Tarn is lost

Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself, but when you manage to pack for an entire family of four for three weeks in Portugal—using nothing but carry-on bags—it feels like a true triumph. It wasn’t just about minimizing what we brought, but packing smart. There are certain items I swear by when it comes to traveling light, staying organized, and making the whole experience smoother. Here’s a look at my absolute favorite travel essentials, and why they’re perfect for any family getaway.

1. Aloha Collections Travel Pouches

Why They’re Awesome:
These pouches are a game-changer for staying organized without sacrificing style. When you have kids, it’s easy for your bag to turn into a chaotic mess of snacks, toys, and random items. Aloha’s pouches help keep everything in its place—one for toiletries, one for chargers, one for snacks. Plus, they come in fun, vibrant patterns that add a little bit of flair to the usual travel routine. I loved how easy it was to grab what I needed without digging through a pile of stuff. It made everything feel more manageable.

2. A Foldable Beach Bag

Why It’s Handy:
I love bringing a bag that I can roll up and pack away when not in use. In Portugal, we spent time at the beach almost every day, so having a spacious, easy-to-pack beach bag was a total lifesaver. It folds down small enough to fit in my carry-on but expands when I need it for towels, sunscreen, and beach toys. No bulky bag required—and it’s super lightweight, making it a perfect companion for spontaneous beach days.

3. Reusable Water Bottle

Why It’s Essential:
Staying hydrated while traveling is key, especially in warm destinations like Portugal. I brought a reusable water bottle (that kept everything cool) and used it constantly. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it saved us from buying bottled water all the time. It’s a must-have whether you’re exploring cities, hiking, or just chilling at the beach.

4. Backpack

Why It’s Perfect for a Family Trip:
Having a lightweight, durable backpack for day trips was essential. I used mine to carry the basics—snacks, wipes, sunscreen, and a few toys for the kids—while leaving my hands free to hold little hands or take photos. It’s comfy, compact, and holds enough without being a burden.

Whether we were strolling through the streets of Lisbon or up to the top of Nazare, it kept everything I needed in one place without feeling overloaded.

5. Stasher Bag

Why It Works for Everything:
I always carry at least one Stasher bag when I travel. It’s perfect for snacks (and kids are always hungry, right?), but I also use it for organizing smaller items like toiletries or even wet swimsuits. It’s reusable, waterproof, and easy to store. In Portugal, I ended up using it more than I anticipated—whether for collecting seashells on the beach or storing dirty clothes before laundry day. It’s just one of those bags you can’t live without.

6. Chapstick (The Yellow One with the Red Lid)

Why It’s a Must-Have:
I can’t explain why, but this chapstick is the best thing ever, you know, the Carmex one? And I know, I know. There are better/healthier options out there-so please drop some better ones in the comments. But this a staple for me. It works wonders after a long day in the sun or wind. It was a staple during our beach days in Portugal, and I even used it when we took a few hikes. Plus, it’s small and portable—fits perfectly in any pocket or pouch. If you know, you know—this is the chapstick you want.

7. Medication (Vitamins, Prescriptions, and First-Aid Kit)

Why It’s Non-Negotiable:
When traveling internationally, it’s comforting to have your go-to medications with you, whether for allergies, headaches, or daily vitamins. I kept all of our meds in one clear bag for easy access. It gave me peace of mind, knowing I had what we needed in case of anything from a common cold to an upset stomach. Plus, I included a small first-aid kit for those inevitable scraped knees after a day of exploring (Target has a great mini one).

8. Versatile Clothing

Why Less Is More:
Packing light means choosing clothes that can be mixed and matched easily. In Portugal, I focused on a few staple pieces that worked for both sightseeing and evenings out. A couple of pairs of comfy shoes, lightweight dresses or shirts, and a good pair of pants that could go from the beach to the city—everything I packed had multiple uses. It made packing so much easier, and we didn’t waste any precious suitcase space on items we didn’t need.

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Final Thoughts:
What started as a two-week adventure in Portugal turned into an unexpected 3.5-week stay when we all came down with COVID. While it wasn’t the trip we had originally planned, the extra time allowed us to really embrace the experience and adjust our plans on the fly. Having packed light and smart made it so much easier to adapt to this change of plans. We didn’t need to worry about excess luggage or running out of essentials, and I’m so glad I brought along all my favorite travel items. Whether you’re traveling for two weeks or three and a half, packing efficiently and being prepared for the unexpected makes a world of difference. It may not have been the trip we imagined, but it was one we’ll never forget!