Our Favorite Travel Essentials
Although fall is peeking out over the horizon, there is still time left for one last summer getaway. Here are some of our favorite practical- and fun- travel items for that last hurrah of summer!
OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS
Yes, technically it’s a fan, but really it’s so much more. It also doubles (triples?) as a flashlight and a power bank. Great to take when you’re headed to a theme park or a nature walk, it’s also in our hurricane kit and comes in handy when the power goes out! If you are looking for a hands-free option to keep you cool in the great outdoors, try this neckfan.
My personal quest to find the perfect crossbody bag began when I took my dog on a walk to the park and ended up having to carry him AND my water bottle AND his water bottle halfway home. (Pomeranians- IYKYK) After trying several options, I have to say this one comes pretty close. It’s the perfect size- able to hold quite a bit without being too bulky and there are pockets for DAYS. My biggest test for a crossbody bag is how it handles a water bottle and this one held it securely without unbalancing the bag too much or feeling like it was going to fall out.
Smaller than a notebook when folded, this umbrella is easy to carry in a crossbody bag or even a fanny pack. They also come in so many cute colors, each child or family member can have one in “their” color!
ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
I’m sure it’s an occupational hazard of having teenagers, but everyone always seems to need to charge their devices at the Exact. Same. Time. What I love about this adapter is that it comes with two retractable charging cables, as well as ports for USB-C and USB-A adapters. Chargers for everyone!
I love a good backseat organizer because, let’s face it, what comes into the car will most likely end up on the ground otherwise. My favorite feature of this one, however, is the tray! It also has a handy tablet pocket for watching VeggieTales handsfree en route to your destination.
I don’t know who invented this stuff, but they definitely deserve a prize. Essentially it’s slime that can pick up all the little bits and crumbs that fall into your dashboard, but without sticking to your hands or leaving a sticky residue. Bonus- it’s the only slime I let my kids play with for the same reason.
PLANNING ON-THE-GO
This case doubles as an organizer, so it makes it easy to transition from planning at my desk to planning at the coffee shop and everywhere in between. The key feature here is the size- it’s big enough to handle a decent amount of supplies, yet small enough to toss in your bag.
Alternatively, if you just wanted to keep a few pens and highlighters with you at all times, this discbound planer pouch is ideal for keeping the essentials at hand. It’s made to snap right to the front of your discbound planner, eliminating that frantic search for a pen at the bottom of your purse. If discs aren’t your thing, this adorable elastic pencil pencil pouch provides the same functionality for non-discbound planners.
Multifunctional Frixion Pen with Refills
My inner 12-year-old might have freaked out a little when I first came upon this pen. Reminiscent of the pens that were all the rage in middle school, this new and improved version is of the Frixion variety, making it erasable. I also love that it comes with refills so that you don’t lose functionality if one color runs out before the rest.
And there you have it! What’s on your list? Which ones did we miss? Share in the comments below!
Stephanie is a writer, creator, and social butterfly. She is also a wife to a pretty cool husband and homeschool mom of three spunky girls. She loves to learn and talk about ALL THE THINGS, especially homeschooling, theology, and reading. You can often find her in our Anchored Women Mighty Networks community, asking life changing questions (coffee or tea?) or hosting our monthly book club discussions.