To say I’m a planner might be an understatement. At least that’s what you’d probably hear from anyone who knows me well.
I can take planning to the extreme. To the point that it becomes a bit ridiculous.
If you’re a perfectionist (or you know one), you realize that little personality quirk can be frustrating for those closest to you. Especially if all they want is a little spontaneity.
But that’s not the case when it comes to making a family road trip packing list.
Nope.
In that situation the right kind of planning can make or break a vacation. And that’s when a list-making, detail-loving, Type A perfectionist comes in pretty handy.
So, whether you’re a meticulous packer or a “throw it all in before heading out the door” kind of girl, I’ve got you covered. Read on and discover exactly how to make your next family road trip a huge success.
It’s all in the details…
Obviously, much of vacation packing includes clothing and toiletry items. But when it comes to those things, what actually make it into the suitcase depends on where you’re going.
Packing for a winter ski trip to the mountains looks vastly different than loading up for a beach vacation. For that reason, this list won’t include the stuff you’re going to wear and use when you get to your destination.
What I’d like to provide is a family road trip packing list that will make your drive one of the highlights of the trip. Items that you’ll actually use and that will make your time on the road memorable and fun.
So, let’s get started!
A practical family road trip packing list…
Travel Bin.
I came up with this idea several years ago when our oldest was entering the toddler stage. We took frequent trips to my parents a few hours away and my growing girl rarely slept through the drive.
I wanted to keep her engaged and happy in the car without excessive screen time. So, I put together a box of activities that would make good use of our time on the road.
What’s actually included in the box has changed over the years and developmental stages of my kids. But the idea remains the same…a bin full of engaging and educational games, toys, books, and activities.
Here’s what’s currently in our travel bin…
Books
My kids love to read! And I’ve always tried to keep a book within arm’s reach any time they’re sitting still. The car is no exception!
I let the kids each choose ten books and then throw in a few extra that I think they’ll enjoy.
Travel Games
My mom is to thank for this idea. She found two different dry erase travel games (complete with markers and erasers) for our first road trip.
I stuck it all in a big Ziploc and into the travel box they went! Those games provided lots of fun and laughs on our trip.
These aren’t the exact games we have, but they’re very similar. And they’re perfect for the road!
Writing Supplies
I have each kiddo pack a small pencil pouch with various writing supplies. Again, what’s actually included will depend on age.
But we’ve used all of the following: regular pencils, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, colored pens, markers, highlighters, twistables, and crayons.
My personal favorite (especially for really young kids) are Color Wonder markers. They work well, but don’t get marks on your car interior, clothes, or car seats. And they won’t melt when left in the car on a hot summer day!
Here’s a link if you’d like to check them out for yourself.
Coloring/Activity Books
My children have oodles of coloring books. They always include a few of their favorites in the travel bin.
Tip: Designate special coloring/activity books that have to stay in the travel box. Otherwise, your kids will want to bring them inside to finish a page or project. Most likely, they’ll never make their way back! Or the kiddos will lose interest because the books are used all the time at home.
Stickers
My kids have almost outgrown their love of stickers. But they used to provide hours of fun on the road. I would put a bunch of sticker sheets in a baggie along with a small notebook. And they would be entertained for a good, long time!
Our travel box isn’t just for vacation. It’s a permanent fixture in our car. It sits between our middle seats so my kids can pull from it easily anytime we’re out and about.
It’s been invaluable in training my kids how to ride peacefully in the car without the need for screen time.
And without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite parenting hacks.
I try to switch out the items every few months and always make sure to include my children in that process. They take out what they don’t want or use anymore and select what new items go in. We also use that time to clean out any trash or finished items.
When looking for a travel bin, pretty much any kind of box or tote will work. But here’s what I’ve used for years.
And when it’s time to hit the road for vacation, I go through the box right before we leave. While it takes a bit of time, it’s always included on my family road trip packing list.
A fresh bin with new items never fails to help our trip start off great!
Find more tips on making the most of time in the car in “Family Road Trip Essentials.”
Emergency Bag.
My emergency bag is actually a small, plastic box. It’s compact enough to fit under seats or in storage areas, but just large enough to stuff in the essentials.
Here’s one similar to what we use. But you’ll likely need something larger if you have more than two kids.
This is another item that isn’t just reserved for vacation. It rarely leaves my SUV.
And it’s also another idea that came from someone else. The emergency box was a baby shower gift before we had our first child.
And it’s been one of the most useful presents I’ve ever received!
A veteran mom of four game me a tote stuffed full of “on the go” mom and baby items. It was even complete with a handy checklist to help keep it stocked.
During the shower, my friend talked about her own emergency bin and how it had saved her skin many times in the past.
I took her advice and kept mine stored in the car. And it’s been a lifesaver on more than one occasion!
Even after my kids left the baby stage, I kept the box handy. I changed out the items as my children grew, but it never left my car.
I’ve used that tub more times than I can count. And I definitely wouldn’t leave for vacation without it!
Your box can be adapted to fit the needs of your own family. But here’s a helpful list of what to include to get you started.
Small first aid kit
Keep this simple-just the essentials. It would be easy for fill an entire box with first aid supplies. But just pack what you really need.
Hand sanitizer
Travel size works best!
