Thanks to Exorgen for the sample thermometer. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always. Affiliate links may be included. 

I have traveled with my kids on dozens of trips, and there are 3 items that have I have left out of my toiletry bag at one point or another that I have deeply regretted leaving behind. These items might not be on your “must pack” list, either, but I’d encourage you to re-think it! 

1. Tweezers

Splinters are highly skilled at making their big move whenever you least expect it. For us it has happened on wooden booths at a restaurant, during nature walks and even at an amusement park. I love our travel pair of tweezers since they are SO easy to throw in your purse, but the truth is that tweezers don’t take up a lot of space even at their full size. You might not need them, but if you do, you’ll be SO glad you have them. They are definitely worth the tiny amount of space they require!

2. Thermometer

Both of my children are extremely gifted at developing some sort of sickness while we are traveling. A thermometer now makes my “absolutely necessary” list any time we are traveling overnight with the kids. We’ve used it moretimes than I can count. We especially love the Exergen Smart Glow Temporal Artery Thermometer because you simply need to swip the device across someone’s head to get an accurate read in just 1 or 2 seconds. The 9 volt battery comes with the device (THANK YOU!) so it is ready as soon as you purchase it, even if you are purchasing it in some random drugstore in a city not well known to you because you forgot to pack yours.  Or you can plan ahead now and snag it on Amazon!

3. Chapstick

My lips are super finicky about the weather. If I am headed to a climate that is less humid than where I live, my lips show their disdain almost immediately. They actually seem to get upset no matter where I go. Any sort of change in climate means my lips need extra care. And the apples don’t fall far from the tree, so my kids need the exact same thing. This is another item that takes up precious little space but that can provide a heck of a lot of comfort and soothing. And if you are like me, you already have over a dozen chapsticks at home, so don’t force yourself to go buy lucky #13 while you are away from home! We love Young Living’s lavender chapstick for keeping our lips soft and moisturized!

What are some less common items that you have learned are absolutely critical for your family to pack on vacations? I’d love to hear your ideas!