Travelling with Kids: 33 Things Parents Wished They Packed (But Forgot)

Travelling with kids isn’t so much a holiday as it is a full-scale operation. Between nappies, wipes, bottles, snacks, and emergency changes of clothes, it feels like you’re relocating every time you walk out the door. And yet, no matter how organised you are, travelling with kids in tow means there’s always something you wish you’d packed.

And speaking of things you don’t want to forget, we’ve teamed up with Travel Insurance Direct (TID) to give four lucky Mum Central readers the chance to win a $250 travel eGift Card each. Yep, that’s $250 each towards hotels, flights, experiences, even a cheeky IKEA shop. More on that at the end (because you’ll want to be in on it).

But for now, let’s get into the cheeky list of comfort items and hacks parents always wish they’d brought along, so you can avoid that dreaded “where’s the dummy?!” moment and actually enjoy your trip.

33 Things Parents Wish They’d Packed (But Forgot)

The Emergency Kit You’ll Thank Yourself For

Every parent has had that moment. Your toddler has a fever at midnight in a hotel room, or someone scrapes a knee at the airport.

• A MINI EMERGENCY KIT in your hand luggage is the holy grail. Think Panadol, band-aids, wipes, and a spare set of undies (for the kids and you). Keep it separate from your checked bags, and you’ll never have that cold-sweat panic again.
• BABY WIPES are a travel essential, not just if you have babies and toddlers, but just as handy for sticky fingers or a quick freshen-up in hot climates when you need to feel human again!
• CHAPSTICK & LIP BALM: Air travel and hot sun are brutal on skin and lips, both yours and the kids’. Keep a chapstick or lip balm handy to keep your lips hydrated and avoid dry cracks that can turn into painful ulcers or cold sores later.

Comfort is King (or Queen)

You know what no one ever regrets? Packing comfort items.

• A LIGHT CARDIGAN might be a random thought if you’re heading to the hot tropics; however, planes get cold, and sometimes so do the evenings and air-conditioned spaces.
• TRAVEL ACCESSORIES, including neck pillows, earplugs, or eye masks for long trips. Nobody wants to wake up with a crooked neck or keep getting woken up every 5 minutes.
• SWIM COVER: Towelling ponchos and covers are perfect for soggy post-swim tantrums; having that extra layer can turn a disaster into a cuddle.
• DUMMIES are a non-negotiable for many, but don’t forget to always bring extra dummies as you won’t know what’s available at your destination, and this could end in tears (literally!)
• COMFORT BLANKIE: One forgotten “snuggle buddy” is the fast track to a holiday horror story.
• BABY CARRIERS are non-negotiable if you’re travelling with babies or infants. It saves your arms, helps bub drift off, and gives you the freedom to move. Use it on the plane, while touring around, or to free your hands as you go!

Snacks Save Holidays

If you’ve ever forked out $18 for an airport sandwich your child refused to eat, you’ll know why snacks are non-negotiable. Having food on hand kills boredom, distracts from mid-flight meltdowns, and saves your wallet.

• ZIP LOCK BAGS & SMALL CONTAINERS will come in so handy when you’re on the run or trying to divvy up snacks from larger packets for daily outings. Raid the breakfast buffet for muffins, cereal, and fruit (we won’t tell).
• INSULATED WATER BOTTLES for hydration on long journeys or days out, not only keep your drinks cold but save you a packet on buying everyone drinks on the go!

Organisation = Sanity

This is where hacks make or break your trip.

• PACKING CUBES are a lifesaver! Separate everyone’s clothes by day or person so you’re not digging for pyjamas at midnight.
• AUSTRALIAN EXTENSION POWER BOARD with a travel adaptor works a treat, so you can plug in your electrical items without needing to stock up of international adaptors for every power point! It really does work a treat!
• CHARGING CABLES are a must – the more the merrier! Planes have USB charging points now, as do most hotel room power points, so be sure to bring as many as you will need (and don’t forget the charging plugs too for a faster charge).
• MULTI USB-HUB  (one plug, all the gadgets sorted).
• BATTERY PACKS are a non-negotiable when you’re on the go and have kids on devices! Plus, taking pics and videos of your adventures can cause your phone’s battery to drop pretty quickly. Always pays to be prepared, but be sure to pack in your carry-on, not your main luggage!
• HEADPHONES: Nobody wants to listen to someone else’s soundtrack while they’re trying to enjoy their own movie or game. Don’t forget the small adaptors if you’re an iPhone user, the latest models don’t have the 3.5mm round plug anymore!
• ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS: Pack a handful of small “new” activities for each child to pull out the moment boredom kicks in. Make sure the kids haven’t seen them before and avoid anything messy or full of tiny pieces. Suggestions include mini tubs of play dough, pocket-sized LEGO kits, little puzzles, sticker books, fidget toys and storybooks.
• SUNGLASSES, SUNSCREEN, HATS & AFTER SUN CARE: Often overlooked but essential for sunny destinations. Don’t spend your holiday spending money buying things you already have at home! Nobody wants to bring home sunburn as a souvenir of their holiday!

