12 Must-Haves That Will Make Your Next Family Road Trip Easier
Planning to travel with the family anytime soon? No matter the age of the people you travel with, whether babies, toddlers, kids, teens, or adults, traveling on the road can be quite challenging. Let's take the headache out of lengthy car rides and give you some options that could make life on the road much easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are a few items to add to your family road trip packing list.
Parent Road Trip Must-Haves
As parents, we are usually concerned about everyone else's comfort level and tend to neglect our own. However, we also deserve to have products that'll make a road trip a bit easier. Here are a few:
1. Stanley Perfect-Brew Travel French Press Vacuum Mug
Yes, we all know that Stanley cups are all the rage these days but that's for a good reason. First of all, they are made of super durable stainless steel. Second of all, they keep beverages either hot or cold for hours. Now, if you're a coffee addict like me, this Travel French Press Mug from Stanley is a must! It has its very own coffee filter to make your own French press coffee in the mug. Furthermore, hot beverages will stay hot for up to 4 hours while cold beverages (iced coffee, anyone?) will stay cold for up to 5 hours without ice and 20 hours with ice. The lid is leakproof so it's also ideal for travel.
Shop Stanley Travel French Press Mug On REI
2. National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition
Put your map-reading skills to the test with this spiral-bound road atlas from National Geographic. Yes, we could always use the GPS on our cell phones or car's navigation system, but it's still essential to have a road atlas on hand as well. This atlas has detailed maps for all 50 states as well as extras like recommendations on the top 100 destinations to visit as well as the most popular national parks.
3. Roadside Emergency Kit
All I can say about having a roadside emergency kit in your car is that it gives you peace of mind. And, to me, that is worth every penny! This particular kit comes with 125 pieces that include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, and so much more. Oh, and it comes with a first aid kit as well, another essential while traveling on a long road trip.
Shop Roadside Emergency Kit On Amazon
Baby Road Trip Must-Haves
If you have a baby, a road trip can pose quite a challenge. Of course, a road trip is easiest with a baby in tow when they are sleeping after the car ride lulls them to sleep after a time. However, that's not always an option. Here are a few items that will help if you have a wee one in the car:
4. Yogasleep Travelcube Portable White Noise Sleep Sound Machine
White noise machines can really help a fussy baby fall asleep and, best of all, stay asleep. This portable white noise device by Yogasleep is all you need to help a baby rest. With six settings that include white noise, brown noise, nature sounds, and a lullaby, and the ability to attach it to a stroller, a diaper bag, or even a car seat, this on-the-go travel sound machine may be your new favorite baby accessory!
Shop Yogasleep Sound Machine On Walmart
5. Mickey Mouse and Friends Nesting Sensory Plush Set
How cute are these? Not only that but when your baby wakes up from nap and needs something to do, these sensory toys have a variety of materials that will engage their senses. From crinkly ears to textured fabric, these will keep a baby happy for quite a while. When done, the three toys can stick together so no one gets lost!
Shop Sensory Plush Set On Disney Store
Toddler Road Trip Must-Haves
Let's face it - toddlers can be a tough crowd. When my son was little and we would take long road trips, he would complain about everything from snacks to feeling too hot or too cold to the need to take his shirt off while the car's moving as he spilled some water on it. Can you relate to any of these scenarios? Well, here are a couple of items that will help them feel a little more comfortable on the road:
6. KOKODI LCD Colorful Toddler Doodle Board Drawing Tablet
With a 10-inch LCD screen, this erasable drawing tablet is perfect for ages 3 through 6. Your toddler can have some fun exercising their creativity while drawing on the go! One of the best things about this device is that it's mess-free. So, leave those markers and crayons at home and bring this instead.
7. GoBe Reusable Snack Container
Ideal for toddlers, this spinning reusable snack container has five compartments, each of which holds ¼ cup of solid food. You can add a variety of their favorite snack foods to keep them happy during the road trip. The container is PVC-free and BPA-free, easy to clean, and has a leakproof lid. You'll love it and so will your kiddos.
Shop Reusable Snack Container On Amazon
Kid Road Trip Must-Haves
When kids are a little older, they can be a bit more fun to travel with. Their curiosity about the world and traveling increases as well, or at least that's been my experience with my daughter. To make things easier for them during a long trip in the car, take a look at these items:
8. High Road CarHop Car Seat Organizer
For those of us who have kids at any age, it's essential to keep things organized not only at home but in the car as well. The High Road CarHop Seat Organizer is a great tool to have and it's more than just an organizer, too! It's also a cooler so drinks, fruit, and other snacks can stay cold. There are also pockets to stash things like wipes and books, and there are cup holders.
Shop CarHop Car Seat Organizer On Amazon
9. 50 States Stickers of US
If you're traveling to multiple states, this vinyl sticker set can come in handy. It's also a great tool for kids to learn about geography and get a sense of where they've been. It's also a great way for them to get excited about traveling!
Shop Vinyl States Stickers On Amazon
Teen Road Trip Must-Haves
I have a teen and I never know if he will be fun, moody, or what during a road trip. If he has his laptop or phone with him, it's usually okay. He also enjoys being a backseat driver (although I don't think there's any product that could help with that). To make everyone's life easier with a teen in the car, take a look at these products:
10. Journal/Hardcover Notebook
If you're teen is anything like mine, they love to write. So, why not get them a journal and a pen they can travel with and write down how they felt about all the places you visited on your road trip? Journaling is a great habit to get into especially in the teen years, and it's a great activity on a long car ride.
Shop Hardcover Notebook On Amazon
11. Apple AirPods
As a mom of a teen, I know he sometimes likes to shut us all out and retreat into his own world. He always brings a pair of earbuds with him like these Apple AirPods so he can listen to his own music or podcasts while ignoring the rest of us. Hey, anything to keep the peace and make everyone happy, right? I have a pair of AirPods and absolutely love them. Oftentimes, I bring them on road trips to use when I'm not driving.
12. U.S. Scratch-Off Map
Get your teen involved and excited to travel with a scratch-off map! I bought my son one years ago and he loves it. This one is handmade and includes all 50 states plus 62 national parks. Once you visit a place, your teen can scratch it off their map. A frame can be purchased from the seller as well. What a great gift!
Shop U.S. Scratch-Off Map On Etsy
Are you ready to travel by car on an epic adventure anytime soon? What items do you have on your family road trip packing list?
Don't forget to check out The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 60+ Essentials For Your Next Adventure for even more ideas!
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