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Are you - or rather, is your car or minivan - ready to go the extra mile? Road trips with kids can be one of the most memorable ways to spend a summer vacation. But all it takes is the unplanned happening - like a last-minute decision by a clothed child to play in the surf (this happened to me just this week) - to spoil everybody's fun. I carry zippered plastic bags in my car for just this reason.
- One for-the-road kit per child: Pack sneakers, socks, extra shirts and jackets for you and your kids. You never know when the weather will turn nasty or when you might want to take an unscheduled hike. Always have a spare set of clothes on hand for small kids. Spills can ruin any outing. Don't forget to put an extra bag in your bag, for wet clothes.
- Activity kits (preferably one per child unless you like arguments): Kids can not only amuse themselves in the car with their games, coloring books or drawing, but they can take the kit into restaurants as well. Pack books, coloring books, crayons, activity books, markers, crayons, tape and scissors. Older kids prefer portable CD players [or MP3 players/iPods, etc.] - with headsets, of course.
- Cosmetic kit: Include a fingernail file, Chap Stick, a hair brush, pony tail holders. That keeps you from having to lug it all in your handbag.
- First aid kit: If there's a piece of glass, a kid's foot will find it. Include Band-Aids, kids' Tylenol, aspirin (for yourself) cough drops, antiseptic ointment and any prescription drug you or your kids may need unexpectedly.
- Maps and directions: Keep 'em in your door pocket.
- Food for all: Always have crackers, dry cereal and bottled water or water-filled sippy cups on hand to soothe whiners.
- Tooling Tools: Essential for your trunk! Include a "Send Help" sign, flares, tools for changing tire and spare, jumper cables.
- Pet Protection: Bringing Muffy? Pack the leash, pooper scooper and a water dish along with the food bowl and kibble.
- Cleanliness before … just about everything else: Make sure your home on wheels is equipped with trash bags, tissues, paper towels, napkins, waterless hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes for quick cleanups.
Enjoy the ride!
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