There’s something truly special about packing up the car (or boarding a plane) with the kids and heading off for a proper family adventure. The promise of sunny days, ice creams before lunch, and making memories together is why I look forward to summer holidays all year. But let’s be honest—family travel is not always sunshine and sandals.
After one too many meltdowns over missing calpol and insect bites that turned into itchy nightmares, I decided this summer would be different. I prepped, packed, and trialled a whole new lineup of travel heroes that turned our trip from chaotic to calm—and yes, I’m sharing the full edit below.
Packing Peace of Mind
As someone who has had to hunt for a pharmacy in the middle of a Spanish village at 10pm (not my finest hour), I can say without hesitation that the LittleLife Family First Aid Kit (£29.99) is the one thing I’ll never travel without again. It has everything from plasters to burn gel and even tiny scissors—all neatly packed in a wipe-clean case that fits in the side pocket of our rucksack.
The other game-changer? The LittleLife Buggy Mosquito Net (£14.99). We used it constantly when my youngest napped in the buggy during our trip to Portugal. It fits easily, kept him bite-free, and stopped every curious wasp from making itself at home.
For the rest of us, I brought along Incognito’s Insect Repellent Spray (£13.99), which smells surprisingly lovely and didn’t irritate my kids’ skin. I wore the Incognito Repellent Bracelet (£12.99) most days—stylish and very effective. Best of all, the Incognito SPF 30 Suncream (£21.99) doubles up as a sunblock and insect repellent, which meant fewer bottles to carry around.
Keeping Cool (and Protected) Under the Sun
Getting sun cream on squirming children should be an Olympic sport. This year, the Childs Farm SPF 50+ Roll-On Sun Lotion (£10) saved my sanity. The roll-on made application quick and mess-free—even my eldest started applying it himself. The Ocean Freedom Kids Sun Protection (£15) was great for beach days—non-greasy, water-resistant, and didn’t cause any flare-ups on my son’s eczema-prone skin.
After long days in the pool and under the sun, the kids loved using the Childs Farm 3-in-1 Strawberry and Mint Swim (£5.50). It smells divine and made bath time blissfully quick. I followed it up with the Baby All Over Balm (£6.50) for my youngest—perfect for dry patches and even doubled up as a lip balm.
For post-sun skin, the Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash (£7.95) became our go-to evening cleanser. It’s calming, gentle, and made everyone smell like a spa.
To make things easier on the beach, I brought along the Potette Fold ‘N’ Go Potty (£9.99). It made the whole day so much easier and less stressful. It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, so it fit right into my beach bag without taking up space or adding bulk. When my child needed to go, I could pop it open and set it up in seconds, even on the sand. The legs locked securely, giving a stable seat, and the disposable liners were a lifesaver—they’re leak-proof, lightly scented, and turn liquid into gel, which meant no mess or smells. Not having to hunt down a public restroom or worry about accidents let me actually relax and enjoy the beach. It gave me real peace of mind knowing I had a clean, familiar option ready at any moment, and clean-up was as simple as tying up the liner and tossing it when we got back. Honestly, I won’t do a beach trip without it now.
Taking the SlumberPod (£199.99) to the beach was a game-changer for our family. Its compact, lightweight design made it easy to pack along with our beach gear. Setting it up was a breeze, and it provided a shaded, private space for our little one to nap away from the sun and sand. The breathable fabric kept the interior cool, even on warm days, and the ventilation panels ensured good airflow. Whether we were staying in a beach house with bright rooms or enjoying a picnic by the sea, the SlumberPod created a familiar, dark environment that helped our child sleep soundly, allowing us to relax and enjoy our time outdoors.
At night, the SlumberPod continued to impress. Its ability to block over 95% of light made it perfect for room-sharing situations, allowing us to keep the lights on without disturbing our toddler’s sleep. The updated design includes a monitor pocket, making it easy to keep an eye on our little one without disturbing them. The added fan pockets were a thoughtful touch, ensuring the space remained comfortable during warmer nights.
