A family road trip starts with packing! A car trip can present various opportunities and challenges, but you can avoid inconveniences with good preparation.
Check out our list of items to pack for a family road trip so you’ll have good memories to remember.
How to Pack Your Car for a Family Road Trip?
Here are some tips you can follow when you are doing road trip with your family.
· Waterproof Bags
In the glove box, you can store wet or soiled clothes in waterproof bags (resalable plastic or reusable).
· Wipes and an Old Towel
When you plan to do a major clean-up, you may also need something larger, like an old towel. Wipes are essential for small clean-up jobs, while a towel can be helpful for larger clean-ups.
· Comfy and Safe Child Car Seats
Children need to be comfortable and safe during a car trip. A child older than seven years may find it safer and more comfortable in a car seat, even if they are required to use a child restraint under New Zealand law. Under two-year-old should always be restrained rear-facing.
Please check the manufacturer’s weight or height restrictions for that model of child restraint and the expiration date to ensure the car seat fits your child. Check the restraint for wear and tear on the straps.
You probably do not need to replace the car seat if it has been involved in a minor accident, for example, the vehicle was driven, the door nearest the car seat wasn’t damaged, no passengers were injured, the air bags did not deploy, and the car seat appears to be in good condition. The car seat should be replaced if any of these outcomes occur in the accident. If you do not own these type of vehicles then get rent a car service from best rental Car Company.
· A Change of Clothes
Prepare separate bags with complete changes of clothing for each person.
· Bottle Warmer
The USB-powered bottle warmer will help keep a child’s bottle warm while on the go if they are dependent on a bottle.
· Tyre-changing / Breakdown kit
Other valuable items for dealing with a flat tyre or a breakdown include two reflective warning triangles, a reflective jacket, a torch, and a small tarpaulin. A tyre inflator and sealant might be helpful.
· Emergency kit
Ensure you have a small tool kit, a first-aid kit, warm clothes, and a blanket in case of an accident, breakdown, or road closure. In case of an accident, including a hammer that can break glass and cut seatbelts.
· Cooler with Groceries
For information on what goes in the trunk, see this packing list. Every time we go on vacation with our children, we carry a cooler with groceries and snacks for the journey.
During our family road trip or at our beach rental house, we should usually keep a plastic tub/cooler / reusable grocery bag in the trunk for snacks and groceries.
· Kleenex and Toilet Paper
Keeping some tissue in the glove compartment is always helpful, but you can use it as toilet paper if an unexpected “emergency” occurs. Having kids has made it essential for our road trips.
· Cell Phone
Many people will bring one to download travel apps and maps. Are you looking for ideas? Here are some of our favorite apps for trip planning.
· Portable Charger and Cords
Most cars can charge devices, but you should always bring a portable phone charger and plenty of cords, just in case. A car adapter with dual USB ports is also included so that multiple people can charge simultaneously.
· Snacks Plus a Surprise
Ensure you have water bottles with seals for everyone and snacks that are easy to open with small fingers. Make a surprise treat for the kids when they get restless.
· Backpacks
Every child should have a small bag to safely store their books, car games, and other bits and bobs.
· Picnic Blanket
Perfect for rest area stops. When travelling early in the morning or late at night, bring blankets to keep warm. If you have to stop somewhere overnight, you should also pack a sleeping bag or travel pillow.
A blanket and sleeping bag can also be used for an impromptu picnic.
· Map
Bringing a paper map of the route is always a good idea if the phone stops working or does not get a signal. Children can follow along and learn how to read maps using them.
Before you travel, download Google Maps and Waze on your phone.