Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a lot of work. When you are readying for a road trip with kids, there are many things to think about, from packing the appropriate clothing and food to ensuring you have enough entertainment for both the way there and the way back.
That’s why we’ve itemized this list of 10 must-pack items for your next family road trip. These things will help your journey go more smoothly, whether driving on an open highway or along a beautiful route. So here are a few items to consider on your next family road trip.
Sunscreen
Often kids’ skins are much delicate to sunburn. Therefore, don’t forget the sunscreen! It would be perfect if you took precautions against sunburn since you will be exposed to the sun for an extended period. Take sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply it often.
If you’re going to be swimming, purchase waterproof sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to bring along some sunscreen-containing lip balm. Even your lips are susceptible to being burnt.
Snacks
When it comes to snacks, you’ll want to pack something for everyone. That means granola bars, trail mix, fruit for the kids, and maybe some cheese and crackers for the adults.
If you are traveling throughout the hottest part of the day, bringing a few water bottles with you is essential. And don’t forget to bring a cooler packed with ice packs to keep your food cold.
Hats
Packaging a few hats when going on a road trip with the family is always a good idea. You will be ready for any weather that may come your way if you do it this way.
Here are a few hats that you should consider packing:
-A sunhat to protect your skin from the sun’s rays
-A rain hat protects your head and keeps you dry in the event of rain
-In chilly weather, a thick hat is best to wear over your head and ears to keep them warm
-A baseball cap or trucker cap to shield your eyes from the sun
Lip Balm
You’ll want to pack some lip balm for your road trip. Trust us. You’ll be grateful for it when you’re driving through the desert, the wind is blowing sand in your face, or when you’re hiking in the mountains and the air is arid. Any weather may cause your lips to become dry and cracked, so it’s not only the desert or the mountains that might be hard on your mouth.
So, make sure you bring along a lip balm that will moisturize your lips and kids’ too. We recommend something with SPF to protect them from the sun, too.
Sunglasses
Make sure to pack your sunglasses! You will need them to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare. Plus, they’ll keep you looking cool while you’re driving. So, what should you consider when choosing sunglasses for a road trip? First, think about the driving you’ll be doing. If you are on the open road, you’ll want a pair of sunglasses that provide good coverage and stay in place.
Next, consider the climate. If you’re traveling to a sunny destination, you’ll need sunglasses that offer UV protection. And if you’re going to colder weather, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses, which will help reduce glare from the snow.
Drinks
When it comes to packing drinks for your family road trip, the options are endless. You can go with the classics, like water or juice boxes, or get a little more creative and pack fun drinks that everyone will love.
Here are ten drink ideas to get you started:
-Sodas
-Flavored water
-Sports drinks
-Powdered juice mixes
-Juice boxes
-Canned iced tea or coffee
-Milkshakes or smoothies
-Bottled water
-Powdered milk
-Chocolate milk
Insect Repellent
When you’re packing for your family road trip, don’t forget to pack insect repellent especially if you are planning to door outdoor activities like camping. You never know when those pesky mosquitoes will show up, and nobody wants to be scratching away at bug bites all day long.
So, make sure you throw a bottle of insect repellent into your luggage. There are many different brands and types of repellent, so you can choose the one that’s best for you and your family.
Make sure you apply it regularly, especially if you’re spending time near water or in the woods. Nobody wants to end their vacation with a bunch of mosquito bites!
First Aid Kit
When packing for your family road trip, don’t forget to include a first-aid kit. You never know when you might need it.
So, what should you include in your first-aid kit? Here’s a list of ten items you should pack:
-Bandages
-Medical tape
-Antiseptic wipes
-Gauze pads
-Alcohol pads
-Pain reliever
-Antihistamine
-Insect repellent
Paper maps
Finding your way around is a significant plus when on a road trip. And with the recent technology slowly pushing out the once academic travel items such as paper maps. It might seem like a thing of the past, but paper maps can still be handy on a road trip.
If your phone battery runs down or loses service, you’ll be glad you have a map to fall back on. It is also a fantastic activity for getting children excited about the trip. They can follow along as you drive, and it’s a fun way to explore new places.
Blanket
You’re going to want to pack a blanket. It’ll come in handy when you’re snuggling up in the car or when you’re trying to get some sleep in a strange place.
It would be perfect if you gave some consideration to bringing along a sleeping bag in your luggage. That way, you’ll be nice and cozy on those cold nights. And if you’re traveling with kids, a sleeping bag is a must-have.
