5 Essentials to Pack for EVERY Family Trip (Plus How to Get the Most From Them)

Hitting the road with your family is a great way to bond, make memories and escape the daily grind of school and work.

It's also an experience that can be stressful if you aren't prepared. With the help of the following essentials, your next trip will be a smash hit rather than a damp squib!

Charging cables & power banks: Make sure they're accessible & compatible

Adults and kids alike won't last long on journeys without access to their battery-powered gadgets, and you don't want to be reliant on having guaranteed access to mains power at all times.

That's why power banks and high quality charging cables are a must-have combo, whether you're traveling by road, rail, air or public transportation.

Most importantly, keep them easily accessible in hand luggage, and ensure that they're compatible with the devices you've brought with you. If you're heading overseas, a travel adapter which works with other wall socket standards is a vital accessory as well.

Headphones: Bring wired backups

Wireless headphones are all the rage, and a Bluetooth speaker can be a blessing when you want to party with your family in the wilderness. However, you need to be aware of how easy it is to lose these items when you're on the move, and have a secondary solution to ensure you can enjoy audio in a pinch.

If your smartphone or tablet supports wired headphones, whether via a 3.5mm jack or a USB-C adapter, snap up a cheap pair and pop them in your suitcase. You'll be thankful if your main wireless set goes walkabouts.

Your credit card: Use one which offers a great cashback deal

If you're looking for a great way to pay for products and services on a family trip, try SoFi's credit card packages.

With the right deal you'll be able to earn cashback on purchases you make, meaning you can make the cost of a family trip more manageable.

Also remember to consider whether you'll face any charges for using your card abroad. The best providers make this affordable, and are transparent regarding any fees they impose on customers.

Toiletries: Prioritize protection over cosmetics

Families rarely travel light, and the selection of toiletries you take with you might be extensive, especially if your children are young.

If you don't have a huge amount of space available to play with, putting products which offer protection and hygiene benefits at the top of the agenda is better than focusing on luxuries.

For instance, you need highly rated sunscreen to shield your skin from harsh UV rays, and it's also wise to add hand sanitizer to your luggage, along with painkillers that are appropriate for treating any aches and pains that might crop up en route.

Reusable water bottles: Top them up tactically

Hydration is another often overlooked part of a family trip, and the temptation is to simply settle for whatever sugary soda is available during any stops.

This isn't the healthiest or the most affordable option, so instead you need to bring reusable water bottles with you so that no one goes thirsty.

Remember to top them up at public fountains whenever you get the chance, whether or not they are empty. That way you won't get caught short, especially in hotter weather.

Key takeaways

These are just some of the essentials that will make a difference on your next family trip. Think about what your own clan needs carefully and adjust your inventory accordingly to get the best results when traveling.