, I needed a place to rock the baby and then recline to sleep. We splurge on the Wingback Manual & Power Swivel Glider Recliner from Pottery Barn Kids, but it was worth every penny. I got the manual recline to the powered recline wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby.
Bottle Warmer - would be nice to have but we just put hot water in a big cup and stick the bottle in it for about 5 mins, saves money and room.
Sterilizer - same as above, nice to have but you can just boil all bottles for 5 mins. We throw ours in the dishwasher too.
Milk catcher - Haakaa - I used in the beginning or if my boobs feel really full and are leaking. You can also use as a hand pump like when you forget your pump at work!
Nursing cover - use when company is over or in a public place. Baby didn’t like the cover after he was about 2 months 😔 You can also use swaddles or large flowy tops to cover!
Nursing tops - not needed and ugly 😂 I just have comfy flowy tops!
Diaper Dirty Work
Diaper Must haves:
Diapers – We’ve used Pampers Pure, Honest, HelloBello, and Huggies. How many diapers will you need? Great question! Sizes depend on weight, so we went through 50 NB (newborn) diapers a week the first 3-4 weeks, then he went up to a size 1 for a month with an average of 45 diapers a week. He went to size 2 at 2 months with an average of 40 diapers per week and then size 3 at about 3.5 months with an average of 35-40 diapers per week. I track his diapers in the app Baby+ because it is SO easy to forget when you last changed a diaper when you do it 8 times a day every day! At 9 months, he’s still in size 3.
Skip Hop Changing Pad – I like the plastic changing table as it is easy to clean up messes (which happen a lot). We took off the mobile part because it got in the way. My sister has this one - Keekaroo – same thing just more expensive.
Baby Wipes - Honest water wipes – We went through a pack per week at first. Now it’s almost 2 weeks. I didn’t like the HelloBello wipes as they were thin and smelled funny.
Diaper Rash cream – Honest - use anytime you see redness down there.
Diaper bag – we got a Eddie Bauer backpack that has lots of pockets and either one of us can carry. It also has straps to hang on the stroller and has a thermal pocket for milk!
Nice to have:
Diaper Genie - we didn’t have a diaper genie for the first weeks and threw diapers in our kitchen trash can that has a top. Now we have the changing station in the bathroom and a friend was getting rid of her genie so we took it. It’s handy to have right next to the changing table. I didn’t understand how the bags worked at first but it’s actually genius how it works: https://youtu.be/OJCHr-oe8H0 For refills, we’ve been buying the Amazon brand and they work just fine. The bag is thinner and the only time you can smell the dirty diapers is when you open it to throw something in. My sister has a Ubbi diaper pail which is nice as well and metal to mask the smell.
Diaper genie bags – we’ve been using the amazon brand and they’re fine.
Diaper caddy – I have this basket right next to the changing table to hold diaper rash cream, diapers, wipes, and lotions.
Splashy Bath Time
Baby Bath Must Haves:
Towels - Hooded towels are the best. There are tons to choose from, we have 2.
Wash cloths - soft terry cloth 6-8. I use 1-2 at bath time, and sometimes used 3 when sponge bathing at first.
Baby Shampoo/Soap – I use Mustela products, my boss highly recommended and gifted them to me. Mustela has a cradle cap shampoo that helps! My sister uses Cerave baby.
Brush – love this Frida baby brush and so does baby!
Frida Baby Basics - Includes NoseFrida, NailFrida, Windi, DermaFrida + Silicone Carry Case
Bath thermometer - I liked the rubber duck one and baby does too!
Nice to have:
Spout cover – Skip Hop – to protect them from hitting their head on it.
Bath kneeler - cushy and saves my knees, so glad I have one.
Baby Bathtub
Frida Bathtub - this is similar to the one I borrowed from my sister. I like this one because it has the insert to hold the baby. Bathing a newborn/infant is hard, they are fragile and slippery when wet. You really need 2 people to bathe the baby if you don’t have an insert.
Relaxing Baby – Inflatable bathtub - we got this after we had to return my sister’s tub when baby was 3 months. It’s slanted, so they can lean on it and it is much easier to use once baby can hold his head up! At about 3 months, I threw toys in there for baby to play with.
More Room for Activities
Must haves:
Baby lounger - Baby Bjorn or Baby Support Pillow which is great for putting baby in it while on the couch or the bed. We’ve used it daily since day one! There are tons of options on Amazon! Still using at 9 months, we just have to keep a close eye on him as he can roll out of it now.
Blankets - we do tummy time on a blanket on the bed. We started doing it when he was about 3 weeks but the doctor might say you can try it sooner. At about 3 months we got a nice play mat for the living room or we use the activity mat on the carpet. We also use the blanket in the stroller. We have 3 blankets and use them constantly.
