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Best Online News Outlets to Read Sports Coverage

Whether you’re traveling for business or taking a quick vacation, the best online news outlets offer the sports coverage that you want to read. Check out this guide to find your favorite online news outlets and to get scoring updates and read articles on sports.

Take a Gander at the Online Sports Coverage at ESPN

ESPN’s online site offers access to real-time sports news and video coverage every single day of the year. Log onto the website to view live baseball sports scores along with football, soccer and hockey schedules right at your fingertips. Check out the top sports news headlines and capture in-depth articles starring your favorite sports heroes. ESPN gives you quick access to Gamecast times and channels along with ticket purchase areas to get you set up to start your tailgate party. Watch the highlights of great football games and set up your own fantasy sports leagues.

Build Your Own Sports Haven With Yahoo Sports Online

Whether you’re a fan of Brazilian soccer or looking to set up your fantasy football team, Yahoo Sports is filled with real-time sports to keep you on top of the news. Read articles on NFL news and learn more about upcoming NBA games right on the Yahoo Sports website. Create an account and customize the website to provide only the sports coverage you love or browse as a visitor to enjoy an overview of everything happening in sports right now.

Enjoy the Views on Sports Illustrated Online

Known for its glossy magazine and coveted swimsuit issue, Sports Illustrated also offers an excellent source of real-time sports news to read or watch 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Sports Illustrated online allows visitors to purchase sports tickets, listen to sports podcasts and view scores, ranks and standings of many sports franchises. Log onto the website and click on the Sports Illustrated vault to explore the history of the magazine’s classic photos and interviews. Check out articles from top sports writers like Tom Verducci, Peter King and Phil Taylor and explore the world of sports.

Consider Bleacher Report for Sports News

A part of TNT Sports online, Bleacher Report offers live access to major sports news and articles that are designed to be quick to access and easy to read. Download the Bleacher Report application and bring your favorite articles on sports right with you in your pocket. Designed to work with iPhone and Android platforms, the Bleacher Report does not offer live high school sports scores.

Follow Your Favorite Teams on CBS Sports

Just right for the person seeking articles on sports, live sports scores and plenty of sports news, CBS Sports online is a great outlet for sports coverage. Log onto the website and customize it to suit your needs or explore everything from fantasy football to golf games with a couple of clicks. Play sports videos to relive incredible moments from big games, listen to sports radio live or check out college sports games and scores to follow your favorite teams. CBS Sports provides a colorful glimpse of everything happening in the sports world.

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25 Essentials to Pack for Travel Sports

You will always be ready to hit the road for a travel or local sports tournament with this list of 25 essentials you can’t forget to pack. Whether it’s for a soccer tournament , softball, football, baseball, or something else, this list will make tournament packing super easy and prepared for everything!

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The Packing for Sports Conundrum

When my daughters just played rec soccer packing for games was so easy. All of the game gear lived in the trunk, we just slapped on some sunscreen and headed to the fields. Now that they play year-round on a travel team as well as for a rec team, packing is a whole new adventure. Every weekend during the spring, summer and fall we are in another city hours from home, and occasionally in a different state.

During longer tournaments, it’s not unusual for us to spend days at a field in a strange town, and nights in a hotel room. It took several tournament weekends to get my tournament packing just right.

If you’re a travel sports mom, or if your older child is playing at college showcases, you will likely be spending many days on the road and at the fields this spring and summer. These essentials will save you time, money and trust me, you’ll thank me later.

25 ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR TRAVEL SPORTS TOURNAMENTS

For the games:.

1. Cooler

While many tournament rules do not allow coolers on the fields, you should be able to keep one in your car. Fill it with ice and keep your drinks and snacks cool. The ice can also be used if needed during the game if there are any injuries. If coolers are allowed then  a good one with wheels  is great. Pulling double duty, this cooler can be used for camping and beach trips as well.

2. Sports Cool Down Towel

This towel is amazing for sweltering days when the sun is relentless. My girls pack it in their bags, throw some water on it and keep it on their face and necks during water breaks and half-time to cool them down.

