How To Pack For A Family Road Trip
{Guest Post}
It’s vacation time, and you’ve got the lure of the open road. Family vacations are great and memorable experiences, but road trips with kids can get chaotic. This is why preparation is key to a successful trip. You need to make sure your car is ready and figure out what to pack. Then, you need to determine what might cause you to get upset? Would it be the kids yelling or crying? If so, what can you give them to keep them occupied? All of these questions need to be answered before you head out on a family road trip.
Plan your route
Since you already know your destination, you now need to plan your route. This is all about personal preferences and priorities. What is most important to you? Is it saving money? Would you rather travel in fair weather? Would you like to see many attractions on the way? Do you need some inspiration? According to Outdoorsy, the Airbnb for RVs, you can have an epic road trip with children. It just takes proper planning and effort.
First aid supplies
You must have an emergency kit on hand with kids. You should include first aid items along with a self-activating ice pack, thermometer, fever and pain medicine, cough drops, insect repellent. For yourself, pack a lot of antacid.
Extra clothing
Your kids will need extra sets of clothing for the weather and in the event they get dirty. You want to keep the extra clothing in the car so that you don’t have to dig through the luggage to find them. Have a sweatshirt and jacket hand. Your road trip will go a lot more smoothly when your children are comfortable.
Things to keep everyone comfortable
Have blankets, stuffed animals and pillows. Pack enough for just one child, and everyone can share. You don’t want too much to where it can be difficult to look out the window.
Activities
You need activities ready and prepared to help prevent boredom. Bring some portable toys, apps, books and movies along with headphones so that you’re not distracted in the front seats.
Cleaning supplies
Spills and accidents may happen. So, pack wipes, bags for dirty items and garbage, disinfectant spray, antibacterial lotion, disinfectant wipes, paper towels and lotion.
Pack efficiently
It’s easy to try to get everything in your car. Yet, you want to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight on your vehicle. You should also check your car’s load capacity. Extra cargo reduces fuel economy. In an emergency situation, heavy weights can make a car more difficult to control.
Food
Pack enough kid-friendly snacks that are also healthy to keep everyone satiated in between meals. These include fruits and vegetables, yogurt, trail mix, cereals and dips such as hummus. You also want to pack enough fluids such as water and juices.
As you can see, your family road trip can be quite successful. Just follow the above tips to make it as enjoyable as possible.
This is a guest post by Susan Melony
I’m a single mother of 3 trying to stay sane. I love to write, eat at burger joints, and read stories to my children.
