You never know what you're going to encounter while traveling, and you should prepare for this. The problem is figuring out what's essential and what's not. The following are some last-minute packing items that could save the day.
Cleaning Supplies
It's important to bring some cleaning supplies because you never know when you'll need them. You should have sanitizing wipes, tissue, toothpicks, and a toiletry bag. You need to have enough of these for everyone in your family. You may need to access some of these items while you're traveling. Try to get everyone in your family to keep some supplies in their carry-on so that one family member isn't hauling it all themselves.
On-the-Go Foods
The next thing you want to think about is bringing enough snacks to satisfy your hunger. Getting to the airport, parking, and dealing with all the pre-boarding stuff will take a long time. This means you or someone in your family could get hungry. You don't want to depend on airport or airline snacks. You can't guarantee you'll like them or that they'll be healthy enough. This is the reason you need to bring some on-the-go food items, such as nuts, dried fruit, and instant oatmeal packets. Doing so keeps hunger at bay without spending a small fortune on fast food chicken fingers, and gas station sodas.
Bring a Portable Charger
Smartphones are helpful in many ways. They can help you get a ride from the airport if you need one, and they can help you confirm your hotel reservations and much more. The problem is these things depend on energy. Charging a phone isn't always easy when you're traveling. In addition to your wall charger, pack a portable phone charger. All you have to do is charge this device before you leave so that it can charge your phone if you need it.
Block Out Tools
You want to bring some tools to block things out if needed. The plane is noisy, and the lights are very bright. Getting a nap in can be difficult under those conditions, not to mention the fact that you're going to be sitting up. That's not a great way to sleep, but you'll probably still try to get some rest. If you do, you're going to need a few essentials like noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for everyone. You'll also need eye masks for everyone to make it easier to get some sleep. Bring a few extra eye masks, just in case someone loses theirs.
In Case of Emergencies
Be sure to bring along some emergency items as well. This includes things like deodorant and medicine that you might need, including over-the-counter stuff for headaches. Anything else you think your family might need should be packed in your luggage and easy to access. You should even make sure you have a small first-aid kit just in case. Traveling is a hectic thing, so it's possible someone may get sick or hurt.
You've got a pretty good list of essential things you need to have with you for the trip. Any of these items could save the day, and having them gives you peace of mind because you're prepared for anything that might happen while traveling.