Once my daughter was born, gone were the days that I could just throw a bunch of…whatever I wanted…into oversized purse and dash off to the airport. Whether I’m going on a long car trip or jumping on a plane, organizing my family’s stuff is key. Now when I travel, I make sure everything I bring along serves a purpose; even my jewelry does double duty when I’m on the road.
From bold passport holders that help you quickly tell whose is whose, to the ultimate kids’ carry on that doubles as a ride-on toy, these are the most stylish travel accessories that save my sanity every time I travel with my daughter. Check them out in the slideshow.
More Travel Essentials:
Stylish Travel Must-Haves for Moms
Keep the blood flowing
That moment when you're hot, sweaty, and folding down the umbrella stroller a minute before the plane gates close. Your hair falls in your face, and you think, "Wow, I wish I didn't look like a haggard crazy woman boarding this plane." Enter BitterSweet Bracelets ; the jewelry that conceals a hair tie and inhibits their circulation-cutting tendencies on your wrist. Brilliant!
Keep it cool
SunnyLife's Acapulco cooler bag is the perfect hybrid of style and convention. The cheery chevron design beckons it to carry cool beers on the beach, but the cylindrical shape and insulated interior work equally well for keeping baby bottles fresh and cool on long summer car trips. Available on Shopbop, $34.
Don't forget a thing
I just love this travel journal for the new momma , $54, stylishly pulled together by HATCH Collect. Their calfskin leather, gilt-edged "sh*t i'm forgetting" notebook might not actually sharpen your mental acuity, but at least you'll look chic whipping it out to record that really important…what was it, again?
Remember the fun
Or for that matter, how special would it be to have your kid's travel memories (adorably) organized into a kid's travel journal ? Not quite sold? Okay, let me re-word that. How pleasant would it be to watch your little one (silently) wax poetic about your family trip, when there are still six hours left in the ride? Yes, I thought that might sell you.
Organize your undies
New underwear for your vacation, perfectly organized and easy to find in your suitcase?! Seriously, what a godsend this little organizer is when you're dressing a hotel room full of minis at the same time as yourself. Available at mochithings, $27.
Layer up
Your go-to vacation must-have for literally any trip? An easy-to-layer outfit (think comfy leggings, long tee, travel sweater, and ballet flats) that you keep just for travel. Get started with the HATCH layers set , a pre-curated luxe long sleeve, tank, and legging---layer up---ready for comfy travel!
Sort their outfits
When I was on flights with my infant daughter, I prepared for an on-plane outfit change and crossed my fingers it wouldn't happen. If it does, though, I'm prepared with two extra outfits, each organized into adorably designed plastic bags , for easy-to-see sorting in tight airplane quarters.
Get some zzzs
Adorable and often-cheeky eye masks that make it easier to coerce teens to catch some zzz's, be it in the back of a car, on a flight, or in an uber-light hotel room. These are by Flight 001, $16, and available at Nordstrom.
Identify everyone's passports
These individually colored passport cases are boldly monogrammed with everyone's initials so you can quickly eyeball them in your bag before hitting the tarmac. Available at Ciao Bambina, $25 each.
Store odds and ends
Store a few cheap but chic sunnies that you won’t freak out over losing in an adorable travel pouch like this one, $18, to keep tiny fingers at bay.
Get white noise...to go
The Homedics Sound Spa on the go is a godsend when you're sleeping in the same hotel room with baby. This sweetly designed white noise machine can also slip into strollers and car seats.
Banish motion sickness
These discreet Psi Bands battle motion sickness for the mom who is just too busy to get queasy on her next road trip or plane ride. Based on the principles of acupressure, they fend off nausea with gentle pressure on your wrist. Adjustable, reusable, and latex free, each package includes two for $19.
Organize everything without bulk
The MochiThings All-in-One-Slim Leather Clutch , $43, is designed to hold a passport, bills, credit cards, your ID, a pen, coins, and a key. If you’re packing for a trip (or just a mom who changes her bag with her outfit, like me!), this little doodad makes sure everything is stylishly filed away for easy access throughout your trip.
Identify your stuff
I love the idea of having a set of insanely adorable luggage tags , $12, for your family. Place one on each family member’s bag to make sure no bag gets set astray in the airport or hotel storage area.
Get jewelry that does double duty
A new jewelry line has hit the market with an innovative way to carry lip glosses and solid perfumes. The POPSY line consists of beautiful rings, necklaces, and bracelets that open to reveal a mirror and secret chamber that holds a cosmetic such as a lip gloss or solid perfume. The cosmetic pans are sold separately in a beautifully designed three pack compact allowing for continuous refills and the ability to switch to a different cosmetic at any given time. I just love this for quick beauty fixes on the go!
Get the ultimate kid's carry on
The Trunki by Melissa and Doug is legitimately my layover godsend. It's basically a kid's suitcase, perfectly sized for carry-on (and often under the seat) travel...but it's also a ride-on toy, which is perfect for getting out pre-flight energy. Stash your childrens' favorite airplane-appropriate toys in here, and watch as the Trunki becomes a well loved toy in and of itself!
Save your screen (and sanity)
There are a lot of iPad cases on the market, but the Highview Case stylishly stands out. Proceeds from each purchase give water to children in need. Nothing more chic than giving back (while saving your sanity).
Pack an extra tote
Every momma should travel with an extra tote (because you always end up coming home with more). This mini-shopper is perfect for little ones to lug their newest treasures back to (or from) the Big Apple.
Compact your towel
As close as you may ever get to a safari (at least until the kids turn eighteen), this uber-luxe beach towel by Maslin and Co comes with a $225 price tag (making it best reserved for kiddie/ fruit juice free getaways), but boy is it chic.
Carry it all in style
The Elizabeth Diaper Bag ---yes diaper bag!---is so chic, you would never guess it carries all your baby travel essentials. In fact, I would totally use this for traveling long after potty training. The compartments can carry toys, games, and all kinds of road-trip essentials for toddlers and big kids!