Need but not right away:
MamaRoo or Ingenuity Swing – The MamaRoo is a splurge and was gifted to us, but baby can sit in it anywhere from 20-60 mins! The swing is good too, but he doesn’t like it as much. It’s a good place to put them in while you quickly go to the bathroom or put in the kitchen while you cook. We first used the swing when he was 1 month. Always keep an eye on them and buckle baby in!
Activity Mat – Baby LOVES his Baby Einstein Activity mat and will entertain him for a while. Started using at 3 months.
Baby Play Mat – we got a Baby Care play mat for the living room on our hardwood floors at 3 months. After tons of research, it was the best for quality and safety. We also got a play yard for it after he was really rolling around and almost crawling at 6.5 months.
Teether - 3-pack target has all stages Nuby don’t need until 5 months. Baby loved these, we stored them in the fridge so he liked the cold on his gums.
Pacifier – got some from the hospital and in the Avent bottle kit. Baby decided he didn’t like the pacifier after 1 month but at 3 months he liked to play with the ones with animals attached.
Dress Me Up
Baby wore newborn size for the first month, then size 0-3 from 1-3.5 months. At 8 months baby can still fit in some 3-6 months, but generally in 6+ months. Like women’s clothing, baby clothes run smaller or larger depending on the brand.
Onsies – have 8-10 on hand at least - pee, blowouts and spit up happen!
PJs – zip up are best, especially the double zipper for changing diapers! Lots of options out there. Again, have 8-10 depending on how often you want to do laundry. Baby went through 3 in one night, but for the most part you’ll only need 1 a night. I’d say once every 2 weeks we’d have an accident.
Socks – I have a 10 pack and its plenty.
Hats – I have 3 or 4, we use them on walks.
Hangers – Amazon brand (doesn’t fit newborn or some 0-3), I fold a lot of baby’s clothes but the bulkier ones, I hang.
Sleep swaddler/Sleepsuit - zip up swaddles; Love to dream; velcro ones (see more in the Sleepy time section)
Mama Style
Things you’ll need for the hospital and after birth:
Clothes - flowy and comfy
Pads/diapers - give you some at hospital. I wore pads for at least a month after birth. I did heavy the first 2 weeks, then a lighter flow after. You might want panty liners until your pelvic floor is strong again.
Ice packs – I didn’t like the cold down there but did use them on my boobs when my nipples were sore from breastfeeding
Witch-hazel pads – get from hospital
Squirt bottle - get a peri bottle from hospital
Stool softener – buy ahead to have when you get home from the hospital. I took daily for about 3 weeks.
Granny panties - hospital will give you some
Light weight robe – the hospital gowns are backless so it was nice to have a robe when walking around, especially when we weren’t planning on him going to the NICU and we went over there every 3 hours.
Massager – Best $6 you’ll ever spend
Hygiene and Organization
Thermometer - digital quick reading, we only used less than a handful of times in the first 9 months.
Bulb syringes – Catches boogers and blows small hair out of eyes – got one from the hospital
Dish Soap - we use Mrs. Meyers or there is Babyganics. The pediatrician said Mrs. Meyers is fine.
Make sure all bottles and pacifiers are sterilized in sterilizer or boiling water for 5-10 mins.
Wash everything – We used Tide at first and we were gifted babyganics detergent. My sister’s baby had a strong reaction to detergent, breaking out in a rash so they needed to use an unscented baby detergent. I usually wash baby’s clothes separately and do a light and dark load if they are first wash especially. After they’ve been washed a few times, the colors don’t really bleed when you wash on cold and delicate settings, so I just do one load with everything. Make sure you zip up any zippers and unfold the mits on the footed onsies as lint gets trapped in there sometimes.
Babyganics Toy and Highchair cleaner – use this to clean all toys, highchair, and the changing table.
Little Remedies Kit – Gifted from a friend and our Pediatrician recommended. We use the gas drops all the time and the Saline spray really came in handy. The Gripe water is good for hiccups.
Travel
We didn’t really travel until after baby was 6 months, but here are some helpful tips (see our Amazon travel list too):
Crib/Pack n Play - If you’re staying in a hotel, most will have a pack n play, just request ahead of time.
Slumberpod - This blackout tent fits over the pack n play and blocks out all light so baby can sleep! Great for naps and sleep, also gives you the freedom to walk around the hotel room. It worked SO well! It folds up in a fairly small pouch to making it easy to travel with.
Hatch or HomePod Mini - to play white noise while baby is sleeping to drown out hotel noises and so you can walk around the hotel room. We also brought the baby audio monitors so we could sit and talk on the patio, while baby sleeps inside. Book a hotel with a patio/balcony so you have somewhere to go!
