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1. CHARGERS FOR ALL DEVICES
We recommend taking power cords for each device you need and a portable charger to keep your devices all charged up while en route. If you are traveling abroad, you'll also want to make sure you take an outlet converter (or all those chargers will be useless)!
This all-in-one foldable travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch & Airpods!
✔PRO TIP: Make sure you grab your free packing checklist! It has everything you'll need in an easy-to-use PDF checklist that you can use over & over!
This portable charger power bank. It provides 2.25 charges for iPhone 12, 1.6 charges for Galaxy S20 and 1.2 charges for iPad mini 5!
This international travel adapter/power converter. It has you covered almost anywhere you go! We love this one because it works for all sorts of devices and small appliances such as curling irons (which many on the market do not).
2. SUNSCREEN
It doesn't matter if you are headed to the beach or the mountains…in winter or summer, sunscreen is a must. Unfortunately, it's also one of those items that we often overlook. Make sure you get reef-safe sunscreen if you are headed to the beach.
This one is our all-time favorite! It feels so light, you'll barely even know you have it on! It's pricey, so you might just want to use this one on your face & neck. It comes in colorless or tinted.
This is our favorite for kids! It's easy to spray all over them & even sticks to them right out of the pool.
This is our top choice for reef-safe sunscreens. If you're headed to the beach, you'll want this one to protect the coral & other aquatic life for generations to come.
3. AIRPODS/HEADPHONES (aka – peace & quiet)
If you've ever tried to sleep on a noisy flight or car ride, you know how important it is to have a way to block it all out.
Airpods are our top choice because we love ours & they are so highly rated & reviewed! Plus they are the perfect size for traveling!
These are our pick for noise-canceling headphones (when you REALLY want some quiet)! They are super-stylish and they fold up nicely so they are less bulky than other options.
4. TRAVEL INSURANCE
The best travel insurance is the kind you never have to use. But, if you need medical attention (especially while out of the country) or have expensive travel interruptions, you'll be so glad you had it!
This is our top pick for the best overall travel insurance. It's one of the least expensive options you'll find (starting at $42 for 4 weeks of coverage) & covers medical emergencies and basic travel delays & interruptions (like lost luggage). As with any insurance, it doesn't cover everything, so always read the fine print.
5. REALLY COMFORTABLE SHOES
You will likely do a good amount of walking and/or standing no matter where you are headed. Having the perfect comfy shoes will keep you going and your feet happy!
Brooks Ghost 14 is one of the most comfortable shoes you'll find anywhere. They even made our top pick in our article Top 10 Best Shoes For Walking On Concrete. They are super-comfy, come in a bunch of colors, and come in both MEN & WOMEN‘s sizes.
Editor's note: Jody here! I personally love these so much, I have four pair (and counting)
Want to see ALL the things you should pack for your next trip? Check out my ‘What To Pack' page where you can grab your FREE packing checklist for families & see my personal recommendations.
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.
My Favorite Travel Booking Apps & Websites
⭐MY TRAVEL OBSESSION:
- Products & Services – My Travel Obsession's travel planning products, services, and freebies!
- What To Pack – See all of my personal favorite travel items.
- Travel Resources – Resources that I use most when planning, booking & traveling.
🏡FOR FINDING GREAT PLACES TO STAY:
- VRBO – My #1 recommendation for family-friendly lodging options.
- Expedia – My favorite for hotel bookings.
🚗FOR CAR & RV RENTALS:
- Discover Cars & Sixt – My favorite sites for rental cars worldwide.
- Turo.com – Rent a car from an individual owner – It's like VRBO for cars!
- RVShare – Rent an RV for your next family road trip!
🚁FOR ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS, & TOURS:
- Viator & Get Your Guide – The best sites to find and book activities & excursions.
- Gypsy Guide – An AWESOME audio tour app. ALWAYS check to see if they have a tour available.
🩺FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- SafetyWing – The lowest-cost travel insurance out there. Several options starting as low as $42 for 4 weeks of coverage.
✈FOR FINDING GREAT FLIGHT DEALS:
- Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) – My #1 recommendation for saving big $$$ on flights. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.
🥾FOR HIKING:
- AllTrails – THE APP for hikers. I recommend paying for the pro version so you can use the navigation feature while hiking.
Once you're done here, head to the homepage to explore or jump to one of these categories: Texas Travel ~ US Travel ~ International Travel ~ Travel Tips & Tricks ~ Travel Gear & Gadgets ~ What To Pack ~ Travel Planning ~ Shop