
Following up to my previous post about road tripping with kids coast-to-coast, I want to share some items that we took (or wish we took) to make the trip go smoothly. These are some essential items that I learned from several road trips over the years when my children were of varying ages. Items in this post contain affiliate links. I am part of the Amazon affiliate program.
Collapsible, Foldable Bathtub
When we take family road trips, I generally book basic, no-frills hotels because we’re not in one place for very long. Not all hotels have tubs, and even if they do, I prefer to use a portable tub for my kids when they are young. It makes bath time easier, cleaner, and quicker. What I like about the AVIDOR Baby Bathtub,Collapsible Bathtub for Newborn to Toddler is it packs really small and is easy to clean.
Silicone Travel Size Bottles Set for Toiletries
A good way to transport products from car to hotel room without carrying too much is to leave the full-sized bottles in the car, and portion some out into silicon travel size bottles. Depending on the length of your trip (and the amount of people who need them), you may need to replenish frequently or not at all. I love this Cute Silicone Travel Size Bottles Set because the bottles are BPA free, leakproof, have built-in labels, are TSA-approved (for those trips that require air travel), and are just so darn adorable. They can double as bath time entertainment too!
Folding, Lightweight Step Stool
This folding, light weight step stool is essential for kids to reach the sink in hotel rooms. Whether it’s washing hands or brushing teeth, using a step stool is a lot more convenient than schlepping a chair in and out of the bathroom, or lifting a toddler every time they need the sink. I don’t know why more hotels don’t offer something like this for families that travel with small children!
Car Backseat Organizer with Table Tray

This Car Backseat Organizer with Table Tray with nine Storage Pockets Backseat Car Organizer and storage with Tablet Holder will help keep your kids’ items organized and your car somewhat clean. I remember (back in the day) when minivans with televisions were all the rage. That was way before iPads, when everyone had to agree on what to watch. Now, kids have their own devices, and keeping the screen in an organizer at a reasonable distance at eye level will lend to better posture than looking down. The tray in this organizer is a nice touch. Just be sure to install a screen protector for easy cleanup.
Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
There are a lot of compression travel cubes, but I like these because they are multicolored and have different patterns. I usually pack my kids’ and my clothes by the day, which makes it easier for transport from the car to the hotel room. It also makes it easy to dump the dirty clothes from the entire day into the laundry bag.
Large, Waterproof, Travel Laundry Bags
I like these laundry bags because they have a zipper, are waterproof, and are large! The listing comes with two bags, which is helpful for squishing when you have to play “trunk Tetris.” I like the patterns too, and these bags come in a variety of patterns.
I’m so excited to share my favorite products with you! And yes, some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. But that’s because I truly believe in these products and want to support the brands that make them. So, if you see something you like, click away! You’re helping me spread the love for awesome products!