Most Important for Self-Drive Trips: Entertainment!
The true happiness of a family lies in the joy of its members. Don’t rely solely on modern tech gadgets for entertainment. Check out the following suggestions, and you’ll find yourself paying more attention to your surroundings for an unforgettable trip.
1. Items to bring: playing cards, sticker books, puzzle books, joke books, and other reading materials, as well as crayons and funny masks—go eco-friendly if possible. When you've been on the road for a while, surprise the kids with gifts. Watching them open those gifts when getting back in the car is always thrilling.
2. Bring extra bags for toys that your kids have opened.
3. Create a sing-along playlist and sing together with the kids.
4. Before hitting the road, look at a map with your kids. Maps help plan your trip and get you to where you want to go. Study the map closely to see which spots interest you most, and plan your next stop and where you’ll have lunch next.
5. Happy kids get hungry quickly—bring fruits like grapes and apples. Also pack bread, peanut butter, butter, jam, and favorite snacks like cookies. Bottled water and juice can be stored at rest stops. Pack these items in plastic utensils and clear plastic bags, and it’s best to refrigerate them. Don’t forget napkins, wet wipes, sandwich bags, survival gear, flashlight, and toilet paper.
To avoid travel hassles, remember these packing tips
Whether it’s a long or short trip, traveling with the whole family is always a challenge. Before you empty your closets and toss suitcases into the trunk, check out the following advice.
1. Plan your itinerary and packing list based on your stops. For example, when visiting the Grand Canyon, pack one suitcase of clothes; leave another at Sonoma. This makes unpacking and repacking much easier in case of sudden weather changes.
2. Encourage your kids to take part in the packing and trip planning. They can have their own luggage or backpack too.
3. Bring a large foldable bag for dirty laundry.
4. Try to use suitcases and bags in different colors for easy identification.
5. Carry a spare backpack with essentials like a first-aid kit, camera, tickets, and flashlight.
6. When getting out of the car, think about what you'll need for the next leg of the trip. Always lock the doors, park in a safe spot, and don’t leave valuables in the vehicle.
7. Place larger items at the bottom and smaller ones on top.
8. Don’t be afraid to rearrange things—this helps optimize space.
Self-Drive Survival Guide: Don’t Forget to Bring These Essentials
1. Facial tissues
2. Hand sanitizer
3. Baby wipes
4. Paper towel and cleaning wipes
5. Sandwich bags
6. Medications
7. Personal pillow
8. Phone number tag for your pet
9. Mobile phone charger
10. Walking shoes
11. Insect repellent
12. Sunscreen
13. Sweater and waterproof jacket
14. Map
Also, don’t forget to fill up your car’s tank before you go — if you’re driving an electric vehicle, make sure it’s fully charged too. Find out the locations of gas stations and charging stations in advance. Have a great trip ahead of you all.