Are you about to go on a road trip with your family? Going on a road trip can be fun, but there are a few things you can do to transform a regular road trip into a great one! These essentials for a great road trip will help you cut the hassle out of travelling with your family.

Healthy Snacks

If you’re about to embark on a road trip, don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks! Not only will packing your own snacks help save you time and money on the road, it will also give you the energy you need to survive a road trip. Junk food tends to make your body and mind feel sluggish, while an apple or celery sticks can help fill you up and make your body feel more energized. This will help keep you focused and feeling great while you coast the highway towards your destination.  Don’t forget to pack water to bring along too!

Tablet with Earphones

If you’re travelling with kids, then an essential for a great road trip includes a tablet with earphones. We all know how long a road trip can feel to a kid, which in turn makes the road trip excruciating for parents who have to listen to the whining and arguing. By giving your children a tablet to play on, you’re giving them a productive way to pass the time. The earphones allow your kids to listen to the sounds on their apps without interfering with your ability to listen to your own music or talk to your passenger.

Travel Activity Kits

Pack a resealable freezer bag with fun activities for your kids.  Fill it with Art Supplies, Books and simple games to keep them occupied during the long drive.

Make a Playlist

If you’ve ever been on a road trip before, you know that there are stretches of road that don’t receive service. This can cause the Internet on your phone to go out and you might only hear static on the radio. To help make your road trip more fun, create a playlist that you can use in areas without service. It will help make the long hours of travel more fun as you rock out to your favourite tunes.

Cozy Bedding

Sitting still for hours on end can be hard, for children and adults alike. A great road trip requires cozy bedding so that everyone in the car can get more comfortable. This includes favourite pillows and blankets for each member of the family. This will become especially convenient when your kids are ready for a nap!

Maps

Most people these days rely on GPS or their cars built-in navigation systems.  What happens if your breaks down on your road trip in unfamiliar territory?  Maps are a great backup to have on hand.  After all it is better to be safe than sorry!  You can pick up maps for free from CAA/AAA if you are a member.

Toiletries & Essentials

Bring along toiletries such as baby wipes, paper towels, facial tissue, and a couple rolls of toilet paper as you just never know where you will need to stop along the way.  Take a basic first aid kit along too such as bandaids, pain relievers, antacids, motion sickness relief,  and remedies for motion sickness and antiseptic.

Car Emergency Kit

You should already be driving around with one, but if not the basics should include warning light, hazard triangle, or flares, a jack and lug wrench, a flashlight, and jumpers.

Camera

 Whether you pack along your phones camera or a DSLR you won’t want to miss the chance to capture memories along the way!

Spare keys

We all have these stashed in a drawer somewhere.  Don’t get locked out of the car, always pack a duplicate set of car keys and keep them on you.

What are some of your tips for a great road trip? I’d love to hear from you.