Ergobaby Metro+ Travel Stroller - We LOVE our UppaBaby, but it’s not the best for traveling with. The Ergobaby Metro+ stroller is perf lightweight, compact and fits in the overhead bin on a plane. You can open it with one hand, which helped tremendously when I was holding the baby and trying to open the stroller. Perfect for newborns to toddler with the adjustable seat and holds up to 50 pounds.
Car seat - Cosco Car Seats - No, not COSTCO! We have 2 of these for travel and they are the set I have in my car now that the little one is out of the infant car seat. Easy to install and around 10lbs in weight. Cosco Finale Dx 2-in-1 is great for kids 30-100lbs (about a 2 year old) and the Cosco Scenera is great for infant to 40lbs. They don’t have bells and whistles but machine washable seats and did well on the safety tests. I got the Gorilla Grip cover for it when checking the seat at the gate. The cover folds up into a small pouch, which is really convenient!
See our full list: Packing Checklist and Must Haves for Traveling with a Baby
Baby Packing Checklists
To Pack for Hospital
For Mom
Flip flops and socks (not to wear together)
Nightdress or flowy sweats and t-shirt
Nursing bra (pack 2)
Breast pads (pack 3-4 sets)
Nipple cream
Robe
Comfy clothes
Going home outfit
Toiletries - your shampoo, body wash, etc.
Brush
Make-up - eye liner
Phone/Apple watch/tablet charger
Snacks
Water bottle (reusable)
Breast feeding pillow
Bed Pillows (use pillowcases other than white so the hospital doesn’t think its theirs if they make up your room)
Massager
Cord Blood kit
For Dad
iPad (charger too)
Change of clothes
Toiletries
Snacks
AirPods
Ear plugs and sleep mask
Vaccination card
For Baby
Going home outfit
Blanket
Car seat
Empty duffle bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need all of these baby items?
No. You can start with fewer items and add as you go. This list focuses on baby must haves that were used regularly and helped simplify daily life, especially in small spaces or when getting out of the house.
What baby gear is best for small spaces?
The best baby gear for small spaces is compact, foldable, or multi-use. Items that store easily, replace bulkier alternatives, and work both at home and on the go tend to get the most consistent use.
Which baby items do parents use the most?
Parents tend to use items that make everyday routines easier, like a dependable stroller, an organized diaper bag, and simple feeding and sleep essentials. Gear that requires extra setup or storage is often used less.
Are these baby must haves good for travel?
Yes. These baby must haves were chosen with portability in mind, making them easy to use at home, in the car, or while traveling. Lightweight, compact items are especially helpful during the newborn stage.
What baby items are often unnecessary?
Baby items that take up a lot of space or serve only one purpose are often unnecessary. Many parents find that practical, versatile gear gets far more use than trendy or oversized baby products. Anything that says “2 in 1” can be beneficial!
Is this baby must haves list still relevant after 2025?
Yes. While the URL includes 2025, this list is updated regularly to reflect baby products that continue to be useful and practical beyond trends, making it relevant for new parents year-round.
Is this list helpful for first-time parents?
Yes. This list is especially helpful for first-time parents who want to avoid overbuying and focus on baby essentials that are actually used during the newborn and early baby stages.
Hard fast truths:
What baby items do you actually need?
If your baby is coming tomorrow and you need just the essentials: Car seat, stroller, bottles, clothes, pack n play, diapers, wipes
What baby products are a waste of money?
These baby products were a waste of money for us: Wipe warmer, Snoo, expensive baby swings, expensive diapers
How many baby clothes do you really need?
I would have a weeks worth of baby clothes handy at all times. Our record was 3 outfit changes within an hour!
Are expensive baby items worth it?
Expensive baby items that you will use for a long time like car seats and strollers are absolutely worth it!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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40 Things You Must Pack for Hawaii (Plus Printable List) Don't forget the...
Going to Maui or Kauai? Here is a list of packing essentials for Hawaii! Digital Download and Printable checklist included for those commonly forgotten items! This list consists of female items with what to wear suggestions and it can all fit in carry-on luggage! Don’t forget the…
A curated collage of Hawaii outfit ideas featuring summer dresses, neutral sandals, and travel-friendly accessories suitable for island days and evenings.
Packing Essentials for Maui or any Island in Hawaii, Plus a Pretty Printable Packing Checklist - 2026 Update
Update: January 9, 2026
We’ve gone to Hawaii so many times I’ve become an expert on packing! We’ve been to almost all of the islands and they are relatively the same when packing. If I don’t have my list, I will forget things, so I always keep it handy since we venture to Hawaii at least once a year!
Related Post: How to Spend 4 Days in Maui - Complete Itinerary
Maui Sunrise looking over Lanai
Download our Hawaii Packing Essentials Checklist
Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Hawaii does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!
Great Budget-friendly finds on Amazon for Hawaii Packing!
Want a FREE downloadable pretty Hawaii travel packing essentials printable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii
See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2026? - Itinerary, budget, and more!