3. Slides/Non-Sports Shoes

The second my kids are done playing, they love to throw on a pair of slides or sneakers so that they are comfortable. This also helps keep their cleats in top condition.

4. First Aid Kit

I love this First Aid Kit by Johnson & Johnson – it’s affordable and filled with products that I know & trust, and has everything that you could need in case of injury in a travel size bag. It even has an instant cold pack in case. Injuries happen! I also carry extra instant cold packs that I get from the Dollar Tree to have on hand. It has saved me a bunch of times, especially with my daughter as a goalie. She has been bumped, pushed, kicked and hit her head several times.

5. Toilet Paper: We’ve all been to that field port-o-potty that is out of toilet paper. Keep a stash of travel toilet paper in your car so there are no accidents on the field.

6. Bug Repellent

Where there are playing fields, there are pesky insects. A trusty DEET-free insect repellent like Ranger Ready ensures a safer and more comfortable game. Ranger Ready is 100% deet free and repels mosquitoes, bugs and ticks.

7. Tide To-Go Pen

These stain fighting pens are an absolute essential on and off the field. I have one in my purse but we also see one in our soccer bag to get pesky stains from setting into our uniforms on long tournament days. If you have kids, even if they are not in sports – you need these!

Parking fees, entry fees, and concessions, many of these are cash only! Take some cash to avoid a trip to the ATM. I always keep about $40 in cash on me, just in case.

9. Sports tent pop-up pod

The weather in NEPA is always unpredictable. We keep this pop-up pod in our car so that we are ready for game day regardless of the weather. Whether it’s a chilly fall or spring morning, it’s raining, – this pod keeps you comfortable during the games.

10. After Bite Itch Relief

Bites can cost a goal. Carry our little helper After Bite for relief from itchy bug bites. Your kids will be back in the game in no time. In case of any bites during games or practices, I keep After Bite for instant relief. This is essential in case one of the girls gets bit, and they are not focused on the bite – they stay focused on the game.

11. Collapsible Sports Wagon

This wagon is a must especially when it’s a long haul with all your stuff from the parking lot to where the field is. This makes carrying all of your stuff so much easier – and bonus, it can be used on the beach as well!

12. Camping Chairs

1 for each person not on the field playing. Coleman makes great camping chairs which do just fine on the sidelines, too. Bleachers are not your friend, your back will thank me later!

If you’re on the sidelines, a brimmed hat will help protect from sun, weather and biting bugs.

14. Hand Wipes and Hand Sanitizer

Nowadays,  hand wipes and hand sanitizer  are a must. The bathrooms could be too far away, lines may be too long, they could be out of soap, or all of the above.

15. Extra Ziplock Baggies

Fill with ice from your cooler in case of injuries.  Ziplock bags that have a zipper  are far easier to open and close – they last longer than sandwich bags, too.

16. Sunscreen

An easy to apply,  high SPF spray bottle of sunscreen  in your child’s bag, another for you.

17. Lip Balm/Chapstick

We always gets chapped lips in the hot sun or the cold so having a tube of lip balm  in our bags is a must for everyone in our family at the fields.

18. Adidas Backpack

My daughter has a backpack similar to this to hold all of her soccer essentials for practices, games and tournaments. Most importantly it comes in a wide variety of colors so you can get whatever color scheme you like.

19. Umbrella

The weather is always changing and sometimes we have 4 seasons in one day. Therefore, keep an umbrella stored in the car for the spontaneous rainfall or especially sunny day.

20. Children’s Ibuprofen

Kids ibuprofen and some for the grown ups too is handy during hot days, hard plays, and accidental bumps and bruises. My oldest and I suffer from frequent headaches, so ibuprofen or Tylenol on hand is a must at all times.

FOR TRAVELING:

21. Slippers or Flip-Flops 

Especially when we stay in a hotel room, I like to bring slippers with me for comfort and well, hygiene. Bonus if they are a pair of machine washable comfy slippers !

22. Books/Magazines

My kids love to read. Right now they are obsessed with Warrior Cats and Wings of Fire and this keeps them occupied on long car rides. I personally am enthralled with Colleen Hoover’s books. I started reading It Ends With Us – and it’s so good. There will be down time, trust me! Therefore bring lots of activities and books to stay busy.

