What's in our Bag

Travelling smart and wise has so much to do with how you pack. We make an effort to travel as light as we can with our 3 children; and this is how we do it!

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1. An Amazing Backpack!

We typically carry 3 of these bags and it carries all of our gear. Best of all; it is the absolute perfect size for carry on! Most budget airlines charge you an arm and a leg to check a bag, but often carryon is still free. 1 Backpack carries our gear while the other two carry all personal items (clothes, shoes, hygiene items, sunglasses etc.)

Also, when finding the best price on flights, you often have to change planes once or twice (or more!). Having all your gear on your back makes the transition so much easier, plus greatly reduces the chances of having your things stolen or misplaced.

Having our hands free while on the move also allows us to carry the little ones when need be.

2. GoPro Hero 5 Black

I recently traded my Canon 5dMKiii for the ultra compact GoPro Hero 5 Black. Not only is this an amazing camera, it is 100% waterproof and so durable. I keep it in my back pocket at all times. It's low profile allow me to take photos and video in super high quality without being intrusive to my children or those around me .

This incredible camera also allows me to edit in RAW and the video's are image stabilized (which is so helpful when you are always on the move!)

3. GoPro Battery with Charger & SD cards

The GoPro may be a wicked little camera, but they are notorious for their poor battery life. A few hours of video and you are pushing zero; not a great problem to have when you are swimming with sea turtles or hiking up an active volcano. I keep at least a few of these batteries charged and SD cards ready to go at all times.

4. GoPro Hero5 Dome & Accessory Kit

You can't have a GoPro without this incredible add on.

The Dome allows those stunning split screen shots under water.

I will pick and choose which accessories I will bring depending on the trip. My go to's however, are the head strap, selfie stick, tripod and chestie.

5. Surface Pro3

When we are on the go we need access to family and internet at all times. The surface pro has the benefit of a computer and tablet all in one. It is lightweight and fits into the pocket of my backpack easily.

Don't forget the headphone splitters for the kids to watch movies! Trust me, it will be the best $5 you ever spend.

6. Portable lightweight hammock

The hammock is always a huge hit with the kids when we stop, often we never even get to use it ourselves. I have even contemplated purchasing a second for the adults!

The hammock sets up in seconds and attaches to any tree without damaging it. If you are lucky to get a chance to use it, it offers a welcome break from the hours on your feet.

7. 1st Class Kid Travel Pillow & Travel Towels

If I am travelling with the kids I never leave my travel pillow at home. The pillow allows them to stretch out their legs, and not kick the chair in front of them, but more importantly to stretch out while sleeping.

On long haul flights, or simply overnighters, this pillow has saved my life!

I purchased the quick dry towels for our hiking trip to the Azores last year and they have been a staple in my bag ever since. Not only are they lightweight and take up virtually no room, they dry completely in under an hour and act as a blanket during chilly flights. Having a towel or two on you at all times is so handy when you come across a hidden waterfall, cenote or beach. They come in nifty mesh bags that I pin onto our backpacks once wet to dry while we complete our hike.

8. Trunki Boostapak

Everything Trunki makes it amazing, but this backpack takes the cake. It is lightweight for your little ones to carry; you can store games, snacks and books inside, and best of all - it doubles as a car booster seat once you arrive at your destination.

We will pack our airplane necessities in the backpack leaving our other 3 backpacks in the overhead compartment. In one backpack we can store everything I mentioned above as well as a few towels for warmth, the Surface Pro for movies and the Girl's blankies.

Renting a car seems to always be a priority for us when we arrive, and having a booster seat has saved us hundreds on our rentals!

9. Personal Items

Aside from the typical personal items that you carry; clothes, flip flops etc. we always pack sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.

We try to stay places that have access to washer/dryer so that we can bring just a few outfits and rotate them around. Pack smart! Dresses, shirts that work with multiple jean shorts provide you valuable space.

Don't forget that airlines will only allow you to bring less than 100 ml of any gel or liquid. Be sure to pack travel size hygiene items.

What's in your travel bag? What are your Must-Have items?

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#budgettravel #traveltips #gear #gopro #hammock #backpack