Here we go…
My favorite Hawaii Outfit - dress with pockets!
CLOTHING FOR HAWAII AND HAWAII OUTFIT IDEAS - What to Pack for Hawaii Vacation
Dresses - Short and Maxi (Hawaiian themed is always fun). I usually wear dresses for dinner and wandering around. See more Hawaii Outfit ideas here
Light Sweater - for cooler nights
Workout Clothes - Hikes, Road to Hana, Runs on the beach, Zip-lining, golfing, etc.
Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures - I LOVE Asics Gel Venture shoes! The gel is so squishy and comfortable. Must HAVE!
Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings since it is usually a long-haul
Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!
Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key
Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch
Looking for a complete Maui resource? Our Ultimate Travel Guide for Maui 2026 brings together hotels, activities, food, and travel tips in one place.
Hawaii outfit ideas with comfortable, breathable clothing and simple accessories designed for warm weather travel.
BEACH ITEMS FOR HAWAII - Hawaii Packing List for 5 Days
Flip-flops - I love Havianas! They are the only flip flop brand I’ve bought for 15 years.
Sandals - To wear to restaurants and shopping, unless you want to wear your flip flops
Swimsuit - I bring a couple so one is always dry
Swimsuit Cover Up - Great to wear around the resort or to get a drink at the pool bar! Hat - Sun hat and baseball hat for hikes/outdoor activities
Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!
Towel - or use the resort towels
Beach or tote bag - to throw towels, sunscreen, magazine, clothes, etc.
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!
Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the plane or for the room
Crossword Puzzle - This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
Swimsuit coverup and hat perfect for Hawaii Travel
TOILETRIES FOR HAWAII
Reefsafe Sunblock - Save the reef! Buy reef safe! I noticed the Sheraton Maui had dispensers around the resort - check with your hotel ahead of time or bring your own!
Aloe Vera - I don’t know about you, but I always miss a spot.
Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)
Deodorant
First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case!
Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file
Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.
Hairbrush and Comb
Hairspray/Gel
Hair ties and Bobby pins - don’t forget, it gets windy on the beach!
Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Beachy waves are cool too!
Feminine Products
Maui Hawaii Beach
ELECTRONICS FOR HAWAII
GoPro - Get those adventure shots while swimming, snorkeling, zip-lining, surfing, waterfall hiking, or parasailing
Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot
iPad - load it up with shows and movies for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave Hawaii as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.
Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine. I also bring an old iPhone in a waterproof case for snorkeling and swimming!
Headphones/Airpods - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices if you don’t use bluetooth
External battery - keep your electronics charged! We like the Mophie brand with built-in cables so you aren’t searching for them.
Cables - don’t forget your charging cables for your phone, headphones, tablet, watch…
See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane
Dive the Cathedral
Snorkel with Turtles
SCUBA DIVERS OR SNORKELERS PACKING LIST
We bring our own fins and masks so we can not only scuba dive but also snorkel whenever! Pro tip - buy a set and carry them on in a mesh bag!
Masks - I’ve tried so many masks and the Cressi Pano 3 is my personal favorite. At a budget-friendly price, it has one big window, fits well, and does not leak!
Fins
Baby Shampoo - use as defogging for the mask!
Rash Guards! Great for protecting your skin in the water! We forgot ours one year, so we bought new ones at our favorite store in Hawaii, Honolua Surf Shop
Dive Book and PADI/Dive Certification - for divers
Diver Essentials - Dive Watch, BCD, Wetsuit, etc. We usually make sure the dive shop has the basic package.
Scuba Mesh Bag to carry all of the above! We carry this mesh bag on the plane with our gear.
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION
Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering my suitcase with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!
What NOT to Pack for Hawaii
Skip these items to pack lighter and enjoy Hawaii’s relaxed island lifestyle:
Heavy jackets or bulky layers – Hawaii is warm year-round; a light sweater is enough for evenings. ONLY pack these if you are going to a higher elevation early in the morning or late at night.
High heels or dressy shoes – Most places are casual; sandals and sneakers are best.
Too many outfits – You’ll live in swimsuits, shorts, and casual dresses.
Full-size toiletries – Easily available at Target, Walmart, and local stores.
Non-reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii restricts certain chemicals to protect coral reefs.
Expensive jewelry – Swimming and beach days increase the risk of loss.
Hair styling tools – Humidity and beach days make them unnecessary.
Large beach gear – Chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear are often provided or rentable.
Pro tip: If you won’t use it more than once, leave it at home.
Doing my dance in my Hawaiian Lilly Pulitzer dress with a mai tai at the Grand Wailea.
FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS! Free Hawaii Packing Essentials Printable Checklist Download
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials
Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Hawaii Packing Checklist FAQs
What should you definitely pack for Hawaii?
Pack lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for evenings or higher elevations.
What should you NOT pack for Hawaii?
