How to Pack Your Car for a Family Road Trip
After months of being cooped up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, families are in desperate need of a vacation. While many attractions remain closed during the pandemic, getting out and seeing the country on a family road trip is still a possibility.
Packing the family up for an adventure on the road takes a bit of time to plan. You don’t want to leave the house only to realize you’ve forgotten something essential. Aside from your basic luggage and camping equipment, having the right items in the car to make your trip a success should be a priority.
Once you update your auto insurance to include roadside assistance, it’s time to make a list of items that will make your family road trip a memorable adventure for the whole family. Let’s take a look at the best way to pack your car for a family road trip.
Entertainment
Even with the most beautiful scenery outside your car windows, you may need some extra entertainment after a few hours in the car. Kids can get restless and moody if they don’t have the right items to help hold their attention until you reach your destination. Include something for everyone that will keep the entertainment levels high and the family happy.
- Fun road trip music playlist
- Kids movie DVD’s
- Books or audio books
- Travel board games
- Coloring books and crayons
Comfort
Long trips in the car can grow uncomfortable after a few hours, especially if you don’t know what to wear on a road trip. It’s important that both parents and kids have items that make them feel cozy and comfortable. Inflatable travel pillows can make taking a quick nap a breeze and can be packed away easily. Make sure that all of your kids have their favorite blankets to keep them warm and cozy.
Sanitization
Although many places around the country are beginning to reopen during the pandemic, there is still a risk of infection no matter where you go. Your family road trip vacation is a great way to stay socially distant, but you will still have to make stops that put you in close contact with other travelers. Pack your car with all the sanitization supplies that will last you through your trip. Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, flushable wipes, and masks should be packed for each family member.
Navigation
Most travelers rely on digital GPS systems to guide them to their road trip destinations. Although these tools are generally accurate and reliable, you never know when you may drop your signal in a more remote area. It’s a good idea to have a back up map or atlas for reference.
Nourishment
Stopping on the road for every meal can get expensive. Many restaurants are still closed because of the pandemic, so you may have trouble finding a place to eat. Packing a small cooler with snacks, sandwiches and drinks can save you time and money on your family road trip.
Safety
Anything can happen while you are on the road. You should be prepared for any kind of emergency on your family road trip. A small vehicle first aid kit, extra water and emergency flares should always be packed before you leave on your family road trip.
If your family is getting restless after so many months of the pandemic quarantine restrictions, now is the time to get out and have some fun. Before you hit the road, make sure that you follow these packing tips and you will have a trip of a lifetime with your family.