Your family road trip packing list will all depend on where exactly it is you are going, but there are standard items that will certainly come in handy no matter the destination. Don’t put it all down to chance! Although your road trip may only last a day or two, it is important that you remember all the items listed in this article at the bare minimum, to avoid any mishaps while driving down the highway. Here is the ultimate family road trip packing list!
Car Essentials – the Most Important Section of the Ultimate Family Road Trip Packing List
Make sure your car is ready to go before hitting the road.
Spare Tyres – This is particularly essential if you are planning on driving over unfamiliar territory. You may encounter rocky terrain and your current tyres could give way. This could result in you and your family being stranded for a few hours. Avoid this by packing plenty of spare tyres to prepare for any outcome.
Electric tyre pump – Don’t forget an inflator! If one of your tyres do go, you will need an electric tyre inflator to get your car ready to go again.
Car seat organisers – Given the amount of items that you’ll be taking on your road trip (Thanks to this ultimate family road trip packing list) it will help if you kit your vehicle out with a few car seat organisers to fit all of the items neatly.
Printed map – Don’t rely on your phone! Google Maps and other applications can let you down, resulting in you getting lost. Having a trusty map close at hands is a good way to give yourself piece of mind.
Car documentation – This goes without saying, but make sure you’ve got your licence and registration, as well as any other documents you may need!
Car window shade – Keep the sunlight out of your kid’s eyes by fitting the windows out with shade.
Car charging port – This is crucial if your kids rely heavily on their devices.
Phone holder – So that you can read Google Maps clearly.
First Aid Essentials
Your first aid kit should contain the following:
Plasters and bandages – Of various sizes, to cover any small injury that may occur while on the trip.
Scissors – To cut plasters and bandages to size.
Saline and alcohol-free wipes – To clean cuts before covering them.
Tick remover – This is a vital piece of kit when exploring the great outdoors. The longer you leave a tick the worse it gets, so it is essential to always have a tick remover on you.
Bug repellent – One irritating aspect of a road trip to the country is being attacked by swarms of insects. Keep them at bay with good quality insect repellent.
Bug bite spray – If you are too late to reach for the repellent, spray any bitten area with insect bite spray to keep swelling to a minimum.
Antihistamine – You never know when allergies may flare up when out on a road trip.
Motion sickness medicine – Even if your family members aren’t prone to suffering from motion sickness, it is prudent to always pack some medication.
Acetaminophen – For any other kind of sicknesses or fevers that may occur.
Stress relief spray – A good idea for the driver as the roads may get a little stressful!
Everyday Essentials and Accessories
The following section of the family road trip packing list are items that you may already be in the habit of taking, that are even more important while out on a road trip.
Hand sanitizer – Now more than ever, hand sanitizer is essential. You may not be near a toilet facility after eating food or getting your hands dirty, so its important to always carry personal soap with you.
Sunscreen – Especially in the summer, sunscreen must be worn by all!
Sunglasses – If you’re going out hiking or are adventuring in big open spaces, be sure that all members of the family have sunglasses handy to protect eyes.
Sun cap – For extra protection from the sun or to keep your head from getting burnt.
Tissues – When allergies start up, you’re going to need some tissues.
Raincoat – If you’ve got a lot of hiking planned, don’t let yourself get soaked through – have backup raincoats ready for everyone.
Umbrella – For when the rain gets extra heavy.
Hiking boats – You never know what kinds of terrain you’ll encounter. For this reason, be sure to have hiking boats in order to take on anything the wild throws at you.
Trekking poles – Your outdoor adventure may make a sudden ascendance. Trekking poles can make hiking up hill- and back down again- a lot easier.
Change of clothes – Just as a backup!
Compass – When your phone lets you down, you can always rely on your good old compass and map.
Army knife – Handy to have in all situations involving the outdoors.
Picnic blanket – To avoid sitting on damp or muddy grass.
Lighter –For the campfire.
Bin bags – To keep the natural world clean!
Flashlight – In case you get lost.
Technology and Entertainment Essentials
If you’re kids have a short attention span, or they don’t enjoy the great outdoors that much, this is the other crucial section to this family road trip packing list.
Fully charged phones – To keep them entertained for the duration of the drive.
Headphones – So that each child can enjoy their device separately.
Tablet – With plenty of movies and TV shows already downloaded.
Books – For some light car reading.
Camera – To capture your family road trip.
A ball or frisbee – For some easy entertainment when you’ve arrived at your destination.
Notebooks –For each child to document their adventure.