Avoid heavy jackets, high heels, too many outfits, non-reef-safe sunscreen, bulky beach gear, and full-size toiletries. Hawaii’s climate and casual style make most of these unnecessary.
Do you need a jacket in Hawaii?
Usually no. A light sweater or windbreaker is enough for cooler evenings or breezy areas. The only exception is visiting higher elevations like Haleakalā or Mauna Kea.
Can you buy essentials in Hawaii instead of packing them?
Yes. Stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, and local markets are widely available, making it easy to buy sunscreen, toiletries, and beach items after you arrive.
Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii restricts sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to help protect coral reefs. Always bring or buy reef-safe sunscreen.
What shoes are best to pack for Hawaii?
Sandals, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Most travelers don’t need dress shoes or heels due to Hawaii’s relaxed dress code.
How many outfits should I pack for Hawaii?
Fewer than you think. Plan to rewear casual outfits and focus on swimsuits, cover-ups, and breathable clothing rather than packing a new outfit for each day.
Do hotels in Hawaii provide beach gear?
Many hotels and resorts provide beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes snorkel gear. Check your hotel amenities before packing large items.
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Ideas for Winter Family Travel 2022
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway
Family holiday inspiration for winter
Check out this amazing guest post written by Mike Sheer!
Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.
Hobbiton in Auckland, New Zealand
1. New Zealand
27% of parents say travel helps their children to be more brave and adventurous. And where better to be adventurous than in New Zealand? The country is renowned for its natural beauty. Families can explore stunning landscapes, from towering mountains to verdant rainforests, and encounter unique wildlife, such as kiwis and tuataras.
It’s also home to a vibrant culture, with a rich Maori heritage and a growing food scene. Families can learn about the country's history and customs while enjoying delicious local produce. And with plenty of activities on offer, from hiking and biking to kayaking and surfing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
New Zealand has four seasons per year but because it’s located in the southern hemisphere, these come at different times, with their summer falling at the same time as the northern hemisphere’s winter. So it’s a great opportunity to escape the cold too!
Side note: Josh and I went here on our honeymoon and went to visit Hobbiton! Anyone watching the new Lord of the Rings series?!
Visiting Reindeer in Tromso, Norway
2. Lapland
Lapland is a truly magical place, and there is no better time to visit than during the winter months. Families can enjoy all the festive activities that the region has to offer, from meeting Santa Claus and his reindeer to going on a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests, and curling up in front of the fire with a delicious hot cocoa.
In addition, Lapland is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, making it the perfect destination for a winter sports holiday if you’re looking for something more active.
With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that families flock to Lapland every year. So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience, be sure to add Lapland to your list of must-visit destinations.
Check out how we found the Northern Lights in Norway!
Disneyland Paris
3. Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the perfect destination for families who are looking for an unforgettable vacation. The park offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to people of all ages, from thrilling rides to enchanting shows, and extra festive events throughout the winter season to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
There is also a variety of dining options available, so everyone can find something to their taste. Best of all, Disneyland Paris is home to some of the most iconic characters in the world, making it the perfect place to create lifelong memories. So why not take the whole family on a magical journey to Disneyland Paris?
Winter is a great time to take a family vacation. We’ve shared some of our favourite winter destinations, but we want to hear from you. Where do you like to go on winter vacations? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.
Wanna read s’more? Did someone say s’mores?
Family Vacation Ideas for School Holidays (Pandemic Friendly)
Guest post featuring inspiring ideas on where to travel during school holidays! Don’t knock a staycation until you’ve tried it! #traveltips
Image from Unsplash
Best Family Vacation Getaways for School Holidays (Pandemic Friendly)
Written by Emma Grace Brown
School holidays are a welcome respite from the ongoing burden of everyday life and routine. But while your kids may be thrilled by the idea of days off from school, the prospect of summer break or winter holidays isn’t quite as appealing to parents. There are activities to book, laziness to nip in the bud, and vacations to plan. And as we emerge from the pandemic, travel options may be more restricted than before.
But it’s nothing a little planning and foresight can’t fix! According to Travel Agent Central, 85% of Americans plan to travel this upcoming year. There are lots of options - and contrary to popular belief, vacations can be pandemic-friendly. Here, we share some ideas and activities for the whole family.
Get Out of the House
Embarking on a new adventure after years of being stuck at home will be a special memory for your children. Pandemic guidelines are constantly changing, so your best bet is to remain within the country rather than exploring other worldwide destinations. An all-inclusive resort in a beach town may be the move for you and your family to experience the healing benefits of water. Or else, book a unique and exciting property near you for a more intimate, peaceful stay. You’d be surprised at how much fun you can have exploring the woods with your kids or setting off on daily hikes by foregoing the typical amusement park staples.
