I consider myself an expert car traveler when it comes to kids. My in-laws live 2.5 hours away, and my husband and I both have grandparents that live 45 minutes away. We go to my family’s lake house almost every year and it’s an 8 hour drive. We take car trips somewhat regularly, you get the picture.

One of the times we travel the most is around the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas means trips to see family and overnight stays. Which is all the more complicated by an energetic 3-year-old boy. I’m all about whatever makes life easier, and I’ve compiled a list of things that do just that when we’re on the road and sleeping somewhere other than home.

Hushh Portable White Noise Machine

I absolutely love this thing. The sound quality is AMAZING. Right now I’m actually using it for myself every night. There are two somewhat neutral color options - a kid version in grey and green that lets you lock the buttons, and an adult version that’s white and blue. It plugs in, so no worrying about batteries dying. Portable or not, this is favorite white noise machine ever.

Calm Me Plug-in Nightlight White Noise Machine

This is what we use for my son when we’re traveling now that he requires a night light, white noise, and sometimes wants a song (so high-maintenance). It’s a nightlight that allows for different brightness settings for reading bs. sleeping, and a white noise machine that also plays lullabies and nature sounds. No matter what your kid is into (white noise, lullabies, a fan, or the ocean) this has you covered. I like that I only have to pack 1 item for white noise and a night light, and I don’t have to worry about a charger because it plugs directly into the wall.

Regalo My Cot Portable Bed

This is what we use for my son to sleep on now that he’s outgrown a pack-n-play. It’s the perfect size and folds up easily - much lighter and less bulky than the old PNP. I like that it comes in a nice neutral grey color, and comes with a little fitted sheet and carrying case.

Sleeping Bag

These are so nice and cozy for traveling during the holiday season. Sleeping bags are great to use on a cot, a bed, a couch, or even the floor when there aren’t enough beds to go around. I like the ones that include a pillow because it’s one less thing to worry about. I invested a little in the sleeping bag because I want it to hold up in the wash, and I figure he can use it at sleepovers through middle school. We have a fox sleeping bag from Crate & Barrel Kids that’s unfortunately not sold anymore.

Duffle Bag and Toiletry Kit

A full-on suitcase seemed like too much for a trip to grandma’s, so I opted for a nice duffle bag for our son. On short trips when it’s not full we can squish it down to save room in the car. Even though my son is only 3, we went with one from Pottery Barn’s Teen line instead of the Kids’ line. The dinosaur bag is cute, but cute has a shelf life. Ideally, I’d like for it to last him at least through high school so we invested a little more and went with a design that would work for an older kid as well. The matching toiletry bag is great to have too - toothbrush/paste, hair comb, spray bottle, medicine, thermometer, lotion - we throw it all in there and aren’t searching for them in the bottom of the duffle bag.

Summer Infant Pop 'N Sit Portable Infant Booster Seat

When my son was a little younger, we used this all the time. If we went to someone’s house who didn’t have a high chair or booster seat, we would bring this little chair. It can be strapped on to a regular dining chair to turn it into a high chair (or if I removed the tray, a booster seat). If we went to a tailgate or BBQ we would bring this and set it in the grass for him to eat. Now that my son is 3 and can make due at a dining table without a booster, we don’t use the tray and use it as a collapsible/portable chair for him at parades and soccer games. It folds up into its carrying bag for easy travel.

VTech Digital Audio Baby Monitor

A 3-year-old goes to bed much earlier than my husband and I would like to, so we almost always use our inexpensive audio-only baby monitor on trips. You just never know what the boy could be up to or when he could start crying at night in a new place. It’s nothing great or special, but we only use it on the road so it doesn’t need to be. This one gets the job done.

As for things to do in the car, if it’s a really long trip I’ll hit up the dollar store or the dollar spot at Target and save a few new toys or activities for when he gets restless. Just don’t forget to save some new things for the trip back! And snacks. All the snacks!