23. iPad or Laptop with Streaming Service

Hotel T.V. just plain sucks! To help with this, bring your tablet or laptops and use a streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video or Apple TV to watch whatever you like. Connect to WiFi and you’re a mobile entertainment center!

24. Laundry Detergent

If you are leaving for a longer tournament bringing  laundry detergent  is super helpful in getting out stains and smells of our athletes stuff. Be sure to include a small bottle of detergent and stain remover to help keep those uniforms clean. If you don’t have a washer at your hotel, you can wash the uniforms in the sink or bath tub and hang to dry.

25. Hangers

If you need to bring laundry detergent, be sure to bring hangers. Sometimes the hotel hangers are just plain strange. There’s plenty of reasonably priced hangers that can do the job to hang up any uniforms you need to dry.

So there you have it – my list of essentials for any sports tournament. I hope you find this helpful – let me know if there are any essentials on your list that I didn’t include!

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Published by Morgan

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14 thoughts on “25 Essentials to Pack for Travel Sports”

Thank you so much!

Thanks for sharing this list of must-have items for sports games and tournaments! As a parent of young athletes, I know how important it is to be prepared for anything that can happen on the field. I love the idea of bug repellent and sports towels to help stay comfortable during those long, hot games. Thanks again for these helpful tips!

Thank you! It makes life so much easier when you’re as prepared as possible….ha!

I am all about making lists and staying organized. Your list is great!

Me too! List making is my jam – thank you!

Oh I love this! Very helpful, as I have a family of 5! Thank you for sharing!

Great article, really informative.

Thanks so much!

This is such a great and comprehensive list! I was a traveling athlete for almost a decade myself and I can say with certainty that this list would come in handy! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much! That means a lot!

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15 Tips for Traveling for Sporting Events (Plus a Packing List)

Whether you’re planning to travel “with” your favorite sports team or packing up the family for travel league weekend, we’re here to help you dust off your traveling shoes and hit the road for adventures - traveling for athletic events. 

We’ve gathered the best travel tricks and tips to save money, avoid stress, and travel like a seasoned pro!  

Keep in mind that you can’t plan for everything to happen and every trip is going to include some sort of mishap, but pack us in your backpack and we’re sure to have some fun.

• Pack light and take extra money
• It’s great to be able to be mobile and flexible when you’re traveling. Avoid feeling bogged down with heavy suitcases, a result of overpacking. Pack light and bring extra money to buy anything you forgot. If you’re a to-do-ist, you may like our packing guide, found at the end of this blog. We like the idea of packing just the basics that can transfer between different outfit looks and including just a few statement pieces and accessorizing .
• Pack extra socks 
• Oftentimes when you’re on-the-go your sweat is flowing a little more than usual. For that reason, we recommend you pack one extra pair of socks for every two days of travel. Keep them in your suitcase or carry on in plastic bags to be able to exchange out with the worn, stinky ones. Your dry toes will thank you!
• Pack earplugs
• You never know how noisy your bedroom environment will be. 
• If you’re flying, pack a change of clothes in your carryon or purse
• Sometimes, bags arrive after you do. If team spirit greets you at baggage claim, but not your suitcase, you can have the peace of mind of being prepared for at least the next day by keeping a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, and necessary prescriptions on your person. Your hotel lodging will likely be able to fill in the gaps of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and you will have the next day to purchase any missing items if they’re still needed.
• Visit the local tourism businesses
• These establishments are staffed with people who know what’s happening in the area. You can speak with a live human who will be able to point you in the direction of where to go for eating, drinking, lodging, activities, and more. Plus, they may have exclusive deals set up with local businesses that you can take advantage of.
• It’s always a good idea to be courteous to people around you. It especially comes in handy when you’re looking for help!
• Though not everyone bites, be aware and cautious of your surroundings to avoid travel scams and dangerous situations. Keep your cell phone accessible at all times. 
• Book your flight 2-3 months in advance
• This is typically the time when you’ll find the most reasonable rates.
• Take lots of photos and videos
• With the convenience of today’s technology, you can easily capture the moment by snapping images and video clips to look back on and remember. You can also share them on social media with your friends and family back home!
• Carry a phone charger
• The three things that you should always have on you are your phone, your I.D., and your credit card (or money). You may find your phone battery draining more quickly when you’re traveling than it does back home because of the use of navigation apps and changing signals, so keep your phone charger with you to be able to plug in at a coffee shop or restaurant in between events.
• Weather can fluctuate, depending on your location. You may like to wear multiple layers that can shed if you’re too warm and add on if you’re too chilly.
• Pre-plan your outfits
• We like to make use of plastic bags to organize all the pieces of an outfit for a day or event to grab it out of our suitcase and throw it on. If we’ve organized our outfits back home, we don’t have to waste time on the trip deciding which top to pair with which legging .
• Wear sunscreen
• It’s easy to forget to slather on sunblock when you’re flitting from one event to another, but you definitely don’t want the fun to be stopped by a bad case of sunburn.
• Act appropriately at sporting events
• If you haven’t read it already, you may like to read about sporting event etiquette tips to know the proper things to do at an athletic event 
• Relax and live in the moment
• We are cheering you on from the sidelines as you take off for your favorite team. Planning for and traveling for sporting events can be stressful, but we hope that our guide helps you to feel more prepared for your next trip.

