This past move wasn’t the normal pack your boxes and drive across town kind of move. It was a pack everything you own into three large trucks with trailers and then caravan across 14 states over a period of 3 days kind of move. I learned a lot on that road trip – the importance of snacks, water (but not too much water), and good company. As we gear up for the holidays, I know many of us may be hitting the roads again for our own holiday road trips. With that in mind, here are some critical items everyone should have before starting a road trip.
Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors
1. Water.
You’d be surprised how thirsty you can get while driving. Especially if you’re doing a lot of singing or talking while you’re on the road. Water will not only help quench your thirst, but will also ensure that you don’t get dehydrated during the long-haul
GoGo squeeZ applesauce is a great on-the-go snack!
2. Snacks
We all have our favorite snacks and, admittedly, I splurged when I shopped for my own snacks. 72 hours in a car deserves a bag of Cheetos, don’t you think? For more healthier options, you can grab a bag of pretzels or some GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce.
3. Blankets & Pillows
If you’ll be driving for more than a few hours you may find yourself in need of a nap. You can pull-over at a rest stop and get a nice snooze if you have a comfy pillow to rest your head on and a warm blanket to keep you warm. (Remember, when you’re parked, the heater isn’t running so you’ll want to stay warm.)
4. A good book
If you have passengers, or if you want to give yourself a nice mental break, a good book is a great thing to have. I don’t recommend you read while you drive but I do recommend giving yourself a break every few hours so you don’t wear yourself out.
5. A Map or GPS
With many people having smart phones with navigation features, this isn’t as big of a deal, but I do recommend you have a map, GPS, or something to ensure that if you get lost, you can find your way back to where you’re supposed to be. Some of us just like having a paper map that folds so we can see a “big” version versus a little screen. Letting the kids track the cities you drive through can also be a fun activity the whole family can enjoy.
6. Music
A good selection of music can help liven up even the longest stretch of prairie-land. Fill-up your MP3 player with exciting playlists, or bring a wide array of CDs to listen to. To avoid putting yourself to sleep, stay away from the slow jams and stick with up-tempo music.
7. Comfortable socks or slippers
One of the first things I do when I settle in for a long car ride is to kick off my shoes. In the winter, though, sometimes feet can get a little cold, so having a nice pair of socks or slippers allows the comfort of riding shoe-free while still staying warm. If you’ll be driving, go the slipper-shoe route, making sure they have a good grip on the bottom.
8. An extra set of clothes and toiletries
For loooong road trips, you never know when you might get stuck somewhere over night. Having a set of clean clothes you’ll be able to change into the next day will help you feel so much better before hitting the road again.
Got kids? Make sure you have these before you start your road trip.
9. Mr. Fluffy, Snuggles, or whatever their favorite toy is.
Road trips can be interesting, scary, fun, or intimidating depending on the child. Allow them to choose one of their toys with them on the trip. Not only will it help entertain them, but it can provide some added comfort as well. For longer trips, you can let them pack their own special bags and include crayons, books, etc., making sure you space out the activities you give them throughout the trip.
10. Kid-friendly Car Travel Games
Whether it’s car bingo, I spy, or the license plate game, having lots of interactive things for the kids to do (that require little to no supervision) will help keep them more interested in having fun than asking you if you’re “there yet.” Slug bug is not recommended.
What are some of your tips for holiday road trips?
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
My sister and I learned to read maps when we went on trips. Good skills to have. I still like them.
Wow cant imagine packing up & moving & driving that far! The list you made is great & right on target! one thing is even though you have a gps always keep a map or atlas on hand for backup. lets face it sometime technology can sometimes let us down when we need it most.
Snacks are such helpful sidekicks! Also making stops to make the trip less tedious.
Puzzle books are a great thing to bring along on trips
I have relatives that won’t take a trip without the portable DVD player. They have two kids and they each get to pick two DVDs. Then they either watch the videos together, or while one is reading or playing hand-held games,, Peace and quiet!!
Great list! I have a master list for everything we need to have with us when we travel.
Great tips! I take my shoes off regardless of it being a road trip. 🙂
Yes to everything on the list! lol I always make sure to have water and snacks (must have with young kids). And thankfully we have our smart phones and a gps in the vehicle so we should never get lost. 😉
Great tips! Maps are very important. But then again GPS is a really good thing to have now too!
My last resort is always pulling over and letting them out… I haven’t had to do that. Yet…
Really great tips! I completely agree that Cheetos are well deserved when once must endure a very long car trip! Yummy!
Earlier this spring we made a 16 hour drive to Florida round trip to vacation and help my parents tote down some furniture for their new home. Seriously worst ride ever, lol! These tips would have come in handy!
Great list! I totally have to follow it! I always forget a MAP and always get lost! lol
great tips! Especially when traveling w/ kids!
Yes, you got them all! Everything I always make sure I have; you already listed. Awesome list!
Great list. We have a huge trip coming up in March and I have to remember this. Thanks 🙂
Perfect list! Having the snacks and drinks on hand as opposed to stopping and purchasing while on the road will save you a lot of money too!
WATER, WATER and more Water–I suffered heat stroke this summer when my a/c in my car did not work!! Could have used some snacks too–and that was for 3 hours in stand still traffic 101 degrees outside—–for a road trip—–lots more–just in case!! Very good tips!!
We are always doing road trips to see family. Snacks are really important since 2 hours of our drive is a turnpike with only 1 exit.
9 mos. ago we were making a normal trip during the afternoon when my husband fell asleep (he didn’t even know he was tired nor did I). I fell asleep for 5 min. and so did he. We were lucky that I was the only one injured, but I cannot say enough to make sure you don’t drive on limited sleep.
Great tips for traveling… we mark up road maps with stickers and notes for the kids when traveling. They can follow along and can see where we are, where we will be stopping and help watch for exit numbers.
Anything to help pass the time!