Travel Essentials |Carryon bag checklist for sustainable travel with Kids

This Travel checklist is the way I don’t lose my sanity, everything has a place and a purpose and performs double duty once we arrive at our final destination. My checklist is filled with stylish sustainable travel essentials that make it easy to keep track of my things when traveling with my toddler. They also play a pivotal role in ensuring I have a beautiful experience while on vacation.

Backpack / Camera Bag – I’ve been looking for a bag that will play many roles and not draw attention to my valuables within, this backpack comes with hidden access to the padded camera compartment. It’s perfect for going through airport security when you need to remove electronics from inside and still has enough space inside to hold everything on your travel checklist.

Stasher Bags – These reusable snack bags are powerhouses in my sustainable arsenal. I use one for a first aid kit and another for on the plane toiletry bag in a pinch. I always bring at least one empty bag along to collect airport lounge snacks. On the airplane, they’re perfect for storing food that comes around when my daughter is sleeping.

Cooler – The number one packing necessity of all experienced travelers embarking on a journey with kids is SNACKS (see for your self here) I love packing a cooler in my carry on for all the snacks we’ll need and all the snacks we’ll gather in route to our destination.

Collapsible Mug – I usually pour myself a cup of tea and have it on the ride to the airport. Having a collapsible mug on my travel checklist means that on the mornings when I’m running short on time I can store a teabag inside and fill her up with hot water at the airport. Also if you frequent Airbnb’s you never know what type of utensils and flatware they’ll have on hand. Add a collapsible mug to your travel checklist and you’ll be able to have a sustainable start to each morning of travel, with a hot cup of sunshine.

Stainless Steel Straw – a must have in the checklist of anyone attempting sustainable travel with kids. Straws are wreaking havoc on marine life and washing up on the shores of your favorite pristine beaches. Carrying a stainless steel straw for every member of your family means you’ll be doing your part to cut back on your families waste and ensure there are unspoiled beaches to visit.

Carryon travel checklist

Jewelry Pouch – these pouches are perfect to slip in and out of my bag at security checkpoints

Wipes – Because there will be spills, there will be messes and you must be prepared for the inevitable when kids are involved, add some multipurpose wipes to your travel checklist. I love these because they are gentle for every part of my daughter and super absorbent, for cleaning up spills. The next toddler caused mess is always more near than you fear.

Headphones – I like these because they’re wood but mainly because they are noise canceling. They made my travel checklist because they can take a beating. They’re also ideal for travel because they stand out enough to catch the eye of a kind stranger, which is ideal when traveling with kids. SOmeones will notice that you left them before you’re too far away, and bring it to your attention. Having more than one set of eyes is always helpful when traveling with kids

Reusable tote – When traveling I use this to carry sweaters and scarfs when running through the airport. Also, children accumulate things, no matter how much of a minimalist you attempt to be so having a reusable bag on your travel checklist, means you’ll always have someplace to store their latest obsession. When you reach your destination your reusable tote will make it easier to travel sustainable on your trips to the local markets.

Camera – I normally shoot with my phone because it’s handy and has insurance and I’m less afraid of it falling and dropping but ever since I got the mirrorless Sony a6000 it has been a permanent fixture on my travel checklist.

to make travel sustainable, start with your toiletries

Face Serum – If you wash your face and apply night serum outside of the airplane right before boarding you can pretend “lights down” means spa time. Even if your plane ride is a little uncomfortable and your knees are in your belly button you can at least start off your vacation off glowing.

Lip balm – This organic goodness feels amazing and the ingredients are safe enough to kiss on my little. The air inside of an airplane is dry so make sure some kind of lip balm makes your travel checklist so you can arrive at your destination hydrated.

Coconut Oil – Is essentially a cure-all for all things in life, easy to travel with sustainable coconut oil is in a glass jar. The hint of essential oils means you’re always coming up roses.

Toothbrush – Remember of all the aforementioned snacks. After countless plane rides, I find the one thing that leaves me feeling refreshed after a flight is having clean teeth. Bring a toothbrush for every member of your family and step off the airplane like a brand new family. Strangers are also quick to offer small children candy when in transit or in foreign places so having a toothbrush on your checklist makes it a lot easier to let those travel treats, slide. These bamboo toothbrushes come with a travel case and are a sleek sustainable option for the whole family.

Deodorant – Being cooped up onboard an airplane underneath a toddler whose normal temperature is the-surface-of-the-sun, deodorant is a must have for me. I’ve been to enough tropical climates where it was so hot my deodorant melted clean out of the tube, so I love this sustainable glass jar option when I travel.

I hope this checklist helps you pack your carryon bag on your next family trip. Making sustainable travel choices with tiny globe trotters helps to ensure a much brighter future for the next generation of global citizens.

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