Sporting Event Travel Packing List

Click this image to download this packing list for your sporting event travels!

We hope that you enjoy your travels, wherever athletic events take you, and we hope that we’re kept in your suitcase to look your best at these events.

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Home › Blog › Essential Items to Pack for your Summer Sports Travel Bag

Essential Items to Pack for your Summer Sports Travel Bag

By Thena Reading-Franssen

Published Jun 20, 2023

Summer is here and that means that is time for everything summer sports. Tournaments, trips, weekend games, early practices, late innings…you name it, it happens during the summertime sports. But honestly, isn’ that what makes summertime sports the absolute best? Your kids may show that they are tired, but staying up late and waking up early is all part of the summertime fun. Knowing that the game may run a few innings late in the summer just means a bit more time to sleep in the next morning, right?

And while your summer plans may be full of sports, it’s crucial to make certain that you have all the essential items that you and your family needs when you are traveling from field to field. If you are looking for a few tips, here are some items that you need to have on hand! Plus check out these awesome sports mom tips .

1. Power Bars

We all need a bit of energy every now and then. You never know when hunger may strike your little player and there isn’t an option to go anywhere and get them some food. Pack some power bars (chocolate-free so they don’t melt!) and have them on hand for when that hunger comes knocking.

Sports are sweaty! Make certain that you pack plenty of towels for you and your family members! You never know when that 100-degree weather is going to be strong during one of your game days!

3. Sunscreen

Those sun rays are beautiful but brutal. Keep you and your family’s skin safe from being burnt by packing along enough sunscreen to last all weekend long! If you do get a little burned, check out these home remedies for sunburns .

4. Bug Spray

While you may not need this item (fingers crossed!), you never know when a baseball or soccer field may find itself near some standing water, just drawing in those swarms of bugs . When it comes to being bitten, better safe than sorry!

5. Cell phone charger

Those games and tournaments can last a really long time! Pack your portable charger, your car charger, or whatever charger you need to be able to stay connected with the outside world.

6. Change of clothes

Mud, sweat, dirt and just downright uncomfortable clothes need to have a backup always ready. Don’t forget to pack an extra change of clothes for you and your family!

7. First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, and especially accidents happen a lot more when those little bodies start to get tired during all those sporting games. Plan ahead and have a first aid kit packed in your travel bag.

8. Earplugs

You never know when that crowd will start to get a bit out of control during one of the wild and rowdy games. Have some earplugs on hand just in case!

9. Clean socks

Sweaty feet and socks seem to go hand and hand. No matter what, don’t forget to pack a few pairs of clean socks for you and your crew!

10. A good book

The truth is that even if a weekend is packed full of games, there is ALWAYS some downtime that one has to fill. Make certain to pack some good books for you and your family members to be able to relax and wait patiently for the next game.

