Travelling with Kids by Car
Getting Started
Make a list of all the things you need to bring: clothing for each person, toys, car essentials, toiletries and financial.
Make sure that you call the hotel or campground ahead of time to find out if it has hair dryers, an indoor or outdoor pool and if it's heated during the cold months, and if they have a kitchenette, fridge, microwave and/or coffee maker.
Make sure the kids take their favourite stuffed animal or doll as well as blankets and pillows. Get them to pick out some of their favourite toys, books and electronic games.
Bring a DVD player if you have one, and make sure you bring movies for all ages to be watched during driving times as well as movies for the older children to watch when the little ones are asleep.
Kids 5 and up like to know where they are going, so give them a photocopy of the map with the route highlighted as well as any planned stops you will be taking. It makes them feel involved and important and it gives them something to do.
If you are bringing your pet, make sure that you have all the required documents to be able to cross the border with them. Also, make sure that you have water and food for them for the duration of the trip.
Buy some little gifts or surprises for your kids and take them out when the kids get really bored or restless. For example: travel games (mini magnetic game boards), fun as well educational work books, a new colouring book with crayons, special snacks, special paper for them to draw on. You might even want to buy one of those travel tables to make it easier for them to colour on while in a car seat.
Depending on where you are going, you may want to bring lawn chairs to use to sit out at night to look up at the stars.
Bring flip flops or cheap sandals for the pool areas and public showers/restrooms.
Bring your own beach towel if you feel that the hotel towels are always too small.
Bring tea, coffee, sugar/sweetener, container with milk or cream and/or powdered cream if you have a preference on what you like to drink in the mornings or before going to bed at night.
Bring your favourite book, magazine or thing to do while riding in the car.
Bring an extra bag for dirty clothes and some extra resealable bags for wet clothing.
Emergency toilet with extra bags.
Before you leave, clean your house, wash all your laundry and make your bed. No one wants to come home to a dirty house or more laundry then they already have from their vacation.
On the Road
Make sure that you have beverages, food and healthy snacks for everyone. (Healthy snack ideas: peanut butter and crackers, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, granola bars and fresh fruit)
Bring napkins, paper towels, old cloths and wipes for eating on the road.
Bring one sharp knife (put the knife into a paper towel or toilet paper and then wrapped with foil to prevent someone from getting cut) for cutting up food, a butter knife for spreading butter, forks for getting things out of jars, and spoons for eating.
Take a jumping rope, playing cards, Play-Doh, bubbles and a blanket for pit-stops.
Make sure your vehicle has all the essential things in the back: plastic bags, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, sunscreen, medicines, bottle water, road assistance kit (flares, blanket, sign for windshield to get help).
Take breaks. Don't try to drive longer than 2-3 hours at a time. Everyone should get out and stretch their legs and use the bathroom before moving on. You could use one of your stops to have a picnic.
Make sure that you have a safe and comfortable place for your pet to lie down in the vehicle.
Don't forget to give the kids the little gifts or surprises that you bought for them when they get restless or bored.
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