If you know me, you know I am allll about not accumulating extra stuff. In this post, I’ll show you things that we truly love to take on trips, things we actually USE on trips, and things we miss when we forget to bring them. I hope you love it! Also, check out my “For the Traveler – Under $20” Guide and “For the Traveling Kids” Guide.

1. Air Fly Pro – On airlines that don’t have inflight entertainment built into the seat in front of you (I’m looking at you Southwest) – this is dead to you, but OH. MY. GOSH. If you’re tired of cords EVERYWHERE and you want to use your own bluetooth headphones, this is for you! Any frequent traveler will love this! Just connect your wireless headphones to the AirFly and never get tangled in cords again.
2. Speaking of wireless headphones – here are two pairs that I highly recommend – Sony WH Wireless Premium Noise Cancelling and Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds.
3. Anker Power Bank – It can be scary traveling with low battery power. We love our Anker power Bank to recharge all our devices on the go.
4. iWalk Portable Charger – As for ultra tiny and portable chargers, I love my iWalk. I’ve had it for years and love that I can just slip it in my pocket when I’m out and about!
5. Amazon Kindle – I used to be a physical book person and now I’m a never-physical book person. I LOVE the Kindle Paperwhite at all times, but especially when I travel. It has an excellent battery life. Did you know that the Kids Kindle Paperwhite is EXACTLY the same as the adult Paperwhite? The only difference is that the Kids Kindle comes with 6 Months of Amazon Kids and comes with a case.
6. Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder – it’s no secret that it is my favorite. For travel, they make travel packs! My favorite flavors Cherry Limeade (greens), Brownie Batter (protein powder), and pink burst (clear protein). Use code: AMBERONPOINTS year round to save you an extra 10%!
7. Beach Hat – It wraps up and velcro’s closed for ultra compact and easy packing!
8. Kindle Remote – I’ve given this as multiple lists and it’s on my own Christmas gifts. Just imagine laying in bed, Kindle propped up, hand under your pillow, remote in hand and not having to get your hand cold while you turn those pages. I know. Ultimate lazy device and seems like ultimate bliss.
9. Travel Adaptor Extension Cord – This is 100% my husband’s favorite discovery. He worked abroad for a month this summer and this allowed us to keep him plugged in while also charging all of our devices, simultaneously. So extremely helpful.
10. Smaller Travel Adaptor – This is what I prefer to take abroad because it is small and compact. Choose what adaptor you need most based on the number of devices you’re taking!
11. Flecks of Gold Journal – This is a one line a day journal where you just write down “one fleck of gold.” It’s your decision to pack it when you travel or to jot down a note on your phone – but I promise you – traveling with kids can be hard and sometimes you just need to remember a funny comment, a magic moment, or just special experience, without the overwhelm. This journal lasts 3 years. My favorite thing to do is to look at previous years when I write down the current days “fleck.” Use code: AMBERONPOINTS for 10% off (and an extra $5 during the holidays!).
12. Travel Backpack – This is my absolute favorite travel backpack. It’s affordable, has tons of pockets, and the smaller one can classify as a personal item for those Allegiant/Spirit type flights. It’s got tons of cute colors! Check it out!

Again – these are things I use and love from your minimal-ish travel friend.

1. iWalk Portable Charger – As for ultra tiny and portable chargers, I love my iWalk. I’ve had it for years and love that I can just slip it in my pocket when I’m out and about!
2. Sleep Mask – The ABSOLUTE best sleep mask. I love it because it has raised gel sides that keeps it from smashing your eyeballs. I use it on flights, on trains, and at home when I need a really solid nap.
3. Skip Ball – Kids and grownups alike will LOVE this Skip Ball. We love taking it to resorts and beach vacations. It provides us with hours of endless fun and is compact enough to pack.
4. Kindle Remote – I’ve given this as multiple lists and it’s on my own Christmas gifts. Just imagine laying in bed, Kindle propped up, hand under your pillow, remote in hand and not having to get your hand cold while you turn those pages. I know. Ultimate lazy device and seems like ultimate bliss.
5. Cosmetic Bag – I’ve taken this bag all over the world and used it for my own cosmetics and I can even fit all of my kids things in there as well. I love the compartments and love that it can hang behind a door or on a towel rack.
6. Magnetic Box – Seems simple enough. It is small enough for pills, bandaids, melatonin, hair ties, nail clippers, and more! I bring it along on every trip and keep it in my suitcase at all times.
7. Tiny Sound Machine – A sound machine with kids is a absolute must. This one is extremely affordable and compact! We even use it when traveling without kids so we can’t hear hotel doors slam.
8. Pop Up Hamper – I know. It’s odd. However, if you travel with one once (especially with a family), you will NEVER go back. It keeps you organized and just throw it back in your bag with dirty clothes in it at the end of a trip!
9. Laneige Lip Sleep Mask – I’m addicted to this at home and on the road. It’s a lip sleep mask, but in a tube form.
10. Packable Airplane Pillow – Sleep pillows have come a long way in the last few years. I love using this around my neck or lay it down on the tray table and it is sturdy enough to help me get a little snooze. It packs into an included pouch which I hook on to my back pack!
11. Cord Organizer – This is essential now days with all of the different cords that make a trip possible! It’s cheap and the perfect practical stocking stuffer. I even gave it as part of a favorite things gift last year.

We travel extremely minimal with our kids. These items and a little blanket or stuffie and our kids are good to go for a month away from home!

1. Kids Kindle Paperwhite – Note: this is not for viewing shows – this is for reading only! We link our Kindle to our Libby account and download free library books. GAME CHANGER. Never again will we have to pack multiple books on a trip. Did you know that the Kids Kindle Paperwhite is EXACTLY the same as the adult Paperwhite? The only difference is that the Kids Kindle comes with 6 Months of free Amazon Kids and comes with a case.
2. Compact Stroller – We traveled around Europe for a month with this stroller and it was good to us! We wanted a midrange stroller. We didn’t want to spend $400+ on a stroller that was going to get banged up on European streets and trains. This is perfect. It’s compact enough to fit in an airplane overhead compartment and folded up well to get in and out of metro stations!
3. Headphones – We are still in the young kids phase and aren’t quite ready to unload big money on headphones for our kids. These are durable and get the job done!
4. Kanoodle – This is a good, quiet, engaging solo player game. Because, sometimes, you don’t want to entertain your child. There. I said it.
5. Scratch N Play – We use this on road trips and airplanes. There are a few different games and all you need is a coin to scratch! They can play independently or together.
6. Zarbees Melatonin – This melatonin is safe for kids and helps our kids get sleep which is especially helpful on planes or when adjusting to new timezones! I’m all about the toothpaste and toothbrush stocking stuffers. Here’s another practical one to add to the mix.
7. Drawing Tablet – We use this on trips and also every week at church. Our kids never bore of it. Highly recommend!
8. Book light – When my kids do bring books, they love to pack this book light. It has a USB and can be recharged easily!
9. Skip Ball – Kids and grownups alike will LOVE this Skip Ball. We love taking it to resorts and beach vacations. It provides us with hours of endless fun and is compact enough to pack.
10. Hatch Sound Machine – We have used this sound machine for years. We love that it’s rechargeable and it puts off a good level of sound! I’m always surprised at how long the battery will last!

These travel items certainly make our life easier when we are on the road! I hope they help you as well! Now, get traveling (on points)!