Home Is Where the Fun Is
In our opinion, you don’t even need to step outside your home to enjoy the calming and relaxing benefits of vacationing. Opt for fun activities that get the whole family involved if you’re not quite ready to venture out into the world. The sky is the limit here: you could do family movie night with all the snack fixings or go camping - in your backyard. Pick a hobby for the whole family to work on together - be it painting, sewing, or pottery, and stay comfortable in some new clothing like a pair of leggings or a loose but flattering T-shirt. According to Zapier, learning a new skill together is one of the best ways to create unique bonding moments.
Just be sure to put up a boundary between fun time and chore time, as kids may find it difficult to differentiate different activities taking place in the same environment. Setting up a physical limit around your property will also be beneficial to ensure safety when the kids are out and about. If your property needs a fence, it’s best to get that sorted prior to embarking on your home vacation. Before meeting with a fencing contractor, evaluate companies by reading online testimonials, recommendations, and reviews. The average homeowner spends around $4,500 to install a new fence, but the total cost will depend on your area, materials, and size. When looking up “fence contractors near me,” be sure to check your contractor is licensed, insured, and updated on underground utility lines.
A Happy Medium
Are you looking for the perfect balance between staying in and going out? A staycation is the ideal solution for your family! Book in at a hotel or Airbnb in your city, and take the struggle out of traveling and commuting. Remember to pack some games, lots of snacks and enjoy luxuriating in a new setting that’s not too far from home. It will be a welcome treat for your kids, but without the commitment of planning travel in these changing times.
We’ve all been stuck in an endless cycle of work from home, virtual school, zoom workouts, and online shopping. All that digital presence may have you (and your kids) craving some good old-fashioned vacation time. While it may not yet be safe to take off on a far-flung, exotic vacation, there are many options closer to home that are pandemic-friendly. Whether you opt for that staycation or book a stay in secluded woods or a ski slope, we hope this time is a memorable bonding experience for your family. Happy vacationing!
More from the Sweetest Escapes:
How to Plan an Affordable and Stress-Free Vacation
Traveling is a great way to expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective on life. But it can also be stressful and expensive. Whether you're leaving for the weekend or heading on a months' long excursion around the world, good research and planning will ensure your trip is both enjoyable and affordable. Let’s explore some budget-friendly resources to help you plan the perfect getaway.
Photo via Pexels
How to Plan an Affordable and Stress-Free Vacation
Traveling is a great way to expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective on life. But it can also be stressful and expensive. Whether you're leaving for the weekend or heading on a months' long excursion around the world, good research and planning will ensure your trip is both enjoyable and affordable. Let’s explore some budget-friendly resources to help you plan the perfect getaway.
We teamed up with Travel Travesty and check out their website to find more great stress-free travel tips like these!
Know When to Splurge
To skimp or splurge is a common debate among travelers. Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean skipping out on every luxury. Here are some purchases that are worth the cost.
● Consider buying good travel insurance that covers everything from canceled flights to illness and injury.
● If you're planning a road trip, you'll need some essentials for your vehicle. Check out maintenance tips and reviews for products that will help you get your car ready for the ride and keep it in good shape.
● It can be worth investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a destination you are unlikely to visit again.
● As a way of fully immersing yourself in local culture, order plate after plate of authentic local food!
Leave the Beaten Path
More often than not, you will experience a cheaper and more authentic travel experience when you veer off the beaten path and talk to the locals.
● Instead of relying on guidebooks, ask the locals for advice.
● Slow down and take your time getting to each destination, enjoying the sights along the way.
● Walk, bike, or drive around without a destination in mind. Wander aimlessly and don’t be afraid to get lost!
Learn to Be Flexible
Flexibility is one of the most valuable traveler traits. Travel rarely goes as planned, so be ready to adapt and go with the flow!
● If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you can find incredible deals on flights.
● Travel during the off-season to beat the crowds and peak-season prices.
● Be ready to break your itinerary and do something spontaneous when the opportunity arises — this is how the best memories are made!
While there’s no wrong way to travel, some forms of travel are more enjoyable than others. If you’re rushing from attraction to attraction, fighting crowds, and splurging on overpriced souvenirs just for the sake of it, you’re going to experience travel fatigue before you know it. Take it slow, make your own path, and embrace the unexpected!
Check out our recent posts:
Planning and Packing for Travel in 2021
2020 was the year for canceled travel plans, but 2021 has made it possible for plans to start being made again. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a travel planning guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.
Image via Unsplash
Planning and Packing for Pandemic Travel
The virus canceled countless travel plans over the course of 2020, but progress has made it possible for plans to start being made again. That said, it’s important to plan responsibly so that your travel during the pandemic is as problem-free as possible. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.
Choosing a Destination
Consider potential destinations in terms of how they have handled the coronavirus crisis. For instance, Everyday Health suggests looking for places that have an established trend of cases decreasing, allow free movement into and out of the area, and have easy access to treatment.
