Top 10 things every cool mama has in her travel bag

My wanderlust runs deep. From backpacking to business travel, I have circled the globe numerous times. And as a seasoned traveller who is nowa mother of two, I am passionate about passing along that love of travel to my children, and placing an importance on collecting experiences, not things. However, let's be honest, there are some things that happen to make travel a whole lot easier (and fashionable)! Below are my favourite travel accessories the ones I always bring with to ensure smooth sailing.

A great distraction

I've been obsessing over these simple eco wooden sheets by Brikkon. They fit together to provide extended life and breathe new imagination into your children's Lego play. Pull these out in the lounge while waiting for a delayed flight or at a restaurant for guaranteed distraction (yours and theirs).

Brikkon Treehouse, Advice from a Caterpillar, $35

A cool head topper

A jaunty felt fedora or fashionable ball cap are the perfect foil to a bad hair day, week old blow-out (no judgement!) or just a chic alternative to the mom bun. My current favourite is from H&M.

Cap, H&M, $14.99

A good camera

The Nikon COOLPIX AW130: Having the proper gear to capture memories and experiences to re-live at a later date is a major rule of thumb. Instead of fumbling with your complicated and clunky DSLR, or relying on your smart phone camera, entrust your family's memories to this rugged over-achiever of a camera. It's waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, which means you couldn't pick a better camera to accompany you on and off the ski slopes, at the beach and pool, or on those hiking trails. It offers one-handed dial settings so you can capture memories easily while also juggling everything else. Say cheese!

Nikon COOLPIX AW130, Nikon, $349.95

Something fancy

These Ariel Earrings by Jenny Bird will elevate any outfit in a hurry taking up no room in your suitcase, a constant companion.

Ariel Earrings, Jenny Bird, $75

A good (natural) deodorant

When the pressure is on and tensions are high (close quarters with extended family and travel delays can ruffle even the calmest of mamas) this all natural odour obscurer will keep you fresh and cool without the harsh ingredients found in most drugstore brands. Don't leave home without it!

Bois by KMN Deodorant, Leaves of Trees, $24

A purse, of course

Traveling with tykes requires both hands (and additional limbs) to be unencumbered. This Ela Nomad Pack is the perfect size for all your necessities with functional pockets that easily fit passports, a snack and matchbox cars (my most critical ammo while navigating any public space).

Nomad Pack, Ela, $195

A perfect pair of travel shoes

Made of the softest leather using traditional Italian techniques, Hobes can pack into the smallest of crannies in your bag while effortlessly transitioning from day to night. A perfect fit for the modern mama wardrobe.

Wooly Hobes Dove Grey, Hobes, $169

A LGB (Little Green Dress)

The Davis Project Ann dress is Canadian made and designed. It arrives parcelled in the smallest pouch perfect for packing. It doesn't wrinkle and can be dressed up with heels or worn with sneakers and sandals for casual days chasing after little ones.

Ann Hunter Green, Davis Project, $295

Rain coats for the whole family

Rains is a Danish brand of rainwear that is as stylish and effective in the rain as it is easy on the wallet. Gear up the whole family in coats, rain pants & even hats.

Rains Long Jacket, Rains, From $44.10

A great piece of luggage

And what about the travel bag itself? This is an investment piece that should be indestructible (hello bottle leaks and snack crumbs). It should also get better with age (nothing like the fine patina of a worn suitcase - those scratches and marks tell a thousand stories). We love this German-made, matte-black version by Heys because it looks and feels like a much more expensive European product. Made from pure polycarbonate plastic it even comes with a 10yr first class warranty.

Revolution Elite, Heys, $239.97