Like many of you, we try to focus on experiences over things, but there are certain items that have helped make those experiences easier and more fun over the years. These are things that are useful, durable, and stand the … Read More
I get asked so often where the best places are for a first international family trip and, for the most part, I’ll reiterate what I always say – it depends on YOUR interests! If you want tons of art museums … Read More
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I absolutely loved my short 3-day trip to Athens with K, my older daughter! When our kids turn 12, they get to take a weekend/long weekend domestic trip with one parent. Since we live in London now, the 3.5 hour … Read More
Visiting Virgin Islands National Park with kids is definitely a once in a lifetime experience! This was a special trip for our us, and Virgin Islands with kids was a hit with the whole family. We’ve loved finding the best … Read More
I often get asked for the most kid-friendly places to travel with kids. But in truth, our family’s travels rarely revolve solely around our kids’ needs and interests. Instead, we seek out places and activities that serve and are enjoyable … Read More
While London itself is amazing, there are also so many fantastic places nearby that make really wonderful day trips. For a first time visit to England with kids, I highly recommend leaving at least a couple days for the best … Read More
We have a newly minted 7 year old in our home! It was so fun to gift these 7 year old boy’s birthday gifts to A yesterday on his special day. He was thrilled! Experience: YES DAY Have you ever … Read More
Another year, another reminder to please try to be thoughtful in your purchases and not just buy because things are on sale! Like many of you, we try to focus on experiences over things, but there are certain items that … Read More
A few months ago, a friend messaged our hiking group to ask if anyone would be interested in a 4-day trekking experience in the Alps. I was immediately intrigued, excited, and NERVOUS to say yes. Here’s all about what the … Read More
A couple days ago, late at night before Dan and I headed to bed, we decided on a whim that we wanted to visit Wimbledon with kids the next day. We’ve loved living in London this past year, and one … Read More
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Like many of you, we try to focus on experiences over things, but there are certain items that have helped make those experiences easier and more fun over the years. These are things that are useful, durable, and stand the test of time when it comes to family travel.
I’d always prefer to get them on sale when possible, so I’m sharing in case it helps save you some time and money, and make it easier for you to enjoy some amazing family adventures, too!
Priceline: Save 15% on Hotel Express Deals – We love using Priceline for discounts on these purchases, and the savings are up to 40%, plus this extra discount. Save an EXTRA 15% on Hotel Express Deals using code: SAVINGSDAY15
Prime Big Deal Day Deals 2024
Here are a ton of really good deals on items we use and love – I hope it saves you some money while addressing a need. They’re perfect for an upcoming trip, to save for winter holiday gifts, adding to a friend birthday gift bin (I hate having to run out for a gift last minute!), or holding onto for a special summer day.
Things I Personally Bought
Car seat luggage strap – This strap is so simple but amazing for attaching your car seat to a suitcase to make it easy to get it through the airport.
Foil craft – looks SO cure and I think M will love it for Christmas.
Toiler bowl cleaner – go ahead and laugh but it’s a great time for buying basics!
Wool blend kids socks – we need some new warm socks for upcoming travel and these are the best combo of super comfy and VERY affordable.
Great socks for me – I really love these wool blend socks. Not as high quality as my Darn Toughs but an amazing price and maybe even more comfy. Great stocking stuffer and cute with boots.
Lightweight expandable suitcase – durable and doesn’t use up a ton of weight for the suitcase itself. We’ve used in both carry on and checked sizes for years.
Small Dry Bag – we got a couple dry bags when in the Philippines and they are SO useful. Perfect if you’ll be near water to keep important things like phones and passports safe and dry.
Toothbrush Covers – these toothbrush covers will ALWAYS get used and it’s always nice to have fresh ones. A perfect little gift that’s a travel essential.
Wet Bag – these wet bags are great for containing swimsuits or any other wet items when traveling, especially if you need to pack up before hitting the road.
Road Trip
Portable Jump Starter – an absolute must for every single car, especially if you’ll be on a road trip (but we keep one in ours for everyday). So helpful in an emergency.
Portable Tire Inflator / Air Compressor – amazing deal on this one that we love and that has saved us more than once when we’ve had a flat on the road. 88k positive reviews don’t lie.
