Whether it’s a quick weekend road trip to Tagaytay or your family’s first flight abroad, traveling with kids requires a whole new level of planning. While it’s tempting to overpack, experienced moms know it’s not about bringing everything.

We asked a few of these well-traveled moms to share their must-haves when traveling with children. Here are the items they never leave home without—and how these essentials help make their trips easier and more enjoyable for everyone.

1. A small set of playing cards is always useful for the whole family. We play Go Fish or Speed together, and I play Solitaire, Pusoy Dos, or Tong-Its with my husband.

2. A portable soft lunch bag, retractable snack container, camp utensils, and a small ceramic knife all come in handy for grocery-bought snacks and fruits—or for packing leftovers after dining out.

3. I used to travel without a tripod and Bluetooth clicker and regretted it. They make it so much easier to take decent family photos.

The key is to travel with as few items—and as light—as possible. Less is more. The adventure lies in making it work.

1. One sound toy and my baby’s favorite book, “Good Night Moon.” Babies don’t need toys to stay entertained—they’ll happily play with anything from crumpled paper to grass or a plastic cup. A toy or book mainly offers comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar setting.

2. I love the Liewood Jordi sound machine I bought in Paris. The volume is safely set for babies’ ears, unlike phones or regular speakers, which can be harmful. It’s consistent and backed by science, so I don’t have to overthink sleep playlists. Tavi’s sleep soundtrack sounds like a spa—even in a hotel room, it works like a charm.

3. Sunblock and a large picnic mat are must-haves for us. We take any chance for a picnic or a swim. I want my kids to roam freely, roll in the mud, walk barefoot on the grass, and be spontaneous enough to jump into a pool or the ocean without much fuss. It’s probably the one thing we do consistently, no matter where we are in the world. We’re not big on dining in restaurants—I prefer picking up good food or doing a quick grocery run and enjoying it outdoors. It’s easier, cheaper, and far more relaxed.

4. I’ve bought my share of expensive, stylish baby bags—but now I swear by a ₱350 structured transparent one I found online. It lets me see everything at a glance and makes travel so much simpler.

1. The Jisulife stroller fan rotates, detaches, and has a powerful turbo jet. It’s perfect for impatient toddlers—whether you're cooling down hot food, inflating floaties, or just dealing with the heat.

2. Pouf Zips are my go-to for packing toys, medicine, and all the little essentials. They make packing and finding things so much easier.

3. The Skip Hop Snack Cup helps prevent spills and comes with a lid to keep everything sealed and clean. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

1. Lucas Papaw Ointment is a lifesaver we discovered while living in Australia when the kids were toddlers. This topical ointment works wonders for dry lips, cuts, scratches, insect bites, heat rash, mild sunburn, skin cracking, nappy rash, chafing, and more. It’s compact, handy, and perfect for the whole family.

2. A hot water bottle bag is great for soothing discomfort—especially for kids with sore tummies, tired backs or legs, or when they feel cold. They come in cute designs, too!

3. Berocca is our go-to vitamin boost while traveling. It contains vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D to support immunity when we’re most vulnerable to bugs. It has no added sugar, and the refreshing orange flavor is a hit even with the kids.

1. Small, secure cross-body bags for kids are perfect for holding essentials like photocopies of passports, printed emergency contacts, hotel calling cards with room numbers, local currency, plus $100 in small bills, and an AirTag tracker—just in case (though thankfully, we’ve never needed it). Each child wears their bag wherever we go. It’s an extra layer of safety that keeps kids secure and eases parental worry, giving everyone peace of mind while on the move.

2. A GPS-enabled smartwatch by myFirst tracks your child’s location and allows them to call you directly. It’s the classic “better to have it and not need it” gadget that provides real peace of mind, especially when kids need to use the restroom and you’re waiting outside.

3. Versatile, packable outerwear that works both as rain protection and an extra layer of warmth. Since many destinations come with unexpected showers or cooler indoor temperatures, a reliable waterproof jacket—like those from Aigle or The North Face—is a must-have. Practical and adaptable, these jackets are true travel essentials.