Tiny Things, Big Wins

Here’s where the real parent magic happens. Small, easy wins that feel like absolute genius when the chaos hits.

• PLASTIC BAGS for wet or dirty/messy clothes, and saves them from infiltrating the rest of your luggage!
• DUCT TAPE & SAFETY PINS to fix broken zips, patch toys, even save a shoe!
• HAND HELD SCALES help you quickly pack your bags to the airline’s weight requirements without having to juggle your contents between bags in front of the whole check-in queue.  They’re cheap, take up no space and give you peace of mind for a smooth airport experience.
• MEDICATION & PRESCRIPTIONS: If you are on controlled prescription medication (for ADHD, etc) customs can be strict about letting it into their country.  Be sure to have a letter from your GP/Paediatrician stating travel dates to ensure it will be approved or you might have to forfeit it at the border! Plus, if you lose your medication and it’s critical, you can use this to get some from a local doctor at your destination.
• A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT, TRAVEL DOCS, & BIRTH CERTIFICATE stored in a plastic folder and in your carry-on (not your main luggage) will be a saviour if you lose your docs or need them urgently.

Don’t Forget to Consider Travel Insurance (and Our Giveaway!)

One last thing you might want to consider before you pack your bags: Travel insurance. Honestly, travel can be unpredictable, no matter how careful you are, things might not always go to plan, so consider choosing the correct travel insurance plan for you and your family so you can focus on the fun.

While planning a family holiday can feel like a juggling act, booking your cover doesn’t need to be stressful. Travel Insurance Direct (TID) has been helping Aussie families travel with confidence for more than 10 years.

Whether you’re sipping on coconuts by the pool in Bali or chasing sunshine closer to home on the Gold Coast, TID can offer cover for~:

✓  KIDS GO FREE: Add your children to your plan at no extra cost^
✓  UNLIMITED † OVERSEAS MEDICAL COVER:  International plans include unlimited † overseas medical, hospital and ambulance bills, plus some COVID-19 cover
✓ COVER FOR CRUISING INCLUDED AUTOMATICALLY: No extra premiums needed
✓  PROTECTION FOR YOUR BELONGINGS: From lost luggage to damaged prams and strollers

Don’t forget to consider packing TID so you can make your trip a TID special and enjoy every moment.

Mum Central readers can SAVE 15% on their policy using CODE 15MUM at checkout! Jump on over and check out the range of cover options and get a quote today! T&Cs Apply.

Plus, don’t forget we’re giving away 4 x $250 travel eGift cards to help pay for your next family holiday.

Thanks to Travel Insurance Direct (TID), we have 4 x $250 eGift Cards to give away which can be put towards your next family holiday.

These eGift Cards can be used across a number of travel-friendly companies, including Accor Hotels, Hotels.com, Hotelgift, AirBnB, AirlineGift, FlystayGift, Global Hotel, Gourmet Traveller and Luxury Escapes. 

Or you can use it for food and experiences at outlets such as Best Restaurants, Ticketmaster, Red Balloon, Event Cinemas, ToursGift, TripGift, Uber and Uber Eats, RentacarGift, and so many more!

And if that isn’t enough, these vouchers can also be used at popular retail shops online and in-store, including Big W, Coles, City Beach, Woolworths, BCF, Target, The Iconic, IKEA, H&M, Kmart and hundreds more! See the full list in the T&Cs on the entry form below. 

To enter, simply complete the entry form below, and you’re in the running!

GOOD LUCK!

This is a sponsored giveaway for Travel Insurance Direct (TID).

^ Dependent children (including children for whom you are the legal guardian) or grandchildren are covered provided they are under 21 years old at the date you purchase your policy, are working less than 30 hours per week, are travelling with you on the same itinerary as you for your trip and are listed on your Certificate of Insurance.

† Up to one year from the date of injury or illness.

~ Subject to all terms and conditions in the PDS. This is a brief summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions as outlined in the PDS. Consider the PDS and TMD available from TID.

**15% discount offer valid from 24th September until 30 October 2025 11:59PM AEDT. The discount applies to the total TID travel insurance premium when getting a quote using promo code 15MUM. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty, charitable donations or any changes you make to the policy. Travel Insurance Direct has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.

Travel Insurance Direct © is a registered trademark of Travel Insurance Direct Pty Limited. Travel Insurance Direct Pty Limited ABN 30 121 659 470 AR305589 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib) ABN 81 115 932 173, AFS Licence No. 308461 and act as nib’s agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) / Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.