Mum Mode: Beauty and Wellness on the Go
As much as the kids come first, I wanted to take care of myself this trip too. I packed RadiantMe™ by GP Nutrition (£43), a travel-friendly supplement that I took every morning with a coffee. It helped keep my hair and skin looking alive—even after a week of chasing children around a water park.
I also treated myself to the BUFARMA Discovery Set (£89), which felt luxurious without taking up space. Their night cream was a saviour after too much sun and too little sleep.
I always struggle with cramps while travelling, and the Period Harmony Soothing Patches (£7.99) were discreet, effective, and completely scent-free. Life-changing on long travel days.
Energy Boosters & Everyday Essentials
Let’s talk energy: trying to parent in 30-degree heat is no joke. I knew I had to be strategic about what I packed. Long days, unpredictable routines, and minimal downtime can take a toll fast. These wellness essentials that turned out to be total lifesavers.
I added Phizz Daily Energy (from £7.99) to my morning water bottle and took ORS Hydration Tablets (£6.49) with us on hikes. Both helped massively with hydration and general get-up-and-go.
I also packed Primul Purified Himalayan Shilajit (£44.99)—a bit of an experiment on my part, but it really helped with stamina and mental clarity. I even noticed fewer 3pm crashes, which is a win in my book.
To keep things light and sustainable, I ditched the toothpaste tube for Parla Pro Toothpaste Tablets (£10.95). They’re zero-waste, travel-friendly, and surprisingly effective.
The Magnesium Body Lotion from Pod Organics (£22.99) was lifesaving after full days of swimming, walking, and lifting toddlers, I’d massage this into my legs and shoulders before bed. The magnesium helped ease muscle tension and actually made it easier for me to fall asleep—even in a noisy holiday rental. I also brought along the Vitamin C & White Tea Baby Wash (£16.99), and honestly, it became our go-to for everyone in the family. It’s super gentle on the kids’ skin but still feels luxurious, with a fresh scent that made bath time feel like a moment of calm (which, let’s be real, is rare on family trips).
One of the best multi-taskers I packed was the Nature’s Repair Balm from Green Therapy (£15). I used it on everything—dry patches, bug bites, even a mild sunburn on my shoulders. It was especially handy to have in my day bag when we were out and about, and I loved that it’s all-natural and safe for the kids too.
Because I know my skin tends to freak out when I travel (too much sun, not enough sleep), I made sure to pack a few products from SKN TO SKN, the first clinically proven skincare brand made for all stages of motherhood. Their formulas are designed to work with the hormonal shifts we go through—not against them—and my skin stayed surprisingly balanced and hydrated the entire trip. Their Sleep Cheat Night Cream (£30) was my absolute favourite as it helped me look less like a zombie each morning with minimal effort on my part.
Quick Beauty Fixes (Because Mums Deserve to Glow Too)
Late nights and early starts hit hard, especially when sharing a hotel room with two restless toddlers. I packed Mario Badescu Hydrogel Under Eye Patches (£25) and used them religiously after the kids went to bed. They de-puff, cool and genuinely helped me look human by breakfast.
To stay fresh, I alternated between Mario Badescu’s Cool Mint & Cucumber Deodorants (£11) and the fragrance-free Batiste Sensitive Scalp Dry Shampoo (£3.59). Both were lifesavers between swims and sweaty day trips.
And for the days we were on the go from sunrise to sunset, I felt unstoppable in my Komi Studios Maddox Sports Bra (£69) and Berkeley High-Waisted Leggings (£80). Supportive, breathable, and surprisingly chic, they were my unofficial travel uniform.
Final Thoughts: Less Chaos, More Connection
This summer’s trip wasn’t “perfect” (is any holiday with kids?), but it was joyful, calm, and—thanks to the right products—surprisingly smooth. I felt more prepared, more present, and more able to actually enjoy the little moments. Whether you’re off on a big adventure or planning long weekends closer to home, these tried-and-tested essentials are now my ultimate travel toolkit.