No matter what sports you and your family will be traveling with and for this summer, don’t overlook the above items to pack in your summer sports travel bag. The better that you plan for the long days and hot temperatures, the more that you and your family will feel relaxed and better prepared. Above all, pack the essentials. If you forget anything, just remember that ANYTHING can be bought along the way!

More Summer Ideas:

• 15 Water Balloon Games to Get Kids Pumped for Summer 
• 17 Tricks to Keep Kids Cool This Summer 
• 15 Quick, Easy Hairstyles for Moms Who Don’t Have Enough Time 
• Fun & Budget-Friendly Summer Activities for Kids 
• 17 Summer Pallet Ideas that You Can DIY This Weekend

What items do you pack in your travel bag?

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Hacks & Tips Summer Travel Tricks & Tips

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8 Packing Essentials for Sports Tournaments

Travelpro Travel Expert Editor

Tips & Tricks

If you’re an athlete yourself or a parent who spends weekends driving to and from tournaments for your kids, make sure you are well equipped for your travels. With our packing list, you’ll have everything you need on the road so your only worry is which team will win.

Whether you’re wondering what to pack for a baseball tournament, football game, or a tennis match, this list of items will ensure you are ready to go for game day:

Long days call for a  well-packed cooler . Fill it with ice packs, then throw in some water bottles and your favorite sports drinks to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to pack snacks that do well for long periods of time, even on hot days, and are easy to transport. Fruit and protein bars will keep you energized for the day ahead.

2. Sunscreen

If you will be at the field all day, keep yourself (and your kids) protected from the sun with an SPF of at least 30. Opt for spray to make reapplying throughout the day a breeze. Bonus points for doubling up with a sun hat.

3. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a must for keeping Band-Aids, antibacterial cream, gauze, and ibuprofen for the occasional blister, headache, or a more serious incident. 

4. Chargers

Make sure to pack your phone charger or bring a portable charging pack so you can drain your battery taking as many pictures as you want without having to worry about your device dying.

5. Bug Repellent

This is a must for both day and night games, and will help keep your skin protected from collecting itchy bug bites.

6. Fold Out Chair

You never know what the seating situation could be at a tournament. If you will be sitting for a lot of time, save your back by packing supporting seating. It’s always a good idea to keep a foldable chair in the trunk of your car just in case there aren't any bleachers available. 

7. Umbrella/Protective Gear 

Weather can be unpredictable – so, always be prepared with an umbrella or a raincoat. If you’re attending an outdoor tournament, such as a baseball or soccer game, consider keeping a portable canopy in your car that can protect you from both the sun and rain.

8. Entertainment 

There’s bound to be some downtime. Keep yourself and your family busy with books, magazines, headphones, a favorite game or toy in tow.

What Type of Luggage is Best For Sports Trips?

If you’re going to a sports tournament by car, you don’t have to worry about carry-on sizes or checked baggage weights like you would when traveling by plane. While having unlimited space can be liberating, without those limitations, you can easily overpack. Before you choose which bag to bring, think about who will be coming with you on the trip and how many items they will each bring.

A duffel bag is always a good idea for road trips. Not only do they fit in the trunk or backseat of a car on the way to tournaments, but they can also double as a practice bag with flexible room for carrying equipment. Some even come with wet pockets that let you separate dirty, wet, or smelly clothes. But, if you’d prefer to pack a little lighter, score one of these backpacks that offers built-in organization and loads of features or an individual organizer as a top accessory .

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10 Things Athletes Should Pack When They Travel

As the CEO of Nuun hydration tablets, avid traveler and recreational athlete Kevin Rutherford often finds himself on the road. We asked for a list of his travel essentials, the ones he swears by to stay fit and feel healthy on the go.

Travel is one my favorite activities in life. The idea of exploring new worlds, new people, and new customs expands my mind to see things in a different way. With all of that discovery, it’s comforting to bring some routine along, which I do through athletics. Frequently, I will travel with a triathlon race as the anchor, and use exploration after the race as a reward. I travel often for business and on a personal level, and holding true to my training regimen gives me grounding and momentum, which frees my mind to be in the moment when exploring. These are the products I always have in my go-bag.

