Things Mama Bird Takes on a Vacation

As I’m in the midst of packing for our upcoming mountain cabin trip, I have to remind myself to take time to pack for Mama Bird, too. It’s so easy to put 100% of my focus into making sure the family has everything they need that I can sometimes become an afterthought.

So today, I’m sharing the key items I always make sure to pack for myself—the little comforts that help me actually relax and enjoy the trip.

Pillow (with a colorful pillowcase)

There is nothing like having your own pillow on a trip. Papa Bird always makes fun of me, but there have been several trips where he wished he had brought his own instead of using what was available.

I haven’t gotten to the point where I sneak it onto a cruise (yet), but as long as it’s a road trip—whether it’s a rental or a hotel—I make sure to pack it. I just can’t quite commit to the suitcase space and added weight for a flight.

This is the pillowcase I use—something that really stands out. I have almost left my pillow behind several times because it blended in with the bed!👉 https://amzn.to/3Yz8Nwv

These are the pillows we use at home:👉 https://amzn.to/45hsKvs

Kindle

It seems like vacation is the only time I really get to read. My Kindle has seen Mama Bird on many trips.

I love the idea of a real book, but they take up more space. With my Kindle, I can just toss it into my bag and have dozens of stories right at my fingertips.

This is the Kindle case I use. I love that it has little slots for a room key or credit card, and it even has a kickstand.👉 https://amzn.to/454sMH6

Sleep Mask

I started using a sleep mask once we added nightlights around the house. I need darkness to sleep.

I forgot my sleep mask on one trip last year and slept horribly—not necessarily because it wasn’t dark enough, but because I’ve become so accustomed to the feel of the mask. I think my brain now associates it with safety and sleep.

This is the sleep mask I use. I love the eye contours—I can’t go back to a regular mask after using this. Trust me, I’ve tried!👉 https://amzn.to/4qgafzJ

JBL Speaker

I love my little speaker. It’s small, portable, and definitely better than using my phone.

I stream ocean thunderstorms at night or play festive music during the day. I used to travel with a small Bose speaker, but it barely lasted a year before it stopped working. I prefer packing something affordable that gets the job done—and honestly, this one has already lasted longer than the Bose!

Speaker:👉 https://amzn.to/48yQxcA

Travel Fan

I need air circulating at night. Even though this trip isn’t a cruise or hotel—where the air system always seems to stop at night—I still like having a fan.

You can’t always count on a rental having one, or in the case of our last stay, having a fan where the cords are low enough for me to actually reach and change the speed.

Here is the fan I bought. It’s pretty small but still does a great job. You can make it tall or short, and it even rotates!👉 https://amzn.to/4s3cXdC

Headphones

My headphones are a must. I can listen to music or a show without completely tuning out the world around me.

They’ve become especially helpful with little kids—I can still hear them talking to me or calling for me, while also enjoying something just for myself.

I bought these headphones because they don’t have a wrap-around cord over your head like my husband’s. They just sit comfortably in your ears.👉 https://amzn.to/4pP18q2

Slippers

As I’ve gotten older, my feet just aren’t what they used to be. Walking barefoot around a place can cause foot pain that takes forever to heal.

I don’t want to wear my regular shoes all the time, so slippers are the perfect solution.

They’re easy to slip on and off, great for curling up on the couch, and I love that these can be tightened with a Velcro top.

This is the style of slipper I purchased. Best part? They don’t take up much space.👉 https://amzn.to/49j7Sq6

Blanket

There’s no better feeling than snuggling under a blanket with a good book.

I can’t count on rentals having a cozy blanket—and my kids are definitely not sharing theirs. So I bring my own… even though there’s always a risk it’ll be “borrowed” by Sister Bird and added to her bed collection. I’ve lost many blankets that way.

Here is the throw I’ll most likely take. I bought mine a few years ago during a sale.

👉 https://amzn.to/45fRqo8

Final Fantasy X (Nintendo Switch)

On our last trip, we stopped at Target and I spotted Final Fantasy X for the Switch.

I have such fond memories of this game and its sequel—they’re some of the few games I’ve ever actually finished. For the nostalgia alone, I bought it and started playing. I haven’t had much time since, but I’m hoping to make a little progress this week at the cabin.

Final Fantasy X:👉 https://amzn.to/45bRoxB

Final Thoughts

Those are all the key things I make sure to bring. I’m hoping for a little rest and relaxation on this trip, and I know having these comforts will help me come home feeling refreshed.

Because Mama Bird deserves a little R&R too. 💛

All links are items I have personally purchased and used for my family. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.