Traveling Essentials
As I might have mentioned in my last post, we’re going on a road trip. This is our second big road trip of the year. You may remember that in March, we road tripped it to Alabama for another special TTTS Event, my friend Brook’s Walk to Fight TTTS.
It was a very long drive, but we broke it up into a couple days on the way there. On the way home, we drove straight through, which was about 200 hours. Just kidding. It only seemed that long.
This time, we need to get to Ohio at a certain time, so we’re driving straight through on the way there, then breaking up the trip on the way home. I think this is definitely a better strategy. Everyone is always excited to get to the destination, so you can endure the cramped legs, screaming car companions, and awful music selections made by the driver. Just kidding honey!
Even though the trip should only take 7 or 8 hours, with bathroom breaks, food stops, and 3 antsy boys, I want to make sure I have everything possible that can make the trip more enjoyable. Oh! Did I mention that my parents are coming too? They will be taking the oldest minion in their car. Or maybe me. Again, just kidding honey!
We’ve got the portable DVD player packed already,along with movies and shows galore, but here are some other traveling essentials to make it a fun, easy trip.
*I’ve included my Amazon Affiliate links. Simply click through the picture to be taken directly to the product. There is no additional charge to you, and I may receive a small commission.
Wipes
In addition to the necessary baby wipes for diaper changes, I like to have a variety for other uses. I, personally, can never have too many wipes. Wet ones make my hands feel much cleaner than hand sanitizer, and they fit right in the drink holder. Plus, you can wipe down the disgusting surfaces, remotes, and handles in your hotel room. These Johnson’s baby wipes smell great, and are gentle on little sticky, messy faces. Especially when junk food, like cheese balls, are another road trip essential.
Entertainment
In addition to the DVD players, I’ve also packed washable markers, washable crayons (who even knew those existed?) coloring books, and regular books. I then decided to browse in my favorite section of my favorite store. You know. Target. Clearance.
I scored big time. I got my 4-year-old a MobiGo 2, as pictured above. I’m not really sure exactly what it does, but at 70% off, he can have fun figuring it out. I know that it’s also a “screen,” and kids aren’t supposed to have too much screen time, but if it keeps him happy in the car, it’s ok with me.
Snacks
Even though they are usually more expensive, I did get a few “snack” packs that have individually wrapped cookies and crackers. For all the rest of the snacks, I just bought some sandwich bags, and I’m going to make my own combos of fruit snacks, crackers, pretzels, etc. I also found some shelf stable organic chocolate milk. My husband is kind of weirded out that it’s milk, and it doesn’t have to be refrigerated, but I think it’s brilliant…and perfect for the car.
Sippy Cups
For regular milk, juice, and water, I bought some disposable sippy cups. We bought them for the trip last time, and they were awesome. Not only are they great for the car, but we can bring them to restaurants and the hotel, rinse them out, then toss them at the end of the trip.
Shoes
For getting in and out of the car, running around the hotel room, and even in the car, I wanted something comfortable, yet durable. These shoes are like socks with rubber bottoms. They fit my kids’ extra wide feet, prevent slips, and protect their toes from any and everything.
6. Sleep stuff
On our last trip, we brought two pack ‘n plays, and this is what happened:
This time I bought a tent-like contraption called the “Pea Pod Plus.” It has padding on the bottom, mesh netting on the sides, and folds up into a tiny little carrying case, so even if we all end up in the same bed again, it is super easy to transport. We’ve tried it out in the living room, but in a strange hotel room, we’ll see if it’s really a winner.
I know there are tons of other things we’ll need on the trip, but this should be a good start for our traveling essentials. I better get packing!
*Disclaimer – I bought all of the products myself, and was not compensated in any way. Please remember that I am a “germ-a-phobe,” so my definition of “essential” may be different from yours.
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