Garmin 920 XT

Traveling with my Garmin keeps me on time, ensures that I’m always ready to train, and tracks steps to motivate me to be in motion. It is simultaneously part of my athletic and travel uniform recording of all my training data while keeping my incoming emails and texts at a quick view. ($450)

Jaybird Run XT Wireless Headphones

Travel can be a bit chaotic and tiring when things don’t go smoothly. These headphones make answering and taking calls on the move easier. These are also designed for running, so they work really well for workouts and rushing to make connections. ($145)

Nuun Sport and Immunity Tablets

Traveling likely means you are not hydrating enough and are surrounded by unwanted germs. I always have a tube of Nuun Sport tablets in my bag for ultra hydration and a tube of Nuun Immunity tablets to help support my immune system on airplanes. Of course, it’s also a good chance to share my work with my seat neighbor on the plane. My favorite travel tip: the tubes can be re-used for storing vitamins or headphones. ($22 for a box of four tubes)

MiiR Water Bottle

To foster the habit of consistently hydrating, carry a water bottle. Not only are you doing good things for your body, you will save money and reduce your impact on the planet by avoiding those single-use plastic water bottles. Every Miir product funds a traceable funding project and water bottle purchases help create more clean water across the globe. ($30)

Picky Oats Organic Performance Oatmeal

If this nutrient-dense oatmeal is good enough for star triathlete Jesse Thomas, then surely it’s good enough for me. Being a plant-based eater, I need to start my day off right. I just add water to this deliciousness and it’s go-time on the road. My favorite flavor is Game, Set, Matcha packed with eleven grams of plant-based protein and caffeine from Japanese green tea. ($20 for a pack of six cups)

Bobo’s Oat Bars and Vega Sport Protein Bars

If you are what you eat, then nutrition is an important part of every day. I always carry bars for energy and to keep my high-quality protein intake up. My go-to choices are nut-filled Bobo’s Bars and Vega Sport for protein and BCAA’s (branch chain amino acids). (From $25 and $27)

Xpand Bungee Laces

Security can be a pain at the airport. Bungee laces are not only helpful on race day transitions, they can make the airport experience much easier and quicker. Slip on and slip off. My go to’s are Xpand laces with neutral running shoes. ($10)

Lululemon ABC Pants

As a CEO, I need to adjust my attire to the norms of my destination. Lululemon pants are both comfortable and universally accepted in office environments around the globe. Made with materials found in my best performing athletic wear and tailored like my favorite dress pants, these pants seamlessly transition from speaking engagement to “working out” with the team in the booth at trade shows. ($128)

Getting to a gym for resistance training can be challenging based on time constraints, proximity, and availability. Bringing a TRX with me on the road allows me to convert my room into a personal fitness studio anywhere at any time. (From $199)

The more we train, the more we need to focus on recovery. These recovery balls are portable and can release tension points in almost any part of your body allowing you to press hard when it matters. ($16)

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We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.

Modern Sports Mom

Ideas, tips, and recipes, for today's sports mom.

20 Essentials to Pack for Tournaments

20 Essentials to Pack for Tournaments- Always be ready to hit the road for a travel or local sports tournament with this checklist of 20 essentials you just can’t forget to pack. Whether it’s packing for a baseball tournament , softball, football, soccer, or something else, this list will help you remember all of the important items that are easily forgotten!

When my son played rec baseball packing for games was a piece of cake. All of my game gear lived in the trunk, I just slapped some sunscreen on the fam and headed to the field.  Now that he plays on a travel team, packing for a baseball tournament is a whole new adventure. Every weekend, several days at a time, we’re in another city, and occasionally in another state. It’s not unusual to spend days at a field in a strange town, and nights in a hotel room. Sure, I pack all of the necessary basics, but I have been known to forget several important items, and having to make a stop at the local big box store isn’t exactly my idea of a fun trip. It took several tournament weekends to get my baseball packing just right.

If you’re a travel ball mom, or if your older child is playing at college showcases, you will likely be spending many days on the road this summer.