USB Car Charger – my phone battery always dies quickly, especially if I’m looking up maps when road tripping. This little adapter is great for charging in the car whether going on a road trip from home or renting a car at a destination.
Inflatable toddler bed – we got 2 of these and they’ve been so helpful when we have guests and for big road trips. We use it a ton when we need an extra bed.
Children’s Items
Bubblebum Inflatable Booster – this is super convenient and lightweight and perfect to keep kiddos safe in the car when traveling. Really good deal.
Visual timer – We use these all the time for music practice, clean up, screens, and more.
Door Stop Alarm – we once had a toddler manage to get out of a hotel room in the wee hours of the morning. Fortunately, everything was fine, but having one of these is a very good idea.
Retractable markers – I grabbed these. It’ll be great to not lose caps when traveling!
Games/Toys
Rock tumbler – we gave this rock tumbler to K for Christmas a couple years ago and it was a big hit. Warning that it is LOUD – we stuck it in the garage to run.
Art set – we gave K this art set several years ago for her birthday and it’s gotten so much love. We’ve also gifted it to several friends.
Play clay – didn’t really get why this clay is so much better but I trusted and got it for the kids’ stockings last year. Turns out it’s as awesome as everyone says.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza – One of our VERY favorite family games and perfect for travel. Says ages 8+ but we’ve had kids as young as 3 play and enjoy it.
LCD Drawing Tablet – These are so great for travel – my kids use them constantly. Under $3 each – grab extra for gifts!
Mini magnetic tiles – we love the regular version at home, and the minis are perfect for travel. Great deal and would make a perfect gift.
Snap circuits – another thing we shipped to London because we love them so much.
Shashibo cube – my kids got this a few years ago and still play with it all the time. It’s strangely soothing!
Yoto mini – we love our Yoto player so much. They sold out before the holiday season ended last year so if you’re in the market, I’d grab it at this price now.
Gorgeous animals book – was T’s Chistmas book last year. I paid more than twice this price and it’s been worth every cent.
Stem activity book – got several of these books (they have chemistry, construction, etc.) years ago and they’re still in use. We even shipped them to London! Never seen the price this low.
Dino book – the short snippets and facts tend to be great for reluctant readers or kids who struggle with staying focused on reading. We love the whole series!
Outdoor Gear
Camelbak Mini Mule – LOVE this little hydration backpack for my younger kiddos (starting around age 3 or 4) or even for myself if I just need to carry some water and snacks on a trail.
Great socks – I really love these wool blend socks. Not as high quality as my Darn Toughs but an amazing price and maybe even more comfy. Great stocking stuffer and cute with boots.
Bug Bite Thing – if you’re traveling somewhere buggy, you definitely want to take this thing along. It sucks venom out to minimize irritation and swelling. Dan swears by it!
Women’s Fashion, Beauty and Body Care
Minimal belt bag diaper bag – My very favorite bag for travel. Small and compact but has a compartment for wet wipes, fold-out changing pad, credit card slots, room for snacks/sunglasses/etc.
Wrap-front swimsuit – One of my top 3 swimsuits that I’ve worn super frequently for the last 4 years and it’s held up great. I have the orange color block version.
Half-sleeve midi dress – I adore this dress and have had it in navy & green for a couple years. This is the lowest price I’ve seen!
Lip mask – this lip sleeping mask is viral for a reason. I’ve used it for at least 5 years and still love it.
Hand & body cream – I’ve used this for years and it’s the best for really dry skin. It’s pricey so great to get while on sale.
CC cream – I’ve used this foundation for nearly 15 years. Lightweight but great coverage.
Home
BEST pillow in all the land – I seriously love this thing so much. I’ve had mine for years and brought it with me to London because it’s just that good. Truly life changing.
Klask – I’ve head such great things about this game and ordered it as a family gift this year.
Satin Pillowcase – travel can be rough on hair, especially if it’s curly or textured. A satin pillowcase can really help, and weighs almost nothing to take along. This one is really affordable and has terrific reviews.
Intense hand cream – another cream we’ve loved for years but this one is even more intense.
Tabletop fire pit – the kids gave Dan this table top fire pit a few years ago and it was so fun. Who doesn’t love indoor s’mores?
Food stain remover – I’d hear about this from several friends and finally got some. It works! Really does make stains magically disappear.
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