Road Trip? Pack The Essentials
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011Planning a nice, long drive? If you are about to embark on a road trip with your children, check out these tips for keeping everyone happy when you’re on the road. Here are some ideas on what to take with you.
- Frisbee – Frisbees are compact and great for some quick exercise when making a stop.
- Plastic boxes – Pack one for each child to hold their supplies – the lid makes a great desk. Fill with crayons, mechanical pencils, highlighters (great for word search games).
- Puzzle books and coloring sheets – Bring along a selection of puzzle books and colouring books, alternatively you can print a few coloring pages and activity sheets online. At sites like Disney Coloring Pages you’ll find the best Disney coloring sheets simply click on the coloring sheet image you like and print.
- Clean, fresh water – Several small bottles of water work better than a few large bottles. Use the water for drinking, a quick wash up, cleaning a scrape wound and so on.
- Lightweight blanket – Take along a small child’s blanket for cuddling at naptime, blocking the sun or to fold up and use as a pillow.
- Paper towels and wet wipes – For quick clean ups.
- Snacks – Pack a lunchbox for each child that contains their favourite snacks.
- Compass – This is great fun for the kids if they want to help navigate and provides you with a teaching opportunity.
- Zip lock bags – These are handy for collecting items such as sea shells and fossils, storing food, wet clothes. Bring several different sizes.
- Garbage bags – Use these to store any laundry and wet items such as bathers and generally to keep the car clean.
As well as these items, you should travel with the following: first aid kit, antiseptic hand gel, small tissue packs, sunscreen, sunglasses and hats as well as a change of clothes.
As you plan your route, ensure that you allow enough time for rest stops. Two hours of driving time, then a break, makes a good pattern for car travel with young children. Bon voyage!