What to pack for a family road trip
Planning a family road trip? Here’s what to pack and helpful checklistsWith summer here and the school holidays in full swing, holiday plans are being finalised and for many Aussies, this means nutting out the details for the family road trip.
From the best route to pit stops along the way, there are many important tasks to tick off before starting your engine. Another one, which is important for both safety and practicality, but something often left to the last minute is packing.
Justin Hales, CEO of caravan and motorhome sharing community, Camplify says that when packing, the number one item on your list should be a first-aid kit.
“On your journey, it is always good to be prepared for any scratches and bruises kids might pick up along the way,” Hales says.
Essential items for your road trip car kit should include:
- Bandaids: have more than you think you’ll need
- Pain medicine: both for parents and kids
- Motion sickness tablets
- Tweezers: handy for splinters
- Scissors: come in handy for many reasons
- Gloves
Another health and safety item to include on your packing list is sunscreen.
“When travelling in a sun-soaked country like Australia, you’re going to want to wear sunblock every day (even inside your vehicle). Mosquito repellent is also a lifesaver on summer nights. Pack a hat or a cap to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face during your road trip,” Hales says.
While most of us have one family member who claims to be “great at directions,” setting up and updating GPS and navigation apps is also wise, so too is packing the trusty physical map, just in case!
Last on the safety front is ensuring you have phone chargers and portable chargers, a roadside emergency kit, jumper cable, basic tools and making sure that the spare tyre is ready to roll (literally).
For comfort and practicality, Camplify advises wearing comfortable clothing and also packing some spare sets for younger kids in case of accidents. Pillows, blankets and stuffed toys can also be comforting for children travelling long distances too.
While this one doesn’t serve as a surprise for any parent out there, entertainment should still be mentioned because it is a must-have!
“With regards to entertainment, you don’t want to pack too much. It’s good for kids to get bored and use their imagination every now and then. Stick to as many open-ended toys as possible that can be used in many different ways to keep them entertained,” says Hales.
Entertainment ideas for your family road trip:
- Sticker books: perfect for keeping younger kids entertained
- Animal figures: can extend this to include dolls, action figures and other interests your child has
- Beach play set: include a bucket and a small spade for beach days
- Outdoor activities such as bikes, surfboards or tennis rackets
- Board games: Pack some board games for some family bonding time, you can also purchase magnetic board games to play whilst travelling
- Portable DVD players/Tablets can be a lifesaver for longer drives
- Books: Bring some books on your travels, physical or online copies. The best part about these road trip essentials is that you can swap them with your fellow family members when you’re done
- Music and Podcast: Making a collaborative family playlist is great as everyone gets to enjoy their favourite tunes
Finally, no one wants to be hangry, especially while stuck in the car, so plan your stops around mealtimes, and stock up at each stop or to save money before you leave home.
“A full stomach can go a long way to keeping kids (and parents) happy. Also, remember to pack your family reusable water bottles as on some long road trips there are not a lot of stops for a refill!”
And while packing the right items is important, how you pack them is too says Jackie Pedersen, General Manager of Automotive Services at RACV.
Top tips for efficient and safe packing:
- Distribute the weight of your items evenly to avoid overloading one side of the car
- Stowing the heaviest items in the boot and placing them as far forward and low as possible and tying down or securing objects so they don’t move if you brake suddenly
- When stacking gear on roof racks, don’t overdo it because making your car top-heavy can increase the chance of a rollover in a crash
- Pack any loose items, such as groceries or household items, in boxes or containers to prevent them from sliding around the car
- Do not block your view through the windows, as this can be dangerous while driving
Related: Seven tips to reduce car-induced motion sickness
Related: Family road trip survival checklist
Related: The best summer road trip activities that don't cost a cent
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