With the Spring Break season in full swing and summer vacation a few short months away, it’s travel season. I can speak on this with some authority because I live a few miles from the beach and the tourists have invaded. So, for me, the travel season means traffic jams, crowded grocery stores, and figuring clever ways to beat the heat and the crowds. Of course, traveling with kids comes with its own perils. Many of them, in fact, but there are some amazing products on there to help ease the pain a bit.

A great, lightweight stroller is an absolute must have for any family, but it’s never more important than when you’re traveling. My pick for an on the go stroller is the Maclaren Volo. It’s uber light at only 8.4 pounds, folds compactly and has a carry strap. Which I’ve actually used and it was a total lifesaver. $119 (at Babies R Us) might sound like a lot for a basic lightweight stroller, but if you’ve pushed a cheap knock off you know it’s worth it for the nice smooth ride and maneuverability. The generous storage basket is also great for all those souvenirs you pick up along the way!

If your traveling with smaller toddlers or babies, a good comfortable baby carrier is a lifesaver. After all, if you wear your baby you can have your hands free to take all those vacay pics you’ll upload to your computer and never print.  One of my favorites is the lillebaby EveryWear Carrier because it is so lightweight and can fold up to fit in your diaper bag when not in use. You can wear your child in 3 different positions (depending on their age) and use it with the hip carry up to 43 pounds. (As if you didn’t already feel like a Sherpa lugging everything but the kitchen sink on vacation.)  The EveryWear is available at giggle.com (5% cash back!) for $100.

Whether you’re traveling to a beach house, hotel or staying with family, the PeaPod is a genius product that may change your life. It will certainly change your sleep habits for the better, and as any sleep-deprived parent knows that is like finding the golden ticket. The PeaPod travel bed is like a mini little tent just for wee ones that folds up to fit into a tote smaller than a backpack. It comes with a blow up mattress that is actually quite cushy so it‘s the perfect place for tots to sleep when on the go. And at $89.95 at One Step Ahead, it’s cheaper than most travel cribs See, I told you it was genius!

And, if you are traveling to the beach, I’m sorry but nothing says family beach vacay like the LL Bean Tote. These things have been around forever and there’s a reason. They’re awesome. And surprisingly affordable especially with 2% Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com. (The Large Tote with Monogramming is $36.95.)

No matter where your travels take you, have fun! Yes, traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it’s also extremely rewarding.

Happy Shopping!