This post is sponsored by Wayfair I was compensated for this post but all opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Pars Caeli.
From school to practice to Church and road trips, my family and I spend a lot of time in our car. We plan our journeys carefully, but I always want to be ready for any unexpected adventures we can seize at a given opportunity! Of course, we also have those times when we're stuck in traffic or come upon an emergency, and our car is like a second home and safe haven.
Thanks to my friends at Wayfair, I'm sharing my top tips to maximize car travel and make any occasion out of the ordinary.
The Just in Case:
- From bumps and bruises to emergencies, it's a smart idea to keep a First Aid kit handy (even in the back of your car).
This simple First Aid Kit is all you need.
- Less major emergencies like dead electronic devices can be avoided by keeping an extra charger for yours and the kids devices in the car.
- Keeping a few empty, reusable water bottles in the car makes sense and keeps our budget in check during frequent stops.
- Flashlights or head lamps get more use that you might expect!
For more fun:
Between practices or on a beautiful sunny afternoon, spontaneous picnicking is highly encouraged.
We keep a picnic blanket always ready in the back!
We also keep a set of camping chairs stashed for t-ball and soccer games.
- This is a little over-the-top, but during warmer months, we keep a simple tent in the back. I think the possibility and the thrill of camping wherever you are is just awesome.
- Keep some read along CDs/books or audiobooks always at the ready.
Don't forget about the fun that you don't have to pack like car games!! I Spy, The Alphabet Game (finding words on signs that start with each letter of the alphabet), word association, 20 Questions, the license plate game. I also recommend printing off these two games - one for kids and one for teens to help pass long trips.
When all else fails, have a book, a few CDs, and if your vehicle uses them, DVDs at the ready to entertain.
You might not expect:
- Crayons, a tablet of paper, and scissors have saved us from tantrums and boredom more than I ever imagined. We use the scissors all the time to cut off tags from new purchases that just have to be worn right away!
- Playing cards can be used for card games like War, Rummy, Solitaire as well as simple math games to keep young minds busy,
These playing cards are maps, too! They're perfect for road tripping!
- It's not fancy, but extra trash bags, tissues, napkins, disposable silverware, and straws are always, always helpful!
- Last but not least, pack your sense of humor. What road trip or fun day of errands would be complete without some jokes!! Pack my lunchbox jokes for 180 illustrated cards and keep them in the side box.
What do you recommend to make the most of every car ride?
xoxo, MJ