Traveling with kids can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. While the benefits of travel are numerous, keeping kids entertained and safe during the journey requires some careful planning. In this article, we'll explore a variety of tech products that can make traveling with kids a breeze.
Discover the Must-Have Tech for Family Travel
Smart watch (with GPS)
Parents often feel nervous about travel, especially when it comes to keeping track of their young kids. A smart watch with GPS can provide peace of mind and ensure that your child stays entertained and trackable. The Gabb Watch 3E Series is a popular choice on Amazon, with talk and text capabilities. However, the type of smart device you choose depends on your child's age, size, and ability level. For example, a seven-year-old may be more comfortable with a smartwatch with phone capabilities, while a teen can wear a standard smartwatch or use their phone for tracking.AirTags
For kids who aren't ready for a smartwatch or smartphone, or for parents who prefer to keep them off one, AirTags are a great solution. These tracking tags can be used to keep track of your child and their belongings, such as their beloved stuffy or the family's luggage. Understanding how AirTags work is important before using them. Apple's AirTags are primarily intended for tracking lost keys or backpacks, but they can also be used to keep track of people. With the update in iOS 17, you can share an AirTag with up to five people, making it easier for large families to keep track of everyone. When an AirTag is separated from its owner, it will alert nearby Apple devices, providing peace of mind during travel.Kid-sized and comfortable headphones
In an enclosed public space, keeping your kids and their devices quiet is essential for a pleasant travel experience. For younger kids, headphones with plenty of padding, volume control, and a durable cord are ideal. The iClever Kids Headphones on Amazon are a popular and affordable option, with decent durability. However, it's important to check the ports of your devices before buying headphones, as many kids' headsets use a 3.5 mm audio jack. For older kids and teens, comfort is still important, and investing in more durable headphones from brands like Philips, Sony, and Bose may be worth it.Universal charging cables
Keeping devices charged is a top concern when traveling. Many airports and modern planes have charging ports, but wrangling different cords for everyone's devices can be a hassle. A multi-charging cable can be a valuable addition to your travel gear, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once. These cables can have dual, triple, or more connectors and come in different variations. However, it's important to note that universal charging cables may charge devices more slowly than single cables. An alternative is to buy a single cable with built-in adapters, like Anker's Powerline II 3-in-1.Portable power packs
If you're worried about the availability of outlets or charging ports, a portable power pack can be a lifesaver. You can recharge these power packs wherever you plug in, extending the life of your devices during layovers and multiple stops. Anker is a top brand for power banks, with a variety of options to choose from. Some power banks are small and easy to carry, while others come with built-in flashlights for added convenience.Digital Camera
Travel games and activities can take up a lot of space in your carry-on bags. A digital camera can be a great alternative for keeping younger kids occupied. My son has a durable kids' camera with a 12 MP camera and an SD card slot. There are many options available on Amazon, such as the Seckton kids camera, which is one of the best-rated options and costs under $50. For older kids, you can also consider a digital camera made for adults that is budget-friendly.A Yoto Player (or the app)
The Yoto player is a great device for kids who love audiobooks or listening to their own music. It plays both audiobooks and radio and is kid-friendly, without ads or inappropriate content. The battery life is amazing, and there is an app that can play all your books if the Yoto runs out of juice. It's perfect for listening at home or on the go.An eReader (with color)
An eReader is a great alternative to a tablet for kids who don't have one yet. It allows them to read eBooks from various vendors and use free library apps like Hoopla and Libby. These apps offer a wide selection of books, including kid-friendly options. You can also subscribe to an audiobook or eBook service before your vacation to ensure that everyone has plenty of reading material.Free apps and games that don't need WiFi
In case of emergencies or when you need a distraction, there are plenty of free apps and games that can be played offline. Apple's app store has a variety of offline games and apps for kids, including podcasts, city-building, coding, and logic puzzles. Common Sense Media also suggests educational apps that work without WiFi. Solitaire and Sudoku are basic games that are available on most devices and can be played offline. "I Love Hue" is a relaxation game that is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store and is suitable for kids and adults. "Wordscapes" is another popular game that can be played offline.Nintendo Switch
If you have older kids or teenagers, a Nintendo Switch can be a great addition to your travel tech. The ability to take your entire gaming system with you is a major advantage, especially since the equivalent games on smartphones don't always resemble the original. There are many family-friendly games available for the Switch, such as "Moving Out," "Pokémon Scarlet," "Totally Reliable Delivery Service," "Lego The Incredibles," and "Lego Worlds." You can play on the Switch screen in the car or on a bigger screen when you arrive at your destination.READ MORE