20 Essentials to Pack for Travel Tournaments

For the games:.

While many tournament rules do not allow coolers on the fields, you should be able to keep one in your car. Fill it with ice and keep your drinks and snacks cool. If coolers are allowed then a good one with wheels is great.

If you’re a camping family, or spend a lot of time at tournaments, consider stepping it up and getting a Yeti cooler. The price is steep, but this isn’t your standard plastic cooler – it will last forever, and can keep food and drink cold for days (literally)! They have a wheeled Yeti cooler , but all several other options to consider with both hard and soft sides(including new colors).

Summers can be hot and humid and that means bugs! Protect your family with a good repellent. Choose a DEET free one that is natural, like Bug Soother .

My son always gets chapped lips in the hot sun, having a tube of lip balm in his bat bag is a must to keep him comfortable.

An easy to apply, high SPF spray bottle of sunscreen in your child’s bat bag, another for you.

One for each person not playing. Coleman makes great camping chairs which do just fine on the sidelines, too. Bleachers are not your friends, your back will thank me later!

This is crucial for hot days, or rainy days! Keep cool and dry under an easy to put up canopy and come back and if you have extra space, share with another family! Consider one with a single wall which helps on windy days and when the sun is low in the morning or late afternoon.

Parking fees, entry fees, and concessions, many of these are cash only! Take some cash to avoid a trip to the ATM.

Nowadays, hand wipes and hand sanitizer are a must. The bathrooms could be too far away, lines may be too long, they could be out of soap, or all of the above.

The kid’s version and some for the grown-ups too.

Keep several wet rags in a baggie in your cooler for the sweltering hot days. A nice, cold hand towel is a game changer for kids and parents alike. Your players, their teammates, and even the other parents will be so grateful.

Fill with ice from your cooler in case of injuries. Ziplock bags that have a zipper are far easier to open and close – they last longer than sandwich bags, too.

Injuries happen! We used to carry band-aids and anti-bacterial cream, but a well prepared, compact first aid kit is far more useful. Check out The Solo by MyMedic – you’ll be able to handle sprains, cuts, scrapes, stings and just about anything else the kids or Mother Nature throw at you!

This is not the time to enforce your electronic device ban, give them the iPad, iPod or whatever it takes to keep them busy while their big brother plays a 2 hour game.

For Traveling:

Will you be gone longer than overnight? Laundry detergent made to get out the stains and smells of your little athletes is a must! Include a small bottle of detergent and stain treatment to keep those uniforms clean. If you don’t have a washer at  your hotel, liquid detergent is important to wash in the sink.

You may need to air dry the uniforms, typically the hangers at the hotel don’t measure up. There’s plenty of reasonably priced hangars that can do the job.

Hotel room floors may or may not be the cleanest, keep your tootsies free from germs with a comfy pair of machine washable slippers !

Magazines or books. I’ve been reading the Magnolia story . There will be down time, keep yourself busy!

18. iPad or MacBook Air with Streaming Service

Hotel T.V. can be downright bad! An iPad or MacBook Air plus a streaming service like Netflix, Prime Video or Apple TV solves all of that. All you need is WiFi and you’re a mobile entertainment center!

It sounds like a given, but I have actually forgotten to take a baseball bag to tournaments when traveling. A nice large tote can hold your wallet, keys, sunglasses, etc., plus several water bottles, extra undershirts for your player and so much more. Our fave, which was designed with beach days in mind, has several pockets, a keychain clip, and even has a bottle opener!

Well where are you going to carry all of the above? A collapsible wagon is a lifesaver when packing for a baseball tournament, or any other tourney! A wagon is great in a pinch it can even hold a young whining sibling! Just kidding-sort of.

When packing for a baseball tournament or any other kind, make sure to include these essentials in your bag! What other items would you add to this list?

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Barbara is the mom behind the blog. She began writing in 2012 as the creator of Hello Life, a craft & lifestyle blog. As life evolved, and her kids became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. Like many of today’s mamas, she loves being creative, cooking, and fashion, and when there are a few minutes to spare, a good book. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.

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