Well, we JUST got home Sunday night after a long trip to Seattle. We drove both ways (12.5 hours) and it is no easy feat with little kids. However, I have to say that this time was MUCH easier than it has ever been! I think the best thing was to have 2 ipads this time and the kids didn't fight over them and were able to just watch movies the whole time- thanks to Children's Dramamine!
Today we have a guest post on Road Trip Travel Gear! Hope it will be helpful for those of you traveling for the holidays:
Road trips are like a rite of passage in America. No matter who you talk to, they have at least one road trip story. Flying may get you there faster, but there’s no substitute for cruising down the road with your family anticipating the arrival at your destination.
Making a road trip run smoothly all comes down to how well you prepare. Here are a few items I’ve discovered are must-have travel gear for a road trip with your family.
Auto InsuranceRight now 48 of the 50 states require that drivers have a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. In New Hampshire, if you don’t have insurance you’ll have to satisfy what’s called the personal responsibility requirement. In Virginia, drivers have to pay the state’s uninsured motorist fee.
In other words, you’ll want to make sure your auto insurance is up-to-date and adequate. If you have a spotty driving record, you may need to look into SR-22 insurance. An SR-22 policy is often needed under certain conditions whether you’re traveling in-state or out-of-state.
First Aid KitFrom little boo boos to an actual emergency, having a first aid kit can really make a difference. You can find specialty first aid kits for the car if one didn’t come with your vehicle. The first aid kit essentials to look for include:
- · Bandages
- · Antibiotic ointment
- · Antiseptic
- · Painkillers
- · Sterile gauze
MedicationsWhile we’re on the subject of medical safety, don’t forget to pack your medications. This includes medications that aren’t taken every day but could end up being necessary, like an EpiPen.
- · Non-latex gloves
Portable ChargerLet’s be real. Between navigating with our smart phones and keeping the kids entertained with tablets, devices are a must on road trips. But equally important is having a power source to keep them going. Even if you bring along a car charger, a portable charger gives you another backup when you’re not at your vehicle.
Spare TireOne of the most common mishaps that happen on the road is getting a flat tire. Before heading out make sure you have a spare tire in the trunk that’s fully inflated and able to keep you rolling down the road.
Flashlight and Extra BatteriesA flashlight can come in handy if you find yourself changing a tire on the side of the road at night. Even if you don’t run into trouble on the road, a flashlight is a good tool to have when you need to fish out toys that have fallen between the seats. Of course, your flashlight won’t provide much illumination if the battery dies. It never hurts to have a few extra batteries just in case.
Healthy SnacksOne thing I always pack for road trips is a selection of healthy snacks. Gas stations aren’t known for health-conscious foods. If you don’t stock up before hitting the road you’ll be left choosing from salty chips, sugary chocolate bars and fatty fried foods. Bring along a small cooler and that’s all you need to avoid the unhealthy gas station fare.
Road Trip GamesKids and adults need a source of entertainment during a long road trip. Instead of just relying on electronics, have some fun with a few classic road trip games. One of my personal favorites is car bingo. A few other popular choices include the license plate game, hangman and I spy.
Road AtlasSure, you have your smart phone and GPS system, but there’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about a road atlas. You can show your kids how people used to find their way around before cell phones existed. They can also have fun tracking your route along the way.
Tablet Holder/Car Seat OrganizerOne of the best things I’ve seen in a while is the PadPockets combo tablet holder and organizer. It hangs from the headrest of the front seat and has a tablet pouch at the top that makes hands-free operation easy. Below that there are a ton of small pockets to hold everything your kid needs so you don’t have to find things for them.
Time to get packing!
I have to agree with all of this- especially the healthy snacks, games, AND the atlas (we NEVER can get reception on our cell phones GPS when we need it most it seems!) Happy travels!
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