The Ultimate Shopping List for Nomadic Families from a Full-Time Traveling Family
This blog contains affiliate links. Following any links found on this site and purchasing something may result in me earning a small comission – at no extra cost to you. For more information on Affiliate Links, check out this blog.
This blog doesn’t have any pictures – it’s meant to be a quick guide filled with helpful links, not a storytelling narrative. I’ve linked the individual products and services here; however, if you’d like a shoppable storefront, you can find it here: my Amazon storefront.
Travel Gear Essentials For Full-Time Traveling Families
When you’re traveling with kids, practical and lightweight gear is essential. You’re carrying enough extra gear for them anyway!
- Compact stroller
- Cloth Baby Carrier
- Packing cubes for each family member
- Reusable filtered water bottle
💡 Travel Mom Tip: Choose items that serve multiple purposes. This saves space!
Digital Nomad Baby and Toddler Essentials
We all need a little extra comfort when traveling, babies included. These are our non-negotiables.
- Portable Speaker (for white noise + music)
- Fully-Stocked Diaper Clutch
- Sarong (blanket to play on, nursing cover, shade for beach, etc)
- Baby-safe sunscreen & bug repellent
❤️ Travel Mom Hack: I love packing sarongs – they’re the most versatile article of clothing I’ve found. They are skirts, shirts, dresses, and cover chairs in AirBnB’s.
Health and Safety Essentials for Digital Nomad Families
Traveling with a kid means visiting the local ER on multiple occasions. Here’s what we bring to put off the inevitable midnight hospital run.
- Fully stocked first aid kit
- Prescription copies
- Basic medicines (pain relief, fever, allergy)
- Travel Health Insurance
💡 Travel Mom Tip: Create a digital folder online, offline, and on both your phones with all essential health documents.
My family is insured on Safetywing. Their insurance covers accidents and adventures, and includes a liability clause – perfect for adventurous toddlers who cause chaos and mayhem wherever they explore.
Tech and Productivity Tools for Digital Nomad Parents
Everything you need to have a productive work day anywhere in the world.
- VPN for safe internet access abroad
- Portable power bank
- Travel Adaptor
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- External Harddrive to save all your memories
👍 Travel Mom Tip: We’ve used these travel adaptors for over 3 years without issue.
Family Organization Tools for Full-Time Traveling Families
Keep your full-time travel life running smoothly is a full-time job. These tools are lifesavers!
- Shared digital calendar (for travel plans, birthdays, and calls)
- Backup credit card for emergencies (kept separate from other cards)
- Travel Credit Card (Those points add up quickly!)
Entertainment and Learning for Worldschooling Families
Because travel is the best classroom.
- Downloaded audiobooks and educational shows
- Travel journals
- Arts and Crafts Bag with age-appropriate materials
- Child-friendly camera
- Offline games and story apps
💡 Tip: Rotate toys and books every few days to keep them “fresh.”
Emotional and Mindset Essentials For Full-Time Traveling Families
Traveling full-time with kids is more than buying the right toys. It takes a lot of courage, fortitude, patience, and a sense of humor.
- A family mantra or quote you repeat on hard days
- Connection rituals (morning cuddles, family walks)
- A “just for fun” tradition in every new place
💡 Tip: Flexibility > perfection. Our favorite memories came from unexpected detours.
My Family’s Favorite Travel Hacks
Real-life tested tricks from the road:
- Always carry a change of clothes for everyone in your carry-on.
- Download Offline Maps of your destinations in case of connectivity issues.
- Rent homes with washing machines instead of packing more.
- Schedule one rest day per week — non-negotiable.
- Take photos of your passports, IDs, and visas and store them securely.
Mindset to Get Started
After three years of full-time travel, I can confidently say that the most challenging part is starting.
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
Start small, plan your first trip, and let experience guide your next decision.
“Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings.”
– Hodding Carter
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