The Ultimate Survival Kit for Moms On-the-Go

If you have traveled with your family recently, chances are high that you uttered the phrase “I wish I had packed…” a few times. Even though overthinking could potentially lead to overpacking and overstressing, a good, solid packing list can set you up for success on your trip. And honestly, the success of a trip {or let’s be real, everyday life on-the-go} can come down to the survival kit in your purse, dear Mama. {a.k.a. dear packmule}

Over the past few years traipsing across the globe with my children, I have established a list of essentials that I try to keep in my purse—and these items have saved the day on many occasions. How many of these on-the-go must-haves do you keep in your bag?

The Ultimate Survival Kit for Moms On-the-Go

1. Tissues – just a little travel size pack for those surprise sneezes that can’t be contained.

2. Wet Wipes – it doesn’t matter how old your kids are; I guarantee there will be a scenario during travel and even everyday life where you need a wet wipe!

3. Thieves Spray – a very handy antibacterial spray, and my first choice for killing funky junk. I use it as hand sanitizer, air freshener, table spray at restaurants, and sometimes as a throat spray, too! {WARNING: be sure to keep it out of eyes…and off little kid hands that frequently touch eyes.}

4. Mints AND Gum – dragon breath is strong on family trips, so a little freshening up is always good. Plus, if you are flying, gum is a big help for little ears during takeoff and landing. It can also be a good distraction if you are stuck waiting in a long line for something.

5. Lipstick/Lip Gloss/Lipbalm – quickest way to look alive after a long travel day is adding some color to your lips! I keep both lipstick and gloss because I like the option. I also have lip balm {I like Burt’s Bees brand} because someone in the family is always complaining their lips are chapped!

6. Pen – you will always need a pen. Or four.

7. Sharpie – trust me. Throw one in the bag.

8. Kind Bars – you need a fast, appealing, protein-heavy snack for those times you can’t easily get to food. Kind Bars are my favorite emergency bite because they are full of real food ingredients {several with low sugar} and they satisfy growling tummies. Clearly, not for everyone, especially the very littles, so grab whatever whole food snack your people can eat to keep hangry-ness in check.

9. Earbuds – whether for your kids when you need to plug them into a device for a sanity break, or for yourself for the same reason, don’t forget these!

10. Phone Charger – I designate a sturdy zipper baggy for chargers/cords and keep it accessible in my purse at all times.

11. Handheld Fan – you would be surprised how much I use a handheld, fold-up fan. They aren’t just for Spanish Senoritas or the Victorian royal court! They can save the day when kids get overheated, or when you’re in a crowded, sweaty spot. They are perfect for hot flashes, or “wine flashes.” Or when you need to flirt with your husband.

12. Essential Oils – because I love them and use them daily for all kinds of things. They are part of my first aid kit, so I always have my little tote in my purse with these particular oils:

-Lavender {helps with frayed nerves, sleep, skin irritations}

-Lemon {a fresh scent on the plane/car if needed, and for Lavender/Lemon/Peppermint mixture for allergy support}

-Peppermint {helps with tummy troubles and headaches, and for LLP mixture for allergy support}

–Thieves {helps support immune system}

-Stress Away {helps moms on trips with family}

-Purification {eliminates bad odors, helps soothe bug bites}

13. Basic Med Kit – Since my kids were little, I have kept a baggy of band-aids and antibiotic cream in my purse, so I always restock it before we travel. And I never leave the house without pain medicine {like ibuprofen or acetaminophen} for adults and a junior version for kids.

14. Carabiner – I have come to depend on one of these for keeping track of keys at home and away. They are wonderful as a keychain because you can clip it to the strap of your purse, or to a loop inside your purse, and never have to dig for the keys again.

15. Travel Umbrella – most days you can find a little umbrella in my bag, and I’m never sorry I put it in there!

So, what’s in your bag? Do you have on-the-go essentials you would add to this list?

I pray that your family time will be sweet as summer comes to a close – whether home or away. Look for the good things, and you will find them. Especially if you packed them in your bag.

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