Preparing for the bustling airport, the excited chatter of little voices, and a family on a mission to unlock the secrets of Portugal. What’s the secret sauce that made our journey to our new home super simple? It’s not magic, it’s our travel gear! Buckle up as we spill the beans on the must-haves that transformed our family adventure.

Family Airplane Travel
Family Travel Gear

Our Top Travel Essentials

Embarking on a family journey requires meticulous planning, and the right gear can make or break the experience. Here’s our family’s arsenal for heading to Portugal:

Carry-On’s for Kids

Traveling with little ones can be an adventure in itself, but the right carry-on items can turn a potential ordeal into a breeze. Here’s what we look for:

  • Light weight: Something the kids can easily lift onto the security belt and maneuver on their own.
  • Easy to Roll: Need storage be able to roll over transitions inside and outside the airport.
  • Fun Colors or Designs: The kids really like the bright colors and its easy to spot or bags.
  • Expandable: They want to come home with a few souvenirs, so having available space is key.

Here’s the Kids Carry-on Luggage HERE 15% at Checkout Use Code WITHTHEBLINKS

carry-on luggage for kids
carry-on luggage for family travel
expandable luggage for kids

Backpacks for Kids

Kids’ backpacks aren’t just about style, they need to be practical and comfortable for little shoulders. Here’s what we considered when selecting backpacks for our young explorers:

  • Adjustable Straps: Ensuring a snug fit with padded shoulder straps for added comfort.
  • Water Bottle Holder: A designated space for a water bottle is very important to us.
  • Fun Colors: Choosing backpacks with vibrant colors is a must for our girls.
  • Multiple Compartments: Handy pockets and compartments help keep their belongings organized, making it easy for them to access toys, snacks, or a small travel journal.
  • Durability: Opting for sturdy materials to withstand the inevitable wear and tear of kid adventures.

Here’s the Backpacks we are currently using HERE: 15% at Checkout Use Code WITHTHEBLINKS

backpacks for family travel
backpacks for laptops
backpacks for kids

Check-in Luggage for All

The check-in process can be a potential stressor, but with some strategic planning, it becomes a smooth operation:

  • Light weight Design: The bag itself only weighs eight pounds, which means you can pack more.
  • Perfect Size: Not. too large that you can get out of hand and go over weight limits.
  • Durable Shell: Made with recycled materials, this luggage has held its own.
  • Expandable: Grateful for the extra inches we get when unzipping the expandable feature.

Here’s our favorite Checked Luggage for the Family HERE: 15% at Checkout Use Code WITHTHEBLINKS

checked luggage for families
locked luggage for family trips
large luggage for family travel

Backpacks for Adults

Adults need reliable and stylish backpacks that can handle the demands of travel. Here are the things that we look for when we chose ours:

  • Laptop Compartment: For business trips or digital nomads, a designated laptop compartment keeps your tech safe and easily accessible.
  • Ergonomic Design: Padded shoulder straps, a breathable back panel, and a waist strap contribute to comfort during long walks or city explorations.
  • Built-in Packing Cube: Makes its super easy to fit all my clothes.
  • Built-in Toiletry Pocket: Keeps wet items form spilling and separate form the dry.
  • High Capacity: Love that I can fit as much as a carry-on luggage.
  • Easy-Access Pockets: Keeps me really organized and hands-free.

Here’s my Husband’s Favorite Travel Backpack HERE

Here’s My Favorite Travel Backpack HERE

Travel-Friendly Tech Gadgets

In the digital age, having the right tech gadgets can enhance the travel experience. Here are our must-haves:

  • Portable Charger: A reliable power bank ensures your devices stay charged, especially during long flights or days spent exploring without access to outlets.
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones: Transform a noisy airplane or busy city street into a peaceful oasis with these travel-friendly headphones.
  • Smartphone Gimbal: Capture stunning travel moments with ease, whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just want to document your journey.
  • Universal Travel Adapters: A single adapter that works in various countries eliminates the stress of finding the right plug for your devices. Be sure you also have one that is a Voltage Converter and steps down from 220V to 110V for your hair devices.
  • E-Reader or Tablet: Carrying a library in your bag not only saves space but also provides entertainment during downtime.
Family Travel Voltage Converter
Noise Canceling Headphones for Travel
Travel Smartphone Gimbal

My Favorite Charging Bank HERE     My Favorite Headphones HERE

Our Favorite Smartphone Gimbal HERE    Our Favorite Travel Adapter HERE

Our Go To Travel Voltage Converter HERE  Our Kids Favorite E-Readers HERE

Packing Essentials

Efficient packing is an art, and having the right essentials can make the process seamless:

  • Vacuum Bags: It’s essential to be able to pack large and bulky items in a condensed way.
  • Compression Packing Cubes: Keep your clothes organized and save space in your suitcase with these handy cubes.
  • Travel-Sized Toiletries: Opting for compact toiletries not only saves space but also ensures compliance with airline regulations. Check out our Best Travel Containers HERE
  • Reusable Travel Containers: Collapsible or reusable bottles that you can fill with shampoo, etc.
  • Rolling Clothing Rack: This is essential in the packing process to stay organized./

Here’s some of our Favorite Packing Cubes HERE

My Favorite Travel Electronics Organizer HERE  Packing Cubes + Laundry Bags HERE

My favorite affordable packing cubes

Check our our Full Travel Must Haves Post HERE

Our Travel Gear Selection

Choosing the right travel gear involves a delicate balance between practicality and necessity. Our mantra? Pack light, but pack smart. From our folding techniques to multifunctional clothing, discover how we streamlined our packing process.

@mrsblinks A “pack with me” like I’ve never done before 😅 I’m not sure how I feel about it. #packwithme #travelfamily #movetoportugal ♬ Dream Away – Ramol

FAQ: Addressing Your Burning Questions

Q: What do you do about vacuuming the bags when you leave the destination?

A: Good question! We have a travel pump for the vacuum bags, but sometimes we use the vacuum at the AirBnB or ask the hotel staff to use one from the cleaning staff.

Q: What are your tips for packing toiletry items?

A: I like to take a few smaller toiletry bags, instead of one medium or larger one. It really helps with packing, as they are easier to move around empty space. I pack these in my backpack or carry-on so that they are easily accessible.

What’s Your Ultimate Family Travel Essential?

We’ve spilled our family travel gear secrets, and now it’s your turn! What’s the one item you can’t imagine traveling without? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s build a community of savvy family travelers! Connect with us on Instagram HERE

Planning to travel around Portugal? Here are some of our best tips and info:

Here’s some other useful Travel Gear Posts for you to check out:

The Best Travel Strollers for Europe
Best Travel Camera Equipment for Family Trips
Our Top 6 Favorite Travel Credit Cards
The Best Travel Bags on Amazon
A Guide to Digital Nomad Visas for Families