What to Pack: 10 Must-Have Items for Flying Abroad with Children
September 24, 2025|Logistics, Travel
Traveling internationally with kids is equal parts exciting, rewarding and exhausting, but let’s be real, the packing can make or break your experience. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my list of essentials that not only keep my little ones happy but also make me feel put-together while navigating airports, planes, and hotels.
Here are my 10 must-have items for flying abroad with children (tested and approved by many red-eye flights, meltdowns, and magical adventures).
1. TUMI 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase
If you’ve ever wrestled with a flimsy suitcase mid-connection or dealt with a cracked shell after baggage claim, you’ll know why I consider a quality hard-shell suitcase a travel necessity. For me, the TUMI 19 Degree International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On has been a total game-changer. Plus, the compartments make organizing kids’ stuff a little less chaotic.
My favorite features of this suitcase are the wheels and all the internal compartments. The four dual-spinner wheels glide smoothly across airport floors, cobblestones, and even hotel carpets. When you’re juggling kids, strollers, and tote bags, having a suitcase that rolls easily with one hand is essential. Inside, you’ll find zippered compartments, compression straps, and a hanger bracket. I love that I can pack outfits separately for the kids on one side while keeping my essentials neat and wrinkle-free on the other.
The carry-on size is designed to meet most international airline requirements, which is key when flying abroad. No gate-check surprises! Plus, the TSA-approved locks give me peace of mind when we’re moving between airports, taxis, and hotels.
TUMI also offers repair services, which is huge for me. I’d rather invest once in a bag that can last for years than replace cheap suitcases every other trip.
The TUMI 19 Degree International Carry-On blends style, practicality, and durability. It’s a splurge, but one that pays for itself after just a couple of international family trips.
2. A Large Tote Bag
My personal splurge is the Saint Laurent “Icare” tote—oversized, chic, and surprisingly functional. On trips when I want something more practical or I don’t want to sport logo’s, I grab my classic Longchamp “La Pliage” tote. Honestly, you don’t have to go luxe here, a simple canvas tote will carry everything from snacks to spare outfits. We always tuck a few Hint Water bottles in ours too—no sugar, no mess, and the kids actually drink them.
3. Sunhat + SPF
The chic way to beat jet lag shadows? A fabulous sunhat. I adore Eugenia Kim’s visors and wide-brim hats for a feminine touch. For sunscreen, I rotate between Supergoop (reef-friendly and kid-safe) and DUNE Suncare. Both keep the whole family protected while still looking and feeling fresh. For carry-on packing, I keep a few travel-size kids sunscreens in my tote so we’re covered from the moment we land.
4. Yoto Player
The Yoto box is a sanity saver. It lets the kids listen to stories, music, or calming sounds without screens. Instead of zoning out on a tablet, my kids get to engage their imagination while listening to audiobooks, music, or podcasts. Whether it’s Winnie-the-Pooh for my youngest or Magic Tree House adventures for my oldest, the Yoto keeps them entertained without the blue light overstimulation that often makes jet lag worse.
We like the Yoto Mini which is about as tall as the original iPod and is perfect for slipping into a carry-on tote or even a kid’s backpack. The battery life is impressive too (up to 14 hours), which means it lasts through long-haul flights, layovers, and bedtime routines abroad.
The Yoto Mini isn’t just for entertainment, it doubles as a nightlight and white noise machine. Having familiar bedtime sounds or lullabies makes hotel rooms and Airbnbs feel more like home, this is a lifesaver when dealing with jet lag and new environments.
Because both of my kids have their own Minis, there’s no fighting over who gets to pick the story. Headphones plug in easily, so they can listen privately without disturbing other passengers (or each other)!
5. Diaper Wipes + Antibacterial Wipes
Even now that we’re past the diaper stage, I never travel without wipes. We used to subscribe to Hello Bello, and their packs are still my go-to for sticky fingers, spilled juice, or cleaning airplane trays.
6. Cozy Blanket
Planes are freezing, hotels are unpredictable, and kids crave comfort. I love SandCloud’s blankets because they are lightweight, beautiful, and soft enough that even my husband sneaks one for himself. Bringing your own blanket instantly makes travel feel less stressful.
7. USB / USB-C Multi-Port Charger Block
Between iPads, headphones, phones, and cameras, one port is never enough. A multi-port charging block means everyone’s devices stay powered—without the family squabbles. For lighter travel days, a slim portable charger in your carry-on is a lifesaver too.
8. Travel Insurance
Not glamorous, but non-negotiable. Flights get canceled, luggage gets lost, and kids get sick. Having travel insurance has saved us more than once, and it’s something I’ll never travel abroad without. I like Ekta because it’s quick and easy to sign up (very helpful since I’m usually getting insurance the week before we leave) and there are no hidden restrictions. Everything is upfront and I can sign up with confidence.
A few years ago, a very close family member of mine passed away while I was traveling with my family. We were on our way to Jamaica but stopped in Atlanta for a college graduation ceremony. When I heard the news, I immediately had to change our travel arrangements and fly home. I’m thankful we had travel insurance because we were able to reschedule everything and travel to Jamaica later in the year.
9. Packing Cubes
If there’s one organizational hack I swear by, it’s packing cubes. I use the Shacke Premium 5-piece set and bought a different color for each family member. They make unpacking at your destination (and keeping kids’ clothes separate) unbelievably easy.
10. Laundry Bag
Dirty clothes pile up fast when traveling with children. I still use my prep-school issued laundry bag (nostalgia!), but Eric swears by the REI Co-op Laundry Pack. Either way, having a designated bag keeps your suitcase from turning into a chaos zone.
Packing for international travel with kids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. For the bigger picture on navigating international trips with little ones, read what I’ve learned from years of traveling internationally with young children. These 10 essentials cover both the practical and the sanity-saving items you’ll be grateful for once you’re on the go. Whether you’re a luxe-leaning traveler or prefer simple staples, the key is finding items that make you feel confident, organized, and ready for adventure—because when the parents are calm, the whole trip runs smoother. Bon Voyage!
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