Whenever possible, always plan different outdoor activities. The virus is highly unlikely to transmit when people are outside, so choose fun activities like going to the beach or hiking that allow you to keep a comfortable and safe distance in the open air. It’s a wonderful time to visit any natural wonders you've been dreaming of visiting, as they are the perfect excuse to stay in the sunshine and under the stars.
International Travel
With vaccination efforts fully underway in many places and infections on the decline, countries are beginning to open back up their borders to international guests. While many aspects of transcontinental travel remain the same, some countries are requiring international travelers to provide proof of vaccination before they can enter, while others have changed their stances on dual citizenship passports. Always do research before planning your trip.
Consider this list of questions before deciding on a destination:
● Do I need to be vaccinated?
● What kind of proof is required?
● Will my passport still work?
● If not, can I get a new one in time for travel?
● Do they have a mandatory quarantine period upon entrance?
● What are the country’s restrictions for moving about within and outside of its borders?
If you do travel outside the United States, make sure to bring a universal plug adapter and smart suitcase to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Domestic Travel
If you’d prefer to travel closer to home, state and national parks are excellent options for outdoor activities, the features of which can have a powerful impact on those who visit. Ask anyone who has hiked the Grand Canyon about it, and they will reply with an almost mystical look in their eyes, remembering the breadth and beauty of it. The same could be said for many of the stunningly gorgeous sites of the natural world these parks host. National parks have made a move toward integrating Wi-Fi and establishing cell towers nearby, so it is easier than ever to stay connected even when in the wild.
What to Pack
Pandemic traveling calls for a few extras in your travel bags. Sanitizing wipes, face masks and a digital thermometer are all good investments. Packing food and drinks can help keep you from having to enter too many places, and bringing your own toilet paper and wipes can save you if travel stops along the way have their bathrooms closed to the public due to the pandemic.
Selfie sticks are a great way to get the photos you want of you and your travel companions without having to ask strangers to touch your camera or phone. Solar chargers are perfect for time spent in the great outdoors, and with a mobile hotspot, you can get service wherever you may be. Also, if you plan to use your smartphone for navigation during your road trips, purchase a reliable mount for your car that will allow you to use your device hands-free.
The virus doesn't have to keep you from making memories of exploring new places. Choose your destination wisely, research extensively to make smart plans, and pack with safety and connectivity in mind. Your sweet escape is waiting for you.
Do You NEED Travel Insurance?
For the crazy and unprecedented events of 2020, travel insurance might be more important now more than ever for future trips! Make sure you’re protected for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters. How do you get travel insurance? How does travel insurance work? How much does travel insurance cost? See our post for more!
For the crazy and unprecedented events of 2020, travel insurance might be more important now more than ever for future trips! Make sure you’re protected for delays, illness, lost luggage, and even natural disasters—the best travel insurance can soften the impact of unforeseen events.
How do you get travel insurance? How does travel insurance work? How much does travel insurance cost? ALL great questions that can be answered in this ultimate Travel Insurance Guide from Consumer’s Advocate.
PRO TIP: We typically book travel on our credit cards that offer travel insurance, just make sure you read the fine print!
You never know who’s watching you. Look out for pickpockets! ;-)
5 Interesting Facts About Travel Insurance
Buzzkills - Standard in most travel insurance policies is a drug and alcohol exclusion that won’t payout if you’re intoxicated. So… don’t get hurt after that mai tai in the fun tiki glass with the tiny umbrella.
How much does travel insurance cost? It depends on what type of coverage you end up getting. Typically costs range about 4-10% of the trip price. However, premium coverage or Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies can be a bit more expensive. But if you can cancel a $3000 trip for $100, isn’t that worth it?
Event Cancellations - Allows for the cancellation of the trip if the specific reason for the trip--an event such as a concert or festival--is canceled.
Medical Coverage - If you are injured on your trip, some policies will fly a relative to take care of you or even emergency transport to your hospital of choice around the world. However, if you are being adventurous, check out extreme sports (bull riding, cave diving, and mixed martial arts) in the Explorer Plan vs Standard Plan activities (kite surfing, ice hockey) coverage here.
Loopholes--as they’re commonly understood--do not exist in insurance policies. While coverage can be denied for a number of reasons (drug or excessive alcohol use, for instance), those reasons are clearly laid out in the policy contract.
Zip-lining in Maui, Hawaii
5 Different Types of Travel Insurance Coverage
Basic cancellation coverage: Covers you for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses under a fixed set of circumstances outlined in your policy. You can make a claim when have to cancel a trip due to:
A health emergency or illness, for example. Depending on the policy you choose, you may also be able to make a claim
If you’re laid off from work or you’re called for jury duty (depending on the policy chosen).
If your travel provider has to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster in the destination city.
