Car Trip Essentials
You're off to the Grand Canyon. Or to Grandma's. Or to see the sights. No matter where you travel to in your car, we recommend bringing the following items for a smooth, enjoyable trip. To include clothes and toiletries for you and the kids, see the list for a weekend getaway.
MUST HAVE: Wallet and/or purse and cash (sometimes we forget the most obvious things) Credit cards and/or traveler's checks (plus list of numbers of both) ID or driver's license Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags) Eye glasses and/or contact lenses (plus lens cleaner) Sunglasses Watch Medical insurance cards Prescriptions and other medications Maps, directions and reservation confirmations Camera and film Books and magazines for kids and adults Toys, playing cards, small games Flashlight and batteries Umbrella and rain jackets Plastic bags for wet items Disposable wipes (or put damp paper towels in zippered plastic bags) Pocketknife Travel alarm Sewing kit First-aid kit (see separate packing list) Snacks/gum Water/juice boxes, no-spill cups Paper napkins/towels Cooler with beverages (water is best) and lunch items Paper, washable markers (crayons may melt on a hot day) and clipboard or lap desk Snacks (crackers, mini rice cakes, dry cereal, dried fruit or nuts and the like) in small zippered plastic bags Small backpack for child to carry own toys and art supplies Pillows Towels (in case of hot seats or spills)
FOR BABY: Car seat Diaper bag Disposable diapers Changing pad Baby powder and lotion Zippered plastic bags Wet wipes Nursing pads and burp pads Bibs Bottles, nipples and caps Formula and/or juice Pacifiers Changes of clothing Jacket or sweater Collapsible stroller with canopy or umbrella Front or back child-carrying pack, or sling style Blankets Waterproof sheets Bathing supplies Large plastic bags for wet clothes (can also be used as a changing pad in a pinch)
NICE TO HAVE: Individually wrapped small toys (new ones or old favorites) or activity bags to hand out at intervals during the trip Frisbee or ball for playing in grassy area at rest stop Music and books on tape (record your child's favorite stories yourself) Individual tape players and headphones Window screens Hand or finger puppets for entertaining at restaurants Portable playpen or crib Portable high chair or booster seat Magnetic travel games Laminated U.S. maps for kids to mark off license plates
Wallet and/or purse and cash (sometimes we forget the most obvious things)
