Essential tips for road trips with kids
So you're ready to pack up the car, throw in the kids, and hit the road! If only it were that simple... Long car trips with children have never been easy, but the need for constant stimulation seems to grow with each generation. It can be a real challenge to get everything organized and ensure the VIP passengers are kept entertained too. Despite this, millions of parents brave the highways every year. Thankfully, they've come up with a few tips and tricks you can keep in your back pocket.

Packing
It's a lot easier to squeeze soft luggage like gym bags or duffel bags into the packed car, rather than large suitcases.
If practicality reigns in your household, then trash bags are actually the best solution!

Sticky fingers
Wet wipes are a must-have on any journey with the kids, but now more than ever. It's a good idea to bring hand sanitizers and even mini bottles of hand soap just in case rest stops don't have any.

Snacks
Snacks are essential for any road trip. It's good to be mindful of what will be messy or sticky though. Ziplock bags with crackers or grapes are a great simple snack.
A creative way to keep them full as well as entertained is to fill a jam jar with healthy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits, but with a few treats like chocolate coins or candies hidden inside.

Entertainment
One of the biggest concerns on long car journeys is keeping everyone entertained. No one wants to travel to a chorus of "are we there yet?"
It's a nice idea for each child to have their own little activity backpack with them. It can contain any books or toys they might want during the journey.

Books
If your kids like to read in the car, then you can take them on a pre-vacation trip to the library to pick out a few new books. Saving them until the journey starts will add to the excitement.
The library trip can also become a yearly pre-vacation ritual that will get them excited and encourage an interest in reading.

Surprises
The novelty of being in the car wears off pretty quick, so it's good to have a few surprise toys to whip out when the little ones start to get restless.
An activity book with stickers or a "choose your own adventure" book are fantastic for keeping the kids occupied. Read More…