Trip delay insurance: You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses you incur as a result of your trip being delayed
Usually included with cancellation coverage.
Meals, hotel charges, and taxi fees are among the expenses covered.
Short departure delays are not covered; policies set a minimum number of hours for covered delays.
Trip interruption coverage: protects you in the event you have to return home due to an emergency once you’ve already started your trip.
It will likely pay for the cost of getting you home and getting you back to your destination once you’re able to travel again.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR): Offers the fullest coverage but may only make sense for you if your calendar is subject to change at a moment’s notice.
Specialized Event Coverage: covers special events for most cancellations (i.e. outdoor game gets rained out)
Have high-value items (phone, laptop, camera, etc.)? Make sure your items are within the limits of your policy; and if not, consider increasing your policy coverage!
So do you NEED travel insurance? Probably a good idea if you’re planning in 2020!
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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Do You NEED Travel Insurance?
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15 Things to do when you're bored or stuck at home!
It’s been 2 weeks of staying at home! Here are 15 things to do when you’re bored or stuck at home. Everything from cleaning to virtual tours, plenty of ideas to keep you entertained. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home!
First off, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well during this crazy time. I’ve heard the good, bad, and the ugly, I’m doing my part and staying home. That said, it’s been a full 2 weeks now since I’ve been at home, I need forms of entertainment and things to read and do!
I’m making the most of my time at home and after I’m done working for the day for my full-time job, I start new projects! Some are cleaning and organizing, others are blog related like making videos, new itinerary products and setting up posts for when the boom of travel comes back. It’s hard having a travel blog during this time.
Make Quarantine Cocoa
Here are 15 things that will keep you busy right now, which I divided into 3 categories:
5 Things to Clean and Organize
Clean out your closet. Shoes, sweaters, t-shirts, gym clothes are now in donation bags and my closet has never looked better. Let’s be real though, my main motivation is to get rid of things I don’t wear so I can go shopping online. 🤣
Go through your kitchen cabinets and cupboards. I got rid of some pint glasses, some vases that came with flowers delivered, jars that I had been holding onto and I now have so much more room!
Go through your cleaning supplies. Especially with the virus, I’ve been cleaning more than ever. I had some supplies in the kitchen and bathroom finding 6 bottles of certain products. I combined some that I could and made sure they were spread evenly under both sinks.
Clean off your patio or make a new space. Josh and I are both working in a one-bedroom apartment right now and space is limited at times. We cleaned off the patio, which also meant cleaning the barbeque, but now I have my own space where I am sitting in the sun typing to you.
Clean out your electronics and computer files. We have quite a few drives and some are so old we couldn’t remember what was on them. After that, going through old camera equipment and walkman, we decided we didn’t need some of these things anymore.
5 Catching-up type things to do:
Set FaceTime/Zoom/ Video Conference calls with friends and family! It’s been a lifesaver and something to look forward to! Download the Houseparty app and you can play games like Pictionary!
Make a new recipe! There are MILLIONS of recipes online, find something new to try. I’ve also started to organize my recipes. My Dad suggested using Recipe Keeper. Make quarantine cocoa, just try not to make a mess like I did.
Plan your next vacation! We have our annual Maui trip in October and I’m already checking out new things to do and restaurants to try! Make a bucket list Pinterest Board, it will give you something to look forward to.
Play a game! Cooped up with others? Make it fun and play a card game or board game.
Workout at home or go for a walk in your neighborhood! Just keep 6 feet away from others. I love the 7 Minute Workout app on my Apple Watch or any Fitness Blender workout on YouTube.
5 Things to Read and Watch
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ - lots to watch! I hear Tiger King on Netflix is amazing. According to Vulture, here are The 40 Best Movies on Netflix You Probably Haven’t Seen. Try the Netflix party feature so you can watch with a friend.
Go on a Virtual Tour. Can’t go outside? Take a virtual tour to a far off place or an art exhibit, like somewhere in Paris. Check out this Lonely Planet article for great links! OR go on a Disney Ride!
WATCH MY NEW VIDEOS! Yup, putting in a selfish plug right here. I have had time to make videos from our travels so I started with Africa and I think I’ll move under the sea next! Check them out on our YouTube Channel
Learn a new language. Apps like Babbel or Duo lingo, or try the Learning Language with Netflix (LLN) tool. Yeah, I didn’t know that was a thing! Again, prepare for that next trip!
Read a book. I’m still working on Where the Crawdads Sing, but also try these great travel book suggestions from Lonely Planet or anything that Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club recommends.
If you want to spend time at home and get paid for it, then check online work-from-home vacancies on Jooble: https://jooble.org/jobs-online-work-from-home
^ Here’s one of the videos I’ve done in the past 2 weeks! :)
What have you been doing this time? Any suggestions for me?! Let me know in the comments below!
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