Ziploc bags
Grab a few in different sizes and stick them all inside one baggie. Then it can be flattened and stored in the bottom of the box. Just don’t forget to refill the bag when your supply gets low!
Grocery bags
The same concept can be applied to grocery bags. You might be surprised at how many times these will come in handy!
Paper towels and/or sanitizing wipes
I fold several, stick them in a Ziploc, and flatten before placing in my emergency box.
Kleenexes
Again, travel size works perfectly.
Change of clothes for each child
When the unexpected happens, it’s always nice to have a change of clothes handy. Just make sure it switch out sizes as your kids grow.
Comb and hair ties
There’s been so many times I’ve needed to run a brush through my kids’ hair. Or replace a snapped hair tie. Having a stash in my emergency box makes that easy!
Disposable silverware
The kind in individual packs seem to work best. It keeps them sanitary until they’re ready to be used.
Flashlight
Note: If you have kiddos still in diapers, consider adding a few extra diapers, wipes, and a bib to the family road trip packing list. Those were staples in my emergency kit when my girls were younger!
Activity Backpack for Each Child.
This is similar to the travel bin, but is reserved only for long road trips. Each child gets to help pack his/her own backpack with special items to keep them busy on the road.
I’ve learned having everything organized and separated for each child makes entertaining on the go much easier. When combined with the travel bin, you’ll have plenty to keep your kiddos occupied!
Here’s what my kids packed in their activity bags for our last trip.
Books at their reading level
While the travel bin contains a variety of books on all different reading levels, I try to keep the backpack books more targeted to the specific needs of each child.
As with the bin, let your kids help pick out books. They’ll be more likely to read them! And if your child isn’t reading yet, include simple and engaging picture books they will enjoy.
Variety of fun writing utensils
For our travel backpacks, I simply transfer whatever writing tools they have in the travel bin to their backpacks. There’s no need to have two different options for your trip. I do make sure all items are sharpened and ready to be used before we leave.
Coloring/activity/sticker books
I try to buy a few brand new books right before a long road trip. These are usually the items that keep them engaged the longest because they’re new and exciting.
Blank paper or sketch books
Stickers
Individual maps and highlighters
My girls had so much fun following our road trip on their own maps. They used a highlighter to trace our path.
I’m sure they’re apps that accomplish the same thing, but they really enjoyed using a good, old-fashioned map.
Disposable camera
Another idea that came from my mom! She sent our girls with disposable cameras to document their trip. They loved it!
Here’s the ones we used.
Travel journal
I haven’t tried this yet, but plan to on our next road trip. Each child could draw pictures or write about things that happened while on the road.
Even more meaningful if the same journal could chronicle family vacations over the years. What a special memento!
Music.
You really can’t call it a road trip without music! It’s a family road trip packing list must-have.
Put together a collection of songs ahead of time that you can all enjoy together. That way you won’t be forever searching the radio for whatever station might come in.
Then just stream away once you hit the road!
Audiobooks.
We haven’t tried audiobooks in the car yet. But it’s something I would like to include on my next family road trip packing list. And with the variety of resources out there, the options are endless.
If you don’t have a subscription to a service that provides audiobooks, most local libraries have a pretty good selection to download.
Snacks.
Just as no road trip is complete without music, the same can be said for snacks! And vacation is the perfect time to enjoy a few things you don’t usually indulge in at home.
We have a strict no food policy in our car. But we make an exception during long trips. We try to pick items that aren’t messy or sticky. And we don’t chow down the whole time we’re on the road.
But we do enjoy a few little treats along the way. Each person in the family picks a couple of their favorites and then we share the stash as we go.
Water Bottles.
Having each family member pack a water bottle cuts down on unnecessary stops and extra drink cups littering the car. It also guarantees everyone stays hydrated and helps avoid consuming too many sugary drinks.
Just make sure to refill when you’re stopping for other things like gas or meals.
Umbrella.
There are few things worse than riding in a car for a long period of time soaking wet.
Chances are you won’t need an umbrella very often. But you’ll be thankful it’s packed if your family ever finds themselves caught in an unexpected rainstorm!
Electronical Devices and Chargers.
Technology is wonderful. And it can be very helpful on long trips. From GPS to streaming services to games, most of us wouldn’t leave home without some kind of device.
But can I make a suggestion? Keep screen time to a minimum during your family road trip.
Traveling in the car creates an amazing opportunity for family bonding and relationship building.
And that simply can’t happen if everyone is tuned in to their own devices.
Be proactive about setting limits on screen time when on the road. And then stick to those limits.
By utilizing all the above resources, my girls spent very little time on any electronic device during our long drive. And we loved being in the car together!
It might not be easy. Especially if your kids are used to turning on their devices when they jump in the car.
But I can guarantee the moments they’ll remember won’t be tied to any streaming service.
Find out why family vacations are so important in “Five Reasons to Go On a Family Vacation.”
Memories are waiting…
This family road trip packing list is by no means extensive. There are so many other things you could bring. I’m sure you’ve thought of a few already!
But here’s the deal…
After more than a few long drives with young children, these are the items I’ve found to be the most important.
They’re practical and simple.
This list is packed full of stuff I’ve actually used. And it keeps me from cluttering my car with a bunch of non-essentials.
But most importantly, the things on this list have helped us make some incredible memories while out on the road.
And after all…isn’t that what family vacation is all about?
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