Growing up, we would go on a major road trip every year with our big family of eight (six kids and parents). Besides our clothes, we packed about 20 comic books, a picnic lunch, and other books and word searches. Our picnic lunch included fried chicken and boiled eggs, though sometimes we’d stop at grocery stores and buy bread and lunchmeat. Of course for a family of eight, this was about what we could afford! I have great memories of those trips.
You can create memories for your own family with a little bit of planning on what to pack in the car – packing that would keep children entertained and not create too big of a mess. From Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker, here are just a few ideas of what to pack before a long road trip.
1. Food – preferably not messy, sticky, crumbly stuff. Great if put into big zipper bags for each child to have their own.
2. Drinks – water is our drink of choice (it doesn’t stain and it isn’t sticky), but too much will lead to more bathroom stops.
3. Diapers, wipes and a waterproof changing pad – you never know where you are going to have to change a little one…the pad keeps that surface safe.
4. A Small Plastic Garbage Can – we learned the hard way that you may encounter unexpected car sickness or stomach flu. Have a place for a throwing up child (or children)!
5. Jackets – Even if it’s a hot day, it will get cooler and they can use it as a pillow or blanket
6. Movies – before we bought our Suburban with the built in DVD player, we brought a laptop to play movies. The battery in a laptop is usually good for at least 2 hours of peace. It is worth it!!!
It looks like comic books may have been replaced by DVD players! Still, plan ahead for an enjoyable trip!
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