Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Make sure that you bring necessary items, like wallets and cash, house keys, insurance cards, clothing and toiletries, as well as accessories like an umbrella or flashlight. Bringing a camera can help you capture family memories and vacation fun. Some kids and adults suffer from motion sickness; by bringing motion sickness medication, you can prevent vomiting in the car. Plan ahead and bring any other necessary medications for your trip, as well.
Even though you may not want to think of the worst scenarios that could occur on your family's vacation, it is still important to plan ahead by creating an emergency kit. If you are driving somewhere in the winter, packing extra blankets, salt and a shovel can help you if you get stuck in snow. If your family is traveling in the summer, packing a couple gallons of water can help if you are stranded in hot weather. An emergency kit should include a first aid kit with a thermometer, gauze and bandages, cold medicine, ear plugs and lotion for sunburns.
Depending on your destination, there may not be a place to stop for snacks and food for miles, which does not bode well when there are young children in the car complaining that they are hungry. Bringing snacks and drinks can help alleviate the whining that may come from the backseat every two seconds. Choose snacks that everyone will enjoy and avoid foods that will make your vehicle sticky or messy.
On family trips, it is often helpful to bring a map -- and not just for the driver who doesn't like to ask for directions. Write point A and point B on the map. Give a copy of the map to your kids and give them a pen. As you pass by specific cities, let them cross off the names on the way so they know where you are and also so you can avoid the question, "Are we there yet?"
Although you may want to pack a couple of your kid's favorite toys for the road trip, creating a surprise bag can also help keep your son or daughter occupied. Create a surprise bag that has coloring books, a new book to read, a comic book, music, games or other activities that your kids might enjoy. Give your kids the surprise bag once you have been traveling for a while or have it waiting for them when they get in the car.