Packing List for Families on the Go

By Michele Sponagle

Just a few well-chosen items can have a big impact on your vacation – ones that will make the journey go smoother or add more fun. Parents, consider these travel essentials for your next trip

BIOSUNNIES SUNGLASSES

Wildwood Eyewear is a Vancouver-based firm that offers environmentally friendly sunglasses for kids and adults. The pair shown here for youngsters ages 4 to 9 is super light and made from recycled coffee grinds, not plastic. These polarized beauties protect vulnerable young eyes from UV damage and look stylish. With your purchases, the company will plant trees as part of the Eden Reforestation Projects, which aims to reduce extreme poverty in five of the world’s poorest countries.$30, wildwoodeyewear.ca

E-MOTION KIDS LUGGAGE – KISS

Weighing in at just 3.5 pounds, this colourful, super lightweight suitcase is ideal for young travellers. It’s roomy enough for all the essentials little ones need for flights and road trips. Don’t worry too much about wear and tear. It’s built to be durable out of an ABS/polycarbonate composite. The retractable aluminum handle is adjustable to suit kids of various heights.$99.99, ca.heys.com

RED PLANET WALKIE-TALKIE

For children too young for cell phones, walkie-talkies come in handy, especially at a big resort. These versions have a range of three kilometres and have eight channels. They’re ideal for parents who want to give their older kids room to roam during their stays. With a quick call, you can summon them back to the hotel room to get changed before dinner or do a quick check in to see what they’re up to for peace of mind.$44.99, toyrus.ca

CROCS CLASSIC CLOGS

Crocs have been trending in a serious way over the last year. For fashionable babies and children, they are a must. They’re lightweight and fun to wear, while protecting little feet from hot sand and rocky ground. The easy slip-on design is a perk for parents trying to get wee ones dressed quickly. Up the style quotient of the colourful sandals, adorn with collectible Jibbitz charms (sold separately).$59.99, crocs.ca

BUMKINS BABY FEEDING SET

Moms and dads can have peace of mind with this set, including a bowl, lid and spoon, made of silicone. The bowl has a base that will securely suction to surfaces, whether it’s a highchair, a restaurant table or a tray table on a flight, boosting the chances of spill-free meals. It’s also stain-resistant and BPA-free. (Also available on Amazon.ca.)$17, bumkins.com

ON THE PLANE ACTIVITY BOOK

Keep your kids entertained as you fly off to an exciting destination with a book that is loaded with fun stuff for them to do, from a multiple-choice quiz and matching games, to designing their own airplane to learning fun facts about flight. Great graphics, maps and easy-to-read text make it an essential packing item for the next vacay.$16.99, chapters.indigo.ca

ALPINE MUFFY BABY EAR PROTECTION

Create a quiet environment even in the noisiest environments with ear protection designed by a Dutch company, especially for infants. The soft headband does not put pressure on the delicate fontanels of wee ones under the age of 18 months. It uses extra soft foam and no hard parts to ensure a baby’s safety. Free shipping to Canada for orders over $25.US $29.95, alpinehearingprotection.com

KIDAMENTO DIGITAL CAMERA – AKITO THE FOX

Young budding photographers, or influencers in the making, will find this digital camera easy to use, thanks to its large button created especially for small hands. It’s made from ecofriendly silicone that is tough enough to endure drops and rough handling. Kids can build their skills by learning how to use filters and frames, use the burst mode and set a selfie timer. A special app allows images to be transferred wirelessly between devices for convenient sharing and printing.US $59.99, kidamento.com