At one point in my life, the thought of going on a road trip with my kids would give me PTSD. For the longest time, all our family road trips would include numerous tantrums, crying fits, constant complaints, and sibling disputes. Going on a road trip with kids can be fun as long as you prepare beforehand for all the challenges you might face. Here are a few road trip essentials that will help you keep your sanity intact. If it worked for our family with three restless kids, it will definitely work for yours.
Snacks
Hungry kids make for cranky travel partners. We suggest packing as many dry snacks as possible such as chips, crackers, dry cereal, cookies, nuts, and dry fruits. It is a good idea to pack some light meals such as granola with yoghurt, sandwiches, cup noodles, hard-boiled eggs, whole fruits, veggie sticks with hummus, and dry chapatis with jam. As for the liquids, put them in sippy cups which will avoid spillage and sticky seats.
Comics, books, and toys
Keeping your kids engaged is the key to avoiding the constant “Are we there yet?” questions. If your kid loves reading, pack their favourite comics and books to read on the road. While my eldest loves reading, the other two would do anything to avoid it. In such cases, bring along a few toys and fun colouring books to keep them busy.
Travel emergency kit
Past experiences have taught me the importance of a road trip travel emergency medical kit. This definitely tops the list of essentials to pack while on a road trip with the kids. My travel kit includes basics such as a sanitizer, wet wipes, sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellent, bandages, antiseptic cream, and gauze. My youngest son falls sick quite easily, so I always carry basic medication in case of health emergencies. Ever since we learnt how to pack light for vacations, we avoid carrying toiletries so our travel kit is usually small and easy to carry.
Trash bags
If there is one thing my husband loves as much as his family, it’s his car. Unfortunately for him, the kids are quite messy when they are in the car and manage to create a wonderful mess in no time. But ever since I started hanging a car trash bag near the kids’ seats, the mess in the car has considerably reduced and so has my husband’s whining.
Car seat organizer
Another way to avoid the mess is by having everything organized in the car. A travel organizer attached to the back of the front seats ensures that the kids at the back have everything within their reach. In my case, the kids loved the organizer and there was nothing strewn around on the seats.
These simple travel essentials have made our family road trips so much more fun and bearable. Occasionally, a fight breaks out, the little one opens the floodgates, and the eldest mutters under his breath, but all the fun we have makes up for it!
Let us know in the comments below about your necessities and tips for a road trip with your kids!
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