Slow Travel Essentials & Resources for Full-Time Traveling Families
Welcome to our real slow travel essentials list; the small set of gear and services we’ve relied on since we started travelling in March 2024.
This isn’t just a “best of” roundup or a sponsored list. If it’s on this page, we use it. If we stop using it, it gets removed.
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep this page updated and publish new guides.
What We Actually Use After Years on the Road
When we first started traveling full-time in March 2024, I scoured packing lists and gear guides looking for the “perfect” setup. But truthfully? We didn’t need most of it. Over the past 24+ months of slow travel, from Morocco to Albania (and plenty in between), we’ve found a handful of essentials we actually use every single day.
This page isn’t stuffed with random affiliate links. It’s a curated list of travel tools that genuinely make our life on the road easier, smoother, and more affordable. If it’s listed here, we use it. If we stopped using it, it’s gone.
Want our packing systems, slow travel updates, and new guides as we publish them? We send occasional emails, no spam.
Our Non-Negotiables
If you don’t want to scroll a giant list, start with these. They’re the things we’d replace first if they disappeared tomorrow.
1) Carry-on luggage that survives constant travel
Eastpak Tranverz S (our go-to cabin case) — See why we recommend it
2) Underseat bag for electronics + valuables
ECOHUB Underseat Backpack (US / UK) — See the exact bag we use
3) Compression cubes that actually hold up
ECOHUB Compression Cubes (UK / US) — Read our full cube review
4) Internet setup for work + school on the road
Netgear Nighthawk M1+ options — See our family travel WiFi setup
5) Insurance we’ve kept since early 2024
SafetyWing — Get a quote
6) Money tool we use everywhere
Wise — Open a Wise account
1. Luggage & Packing Tools That Work for Families
Traveling light as a family of four isn’t easy, but the right gear makes a big difference. These are the backpacks, packing cubes, and accessories we’ve used (and abused) on the road across Europe and North Africa. Every item below has been tested through airport sprints, rainy streets, cramped taxis, and border crossings with overtired kids.
Eastpak Tranverz S – The Cabin Case That Keeps Going
👉 Read our Tranverz S review (size tips + what’s held up after 24+ months)
- Soft-shell but structured: Fits easily in most overhead lockers (incl. Raynair) and squishy car boots.
- Surprisingly hardy: Still standing after off-road treks, gravel paths, and being yanked through airports by the kids.
- Super smooth wheels: Glides through airports, train stations, and cobbled streets.
“I’ve wheeled this thing down gravel roads, over broken pavements, and through a dozen Airbnb entrances. It’s tougher than it looks — and somehow still fits in Ryanair overhead bins.”
We also travel with another Eastpak option depending on the trip: read our Eastpak Carry Pack review.
Eastpak Transit’R S – The Tranverz with a Facelift
See on EASTPAK’s Official Website
“If the Tranverz had a younger, slightly sleeker cousin, this would be it. The Transit’R adds a couple of mod-cons but keeps the same rugged practicality.”
👉 Not sure which one’s right for you? Read our full Tranverz S vs Transit’R comparison to see which wins for different travel styles.
ECOHUB Spirit/Ryanair Underseat – Budget Airline Hero
- Perfect underseat size: Designed to fit Spirit Airlines’ and Ryanair’s free carry-on allowance, which means it usually works for other budget airlines too.
- Security-friendly layout: Opens clamshell-style, making unpacking electronics at airport security way easier.
- Lots of hidden compartments: Ideal for passports and other valuables you want tucked away in busy terminals.
- Eco-conscious build: Made from recycled PET bottles, which we love.
“We use this as our electronics and valuables bag and it’s been brilliant. It fits under the seat, keeps everything organised, and makes security less stressful.”
QUECHUA MH500 Kids’ Backpack – Perfect for Young Travelers
Available at Decathlon: This is not an affiliate link, just something that’s working for us right now.
- Built for ages 7–15: Lightweight, padded, and designed to fit growing backs comfortably.
- 18L capacity: Easily holds clothes, books, snacks, water bottles, and a few favourite toys.
- Budget airline approved: Compact enough to qualify as an underseat bag on most budget carriers.
“Our kids use two ECOHUB compression cubes each to pack their clothes. They fit snugly inside, with room left over for other bits.”
ECOHUB Compression Packing Cubes – Durable, Space-Saving, and Family-Proof
Meet Potato, she goes everywhere with Pip.
Is she going to fit?
She doesn’t really have a choice…
- Tough zips + seams: After 2 years of constant use, every single zip is still going strong — and we’ve tested a lot of cube sets.
- Perfect for soft-shell cases: Helps keep bags within Ryanair’s strict depth limits so no more last-minute squashing at the gate.
- Kid-friendly storage: Makes it easier for our two to pack their favourite toys without taking over the whole case.
“These are hands down the best compression cubes we’ve had… and we’ve tried more than a few.”
👉 Read our ECOHUB cube review (photos + what we’d buy again)
2. Travel Clothes & Barefoot Shoes We Take Everywhere
Lightweight, breathable, and durable — the clothes and footwear we rely on for different climates and cultures. We keep footwear minimal. The aim is one pair for walking all day, one for training (optional), and sandals/water shoes depending on season.
If you’re new to barefoot shoes, start with our guide first, it’ll save you buying the wrong size/style.
👉 Start here: Best barefoot shoes for travelling families (2026)
3. Everyday Travel Essentials That Save Our Sanity
Over time it’s become clear that some items we travel with get a lot more use than others. These are our travel essentials (the little things that have earned their spot in our carry-on bags!).
Passport holder: keeps four passports + docs in one grab-and-go pouch
BagPodz: stops supermarket runs becoming a plastic-bag mess
Laundry sheets: lightweight, no spills, works in handwashing + machines
4. Tech & WiFi Solutions for Working + Learning on the Road
As digital nomads, there are some electronics we couldn’t live (or work!) without. Laptops, chargers, pocket WiFi, SIM cards, apps: these are all the tools that keep us connected, earning, and homeschooling while traveling full-time.
If you work remotely or worldschool: the router + power + cable organization are the difference between ‘fine’ and constant stress.
See our Hotspot of choice (why we still use it 22+ months in)
For families traveling slowly or staying longer in one place, we’ve outlined the most practical long-term family pocket WiFi options here.
5. Entertainment & Comfort for Kids (and Grownups)
Headphones, books, nightlights, sleep aids, and boredom busters that make long journeys manageable.
Ready to choose the tech that will actually make your family trips easier? Explore our full guide to the Best Family Travel Tech Gifts 2026, curated from the gear we use every day as a full-time travelling family.
6. Trusted Travel Services That Save Us Time & Energy
From finding family-friendly places to stay to booking flights and managing money on the road, these are the platforms we keep coming back to.
Long Term Family Travel Insurance
Get a SafetyWing quote here (kids can be added depending on plan/eligibility)
We’ve had SafetyWing Nomad Travel Insurance since setting off on our travels in early 2024. As both children are under the age of 10 years, we were able to add them to our policy free of charge making it a great family travel insurance option for us.
We’ve used SafetyWing since early 2024 because it works well for long-term travel when you don’t have fixed return dates.
7. Tools That Make Slow Travel Smoother
Planning tools, local transport apps, and hacks we’ve picked up to make long-term travel smoother and more affordable.
We use Wise for spending, transfers, and holding multiple currencies without constant card drama.