5 ROAD TRIP MUST HAVES
Road trips can be a ton of fun but they can also be pretty stressful. Getting ready for a road trip can be super simple with these five must haves! My son is five years old and we’ve been taking road trips since he was about nine months old. The first few trips I packed a whole bunch of stuff and didn’t really need everything. Now that we’ve done this over a dozen times with a mix of short and long trips I have compiled a good list of my road trip must haves.
1. A CUP THAT KEEPS THE ICE COLD. My whole family loves ice water but it is not always easy to keep ice frozen. Hours of driving, in and out of the car, in and out of the sun, the ice melts fast. Now there are so many cups that keep the ice frozen and the water ice cold. I love the RTIC cups! https://www.amazon.com/RTIC-RTIC30-30-oz-Tumbler/dp/B019D9HESO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1520205620&sr=8-5&keywords=rtic+cups+30+oz
2. ONE DOLLAR BILLS FOR THE VENDING MACHINES. I don’t care how many drinks and snacks I pack someone will always want something from the vending machines at the rest stop. I guess it is just the excitement of putting the money in and making your selection that draws people in. No matter how well I plan and how well I pack we always end up getting something from the vending machines. Nothing is worse than stopping after hours on the road and listening to your child freak out because you forgot to bring a dollar for the vending machine. Avoid the drama and save up those one dollar bills!
3. TRASH BAG. Ok, I admit, this one is a pretty obvious one but I have been known to forget a time or two. It sucks being stuck in a cramped car as it is but it is even worse when the car has trash everywhere. Having a trash bag means all of the trash can go in the bag and easily emptied at a gas station or rest stop. Easy clean up and more room for fun car games or a nice nap.
4. MUSIC. Yes another obvious one! I hate trying to find a good radio station as I’m driving from state to state so I like to bring plenty of CD’s. People still use CD’s right? I make sure to bring plenty because once I’ve memorized and sung every song once or twice I need to move on.
5. BABY WIPES! I don’t care who you are or if you even have a baby, baby wipes are a life saver! At sketchy rest stops with no toilet paper? Baby wipes! Spill your soda all over the place? Baby wipes! Sticky hands? Baby wipes! Want to freshen up after being in the car all day? Baby wipes! I’m telling you if you have an issue babywipes are the solution. I like most baby wipes I have tried but my advice is getting non-scented.
Bonus tip! If you need to save your receipts from the trip bring a gallon size zip lock bag. Whenever you get a receipt put it in the bag and store the bag in the glove box.
-Brianna
