Whether it’s summer vacation, a leisurely road-trip, or on-the-go journeys to see family and friends, family travel is always equal parts exciting and stressful. For most parents, the most anxiety-ridden aspects are the unknowns: unfamiliar dangers, possible thievery, lost luggage (serious emergency!), and accommodations that lack the comforts – and safety features – of home.
We get it. As parents, we’ve all packed too-full bags stretched to the seams with doo-dads, doohickies, and all the other thingamagigs that were advertised to make travel simpler and safer for our families.
10 Best Travel Safety Products for Families
Our take
Snap a cover over any standard doorknob to keep kids out of areas you deem “off-limits” – hotel hallways, your mother-in-law’s bedroom, or the basement stairs. Simple, inexpensive covers install in minutes and are temporary and easily removed. Plus, adults can open cover-equipped doors with a simple squeeze, making this a fuss-proof way to childproof on the go.
Bottom Line: If you don’t want to impose on your hosts but need to keep kids out of unsafe areas, pack a few doorknob covers in your luggage.
Stand-out features include
- Easy to install
- Easier grip on doorknob
- Fits most door knobs
Our take
When you’re on the go, whether it’s visiting family or bunking in a hotel, you may want to cordon off safe spaces for young children. A travel safety gate is just the ticket, offering an easily transportable baby gate that installs in seconds and requires no hardware.
Bottom Line: If you need baby gate security without drilling holes or making your hosts regret their invitation, pack a folding travel gate in your luggage.
Stand-out features include
- Safe plastic
- Works in doorways 38-60 inches
- Pressure mounted
Our take
If you’re visiting family or staying in a vacation rental, chances are your travel digs aren’t babyproofed. Young walkers and awkward toddlers can encounter serious trouble with sharp table edges, making edge bumpers a necessary addition to your luggage. Grab an elasticized version for easy installation.
Bottom Line: Edge bumpers prevent your littles from crashing into dangerously sharp table corners.
Stand-out features include
- Easy to remove
- Four corner pads
- Expands
Our take
For car travel, camping, hiking and other off-the-beaten-path adventures, a snap light flare is absolutely essential. They’re lightweight, waterproof, non-toxic and non-flammable, so they’re safe around your family – and they keep your family safe, in case of emergency or unexpected happenings.
Bottom Line: Stock up on long-duration flares for your trunk, camping pack, daypack, and other travel gear.
Stand-out features include
- 12 hours of bright light
- Safe and durable
- Many uses
Our take
Go Boy Scout on your road-trip plans with an emergency road kit – you’ll always be prepared! These useful collections include a little bit of everything you could need, like jumper cables, batteries, rain ponchos, screw drivers, fuses, flash lights, first aid supplies, and more.
Bottom Line: Don’t hop in the car for extended travels without outfitting your trunk with a fully equipped car emergency kit.
Stand-out features include
- Comes with batteries for flashlight
- Storage bag with handles
- Trusted brand, AAA
