Traveling with Kids

While traveling is a great experience for you and your kids to have, you never know what will happen along the way. Booboos, hunger, boredom, and temper tantrums equally reside next to happy hearts, yummy meals, and excitement. If you are planning a big trip with your kids, don't forget these essential items that will make your traveling experience smoother.

1. Comfort Items

Teddies and blankets aren't just for babies and toddlers. Even older children can benefit from having a furry friend or a snuggly blanket with them during the trip. New experiences can be scary for some children, especially going on an airplane for the first time. Allow them to bring their favorite stuffed animal along to ease their discomfort.

2. Plastic Bags

Kids get car sick very easily. Long road trips can leave your child feeling queasy. Your kid will probably feel like they need to throw up when there is no place to pull off, that's just the way it is. Have some plastic grocery bags handy for them if they need it.

3. Books and Movies

If your child is a bookworm, you can't go wrong with packing a few novels for them to get lost in. You will enjoy the quiet time and your kid will be doing something educational. Movies are a good option for when it's too dark on the road to see the pages. Just bring some headphones so they can hear without distracting you from the road.

4. Wet Wipes

You will need these. Enough said.

5. Water

This packing essential is important whether you are bringing kids along or not. If you are road tripping, you never know what may happen. Break downs and flat tires in the heat of the summer can cause you and your family to be dehydrated very quickly. Throw a couple of cases of water in your trunk and you will be prepared. Also, you will save money. Two dollars a bottle at Wawa adds up.

6. Hygiene Products

Don't forget to pack your toothpaste, mouthwash, an electric toothbrush, and deodorant in a place where you can easily reach them. Traveling with kids can be exhausting, especially if you are driving while minding them. Keep a spare of these items in your glove compartment and use them as needed to wake up and feel refreshed. Coffee and McDonald's can leave a bad taste in your mouth.

7. Snacks

It seems that kids will always claim to be hungry as soon as you start driving down the road. Bring an assortment of snacks with you to avoid stopping too many times. Pack healthy snacks, pack treats, just be sure to bring something! Goldfish are everyone's favorite.

8. First Aid Kit

This should be in your car at all times. Booboos can happen, and it's good to be prepared. You may even want to consider making a get-home bag for your car.

9. Camera

You are going to make a lot of memories on your trip with your kids. Whether you snap a photo of them smiling in the backseat or exploring a waterfall, you will be glad you have those pictures to look back on when they go off to college. You may even snap the perfect Christmas card photo.

10. Pillows

Your kids are lucky. While you are counting down the miles until you can rest your head at the hotel, they are dozing in the backseat. Bring a pillow for each of them so they can catch some Z's comfortably. Those U-shaped travel pillows work like a charm.

11. Music

It's going to be a long trip. Have everyone create a playlist and spend the trip taking turns with the music. This will make the ride go a lot faster.

Going on a trip with your kids will be one of the most fun things you ever do. Bring these items to maximize the fun and minimize the stress.