Family vacation essentials, tips and must-have products

As we gear up for the busy travel seasons of spring and summer, it's the perfect time to refine your family's packing strategy.

Below, we break down packing essentials by trip type, highlighting versatile items for beach getaways, compact gear for city adventures and must-haves for road trips or camping.

From travel-friendly strollers to snack ideas and entertainment options, we'll ensure you're prepared for any adventure.

Get ready to pack smarter and lighter without leaving behind the things that matter most.

Check it all out below.

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Beach vacation essentials

A beach trip is all about sun, sand and relaxation, but the right gear can make all the difference. Pack light yet efficiently to ensure the whole family enjoys their time by the shore.

Tips:

• Choose quick-dry materials for towels and clothing to minimize soggy messes.
• Use a mesh bag to easily shake off sand from toys and other items.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the environment.
• Bring an insulated cooler for cold snacks and drinks.
• Opt for a lightweight pop-up tent to create shade for naps and breaks.

Amazon

WEKAPO Beach Blanket

This blanket comes in various sizes and is water and sand-proof to help keep your area clean and comfortable.

• $28.98

• Amazon

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L.L. Bean

Kids' Sun-and-Surf Swim Shirt

A long-sleeved rash guard provides much-needed sun protection for kids and adults.

• $39.95

• L.L. Bean

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26% off

Amazon

Portal Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon

An all-terrain wagon is perfect for transporting all your beach gear.

• $94.99
• $129.99

• Amazon

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Amazon

Case-Mate Soap Bubble Waterproof Phone Pouch

This pouch protects your devices from sand and water while allowing touchscreen functionality.

• $19.99

• Amazon

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Amazon

WeeSprout 100% Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags

These keep snacks fresh and prevent sand from getting into your food.

• $9.98

• Amazon

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City adventure essentials

Exploring a city means lots of walking, navigating crowds and being prepared for different weather conditions. The key is packing compact, multi-use items to keep everyone comfortable.

Tips:

• Choose a lightweight stroller that folds easily for public transport.
• Pack a crossbody or anti-theft backpack to keep essentials safe.
• Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Have a lightweight rain jacket on hand in case of sudden showers.
• Use packing cubes to keep clothing and accessories organized.

Amazon

gb Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller

This stroller is lightweight and folds easily, making it ideal for navigating busy streets and public transportation.

• $108.99

• Amazon

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37% off

Amazon

JBL JR 460NC - Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Kids Headphones

These headphones help children manage sensory overload and stay entertained in noisy environments.

• $49.95
• $79.95

• Amazon

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32% off

Amazon

SABANI Portable Charger

A must-have to ensure your devices stay charged throughout the day while on the go. This one comes with four different built-in cables.

• $28.49
• $41.99

• Amazon

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40% off

Bloomingdale's

Echo Travel Wrap Set

This scarf can act as a cover-up, blanket or sunshade, making it a versatile travel accessory.

• $59.40
• $99

• Bloomingdale's

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Amazon

Foldable Shopping Bag

These convenient bags easily fit into your backpack and expand when needed for carrying souvenirs or snacks.

• $8.49

• Amazon

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Road trip essentials

Long hours in the car call for comfort, entertainment and plenty of snacks. Packing strategically helps keep everyone happy and engaged throughout the journey.

Tips:

• Organize a backseat travel station with activities, snacks, and essentials.
• Use a car seat travel tray to give kids a stable surface for activities.
• Pack a first-aid kit with travel sickness remedies and essentials.
• Bring pre-portioned snacks to reduce mess and make distribution easy.
• Download offline maps and playlists in case of limited connectivity.

Amazon

Car Seat Back Organizer Table Tray

This organizer keeps everything accessible for kids, reducing clutter in the car, and provides them with a convenient place to eat.

• $35.99

• Amazon

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Stanley

The AeroLight Transit Bottle, 16 Oz.

This bottle is compatible with car cup holders and is a great way to keep drinks hot or cold for long hours on the road.

• $30

• Stanley

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13% off

Amazon

Magnetic Travel Games

These games provide mess-free entertainment for kids and help pass the time.

• $25.99
• $29.99

• Amazon

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Walmart

Fanttik Slim Cordless Car Vacuum

A compact vacuum that helps keep crumbs and dirt under control in the vehicle is a must-have on long road trips.

• $99.99

• Walmart

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Amazon

Car Sun Shade

These shades provide sun protection and help create a better environment for naps during the trip, and even have handy storage pockets.

• $14.99

• Amazon

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Camping and outdoor adventure essentials

Camping with kids is all about preparation! Ensuring you have the right gear for sleeping, cooking and safety makes for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Tips:

• Choose lightweight, easy-to-assemble tents for quick setup.
• Pack layering clothes for unpredictable outdoor temperatures.
• Bring kid-friendly flashlights or headlamps for nighttime adventures.
• Use collapsible kitchenware to save space.
• Prepare a family-friendly first-aid kit with bug spray, bandages and sunscreen.

REI

The North Face Wawona Bed 20 Sleeping Bag

These sleeping bags keep everyone warm and comfortable in different weather conditions.

• $130

• REI

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REI

Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One Pot 5-Piece Cookset

This space-saving cookware is easy to clean and perfect for campsite cooking.

• $179.95

• REI

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Amazon

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lanterns, 4-pack

A reliable light source that doesn't require batteries, making it ideal for camping trips. These lanterns are collapsible and rechargeable.

• $29.99

• Amazon

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Cliq

ClassiQ Chair

These chairs provide comfortable seating while being easy to transport. They fold up to the size of a water bottle!

• $109.99

• Cliq

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Amazon

CORE Straight Wall Cabin Tent

This is a spacious and easy-to-set-up tent that provides separate rooms for comfort and protection for the entire family during outdoor adventures.

• $349.99

• Amazon

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