Summer Travel Product US vs. Spain Comparison Guide 2025

After years of bouncing between Barcelona and the United States, I’ve become somewhat of an expert at the international family travel game. What started as stressful airport meltdowns and forgotten essentials has evolved into a well-oiled system of strategic shopping and smart packing, allowing me to create this list of summer travel buys.

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Living in Barcelona while maintaining strong family ties in the US means we’re constantly crossing the Atlantic – sometimes multiple times a year. Through countless flights, hotel stays, and “why didn’t I pack that?!” moments, I’ve learned that successful family travel isn’t just about what you pack, but where and when you buy it.

The reality of transatlantic family life is that sometimes you need to stock up on American favorites before heading to Spain, and other times you discover incredible European products that aren’t available stateside. I’ve spent years comparing products, testing durability through multiple trips, and figuring out which items are worth the international shipping costs versus what’s better bought locally.

This summer shopping guide represents my hard-earned wisdom from all those miles, tears (both mine and the little one’s), and trial-and-error experiences. Every item has been tested across different climates, survived multiple security checkpoints, and proven its worth in both Spanish summers and American adventures.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that my family has personally used and loved during our travels. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue sharing honest experiences with the Barcelona family community! Please see our disclosure policy for complete details.

Please remember that the prices indicated on the Amazon listings for the US products do not have sales tax included nor shipping (make sure to get a trial Amazon Prime membership to get free shipping!). Prices on Amazon listings for Spanish products DO INCLUDE VAT (generally 21%), so no further sales tax will be applied to your order. Shipping will be extra (again, you can get a Spanish Amazon Prime membership!).

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day with a $0 trial membership of Amazon Prime to take advantage of free two-day shipping. Even better, if you apply for an Amazon Credit Card, you will receive 3% back on Amazon purchases (5% is you are a Prime Member!) and no foreign transaction fees, perfect for traveling internationally!

Here are the limited time benefits an trial Amazon Prime membership offers:

• 6-month trial at $0, then 50% off Prime membership for eligible customers.
• NEW! Limited time 5% cash back savings across various shopping categories including beauty, apparel, electronics, and personal care.
• NEW! Game-changing double (sometimes triple) cash back days, exclusive drops, and special Prime Day offers.
• Additional Prime benefits you love like Prime Video, fast, free delivery, Grubhub+

Ready to make your summer travels smoother? Here’s my battle-tested list of essentials, organized by Spanish and US purchase options.

✈️ Airplane Comfort & Entertainment

Kids’ Headphones

Keep the peace with quality audio gear. I am a huge fan of headphones that allow both Bluetooth and Wired options so no charging emergencies:

Character Headphones

Unicorn Headphones (Because…unicorns, right?)

Bluetooth Transmitters

Game-changers for in-flight entertainment:

For Parent “Off-Duty” Mode

Only allows one connected device for those moments when you can watch what YOU want.

For Watching Bluey Together

Allows connecting to two wireless headphones so you can laugh and cry along with your little one.

Headphone Splitter

When you need to use wired headphones

Travel Comfort Items

Foot Rest:

Head Rest:

Kids’ Travel Organization

Stokke Ride-On Suitcase

Doubles as a sleep support! Designed for children aged 2-7 (up to 77 pounds / 35 kilograms), the suitcase allows the child to ride on top of the suitcase and for you to roll it around and adjusts to a footrest on the plane, allowing for some shut-eye.

Travel Toiletries Organizer

Not just for carry-on, I take advantage of these bottles to bring items I must have on hand but I do not want to bring the full-size product.

🧳 For Long Journey Entertainment

Toddler Busy Books

Keep little hands occupied for hours with activity-packed books

Dry Erase Learning Sleeves

Reusable fun that packs flat and clean and allows you all the flexibility to choose what is placed inside to color, practice writing, math, the options are endless!

Magnetic Learning Boards

Perfect for quiet play anywhere

Another favorite travel activity option from Spain! Magnetic Chalk & Whiteboard: €17.95 (CURRENTLY €16.16 WITH A 10% OFF COUPON).

🏖️ Water & Beach Essentials

Quick-Dry Water Shoes

Essential for rocky beaches and pool areas that can get wet and dry quickly.

Swimwear

Quality suits that last all season

Girls’ Suits

Boys’ Suits

Reuseable Swim Diapers

For the littlest water babies:

Sun Protection Hats

Shield those precious faces:

🌞 Destination Adventure Gear

Sun Protection

Never compromise on UV protection. These are my favorite mineral protection options that actually rub in!

Noise Protection

Essential for concerts, festivals, or loud environments

For Babies & Toddlers

For Kids’ Ear Protection

Sunglasses

Stylish eye protection for your cool kid

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Happy travels, Barcelona families! Remember, the key to stress-free family travel is preparation. Whether you’re shopping locally in Spain or stocking up during US visits, having the right gear makes all the difference. Safe travels and enjoy making those summer memories!

Have your own must-have travel items? Share them in the comments below!