8 Travel Must-Haves plus the Way I Keep My Family Organized with One App!

We travel quite a bit.  I, Michelle, am more of a planner- Vanessa is on the opposite spectrum. 


First thing is first.  A plan.  I never travel without using my planner/organizer.  I've tried expensive planners, free printables online, calendars offered through email and nothing seemed to get me the results I wanted until a friend told me about Cozi. I think Cozi will have to be it's own blog post about how I use it.  For now, just know this is how I make my lists of what to pack and our itinerary so I don't forget anything!

Below are the 8 things I never leave the house without:

1.  Tote Organizer!

Now that my children are a little older I think that this first organizer from Amazon is great, super affordable and fits perfectly in my Louis Vuitton MM tote.  See Amazon link below.  I still use the LongChamp 'Large Le Pliage' Tote.  I LOVE it.  Why? It's versatile yet still stylish for this mom on the go.  The inside is a plastic material which is convenient when traveling with kids since things tend to spill-makes for an easy clean up!  As much as I liked using this tote, something was missing that I have a true passion for: organization.  I was constantly losing items, getting frustrated and starting to not love my tote as much UNTIL I ran across this company called Tote Savvy. *Now my caution is that this organizer, TO ME, is better if you have babies.  As a dedicated planner and organizer at first it was hard to get adjusted to this concept and decide what went in which pocket.  After a few road trips and months of using it I can finally say that I recommend it if you have small babies!
See amazon link here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GH2WLFF/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_i_61b1EbZBBPZZX





2.  Water Bottles and Snacks

I love using Hydroflask in general, but their bottles are a little heavy to carry when traveling.  You can purchase these direct from their website.

For every day use or if you are traveling by car, the best water bottle for kids is the camelback waterbottle, my caution when flying is to make sure it is EMPTY, something about the air pressure makes it leak! (This is where Hydroflask comes to the rescue).  Plus, Hydroflask keeps your drink cold.  It's really all about preference.

Essential snack for me:  Verb energy bars! These are tiny, filling, and give you the perfect amount of energy (you don't get shaky because its made with green tea!).

I recently tried out the GoBe snack case.  I liked it, but I didn't love it.  It seemed like my kids did not get full off of the amount that each snack compartment held.  Best snacks for kids:  Bananas, fruit snacks, granola bars, and goldfish.



3.  Kid Travel Bags!

I use these cute bags from the Etsy shop called:  Petunias.  She makes these amazing Icky bags! They are personalized and the inside is lined with a waterproof liner!  They are mildew proof and waterproof, win-win for this mom! I simply pack each child's outfit and snacks in each bag.  I have the "Icky Bag" size, which is the medium sized bag.  Fits everything I need.

4.  Packing Cubes

These are a game changer! I have my clothes put into these packing cubes, all of my pjs are in one cube, my going out outfits in another, etc.  So once we get to a hotel, it's so easy for me to get ready and move on with our plans.  Now, if you have kids, the easiest thing to do is to pack their entire outfit (especially if you have a little girl- I include matching socks, bows, EVERYTHING) in one gallon sized ziploc bag.  I also usually label it either beach outfit, picture outfit, day 1, whatever the trip may be.  That way, when I'm getting ready and my husband or mom come to help me get the kids ready, I can just say grab the bag that says, "xyz" and they know exactly what to do to help me!
Here is the link to Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0779X1345/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_apip_ZHw1UfSBPR3HQ

5.  Clear Toiletry Bags

I like this clear bag from Amazon, it is large enough so everything below fits.  I usually keep 2 of everything so I have my travel bag ready to go!  Take as much travel size as you can.  Most of my beauty products come from Vanessa's recommendations.  We will tag those as more posts come up!

Here is the link to Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZQC0AS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


6.  Travalo


With this you can add your favorite perfume into a mini spray perfume bottle.  This is super handy and it's easy to use.

Here is the link to Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Travalo-Refillable-Fragrance-Atomizer-Purple/dp/B00DFDKXEM?th=1&psc=1



7.  Dry Shampoo

Dry Shampoo is a must! There are a ton of brands these days but our favorite is the Living Proof one! It lasts all day, keeps your hair flowy & fresh (you can run your fingers through your hair) and they have a travel size! You can buy this at Ulta!


8. Samsonite Hard Case Suitcases
These are awesome and so durable! You can usually find these are Home Goods or TJ Maxx.  I have also found these at Zulily.  The only caution with Zulily is that it takes FOREVER to ship, so plan ahead!



I hope this helped and gave you some ideas on how to make traveling easier, especially with kids!




















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