10 Essentials for First Long Road Trip with your Child
Sonal Goel(for Asaan)
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Road trip,either small or long,is always exciting for everyone whether an adult or a child and everyone have their own piece of fun attached to it.But the real stress comes when one needs to pack their luggage bags for the trip.Inspite of making checklists,we collect some things, forget other things and when we are out on the trip,we are like “Oh God,I forgot to bring,,”.Family travel is always special and to make it more special we have to pack everything so that there is no “OH NO” time on the trip.For once,adults can compromise with the things but a child cannot.For eg,Food is a thing for which adults can compromise but a child needs it at his time of meal.So here,I am going to make your task easy and your trip full of adventure by providing list of essentials you should not miss while going on first road trip with your child either you travel by bus or car.
SunglassesPhoto by Lensabl on Unsplash
Wherever you go,sunglasses are important for protecting you from harsh sun rays.Adding to this,these have become styling icons for everyone now.After all,we have to take selfies and update our social media.
It is a very important thing in your checklist since this trip is along with your child and we cannot take risk.When you are going out,you cannot depend on anyone so keep all the things with you including the first aid box.We should always be ready for all the circumstances when we are stepping out of the house.First Aid Box is essential to keep your important medicines and lotions in one place.
You are going to create memories,capture them in the camera so that you have them with you all your life.And these memories will be special since this is the first Road Trip with your child.This time buy a camera which is your child’s friendly.
Long road trips may require some entertainment and playing songs aloud in the car is not a safe option.So,better carry the headphones which serves our both purposes,being entertained without disturbing others.
Hand Sanitizer : After the two years of COVID wave,no one wants to take risk especially when a child is with us.On the trip,always make sure about the cleanliness of you and your child.You can buy any of the various brand Sanitizers available in the market.Just remember that it should be travel friendly.For eg, the bottle should be small in size so that it is easy to carry.I personally like to use Dettol Sanitizers because it is a trusted brand like a chuddy buddy friend.
Though Garbage Bags don’t seem to be but they are really important thing in your checklist.They can serve various purposes.One goes with the PM’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and being a citizen of India we should keep our country clean.So,instead of throwing the garbage out from the car,collect it in the garbage bag and later dispose off in the bin.The other purpose is precaution to take if anyone feels nauseated,feels like vomiting in the car so you can use the trash Bag.There are various types ofGarbage Bagsavailable in the market.Check them out and buy the one according to your need.
Since you are going along with your child,it is very important to have some things to eat at the time you or your child feel hungry.By the way,munching is fun while travelling.Since this is a long trip,you cannot take homemade food because it will become rotten in a day or two.Better have packed snacks.Either you can make the packets at home or to ease out,check some readymade Box Of Snacks which contains different snacks which are perfect to curb hunger and yes,all of them are healthy.
Car Seat Organizer or Seat Organizer
This is very useful when you are travelling with a kid.From keeping water bottles to books,toys,eatables,stationary if any,shades and list goes on.It will keep your child organized and happy at the same place.
Wipes : These can do wonders in the road journey and you cannot do without them when you are with your child.From cleaning hands to messy food disasters,these are perfect to deal with all the situations.There are hell lot of brands to make a choice from but I love Mee Mee.
When travelling with kids,don’t forget to take water with you because as soon as they get seated in the vehicle,they become thirsty.You can either keep a set of water bottles or keep a container of water in case you are travelling by car or you can have separate bottles for each one of you which will be a good option for bus travel.
This was the generic list of items which are required with your child on every road trip.Apart from this list,have your itinerary with you before your trip begins.Keep your luggage bags of small size so that you can easily carry and managed.The list can be modified or things can be added according to age and needs of your child.So,start packing your bags and have fun.
Wish you luck for the first long trip with your child!
What kind of things you should avoid to take on the trip?
Avoid taking hard and big suitcases.They will only add to your space and are difficult to carry.
Sweet Food and Drinks: This can create a mess for you only by making everything sticky.
Avoid carrying Umbrella.Better carry raincoats for everyone.This will save some space for keeping other things in the car or bag.
What type of Luggage Bags you should use for travelling?
Earlier we used to have only suitcases to carry our luggage which only created the problem of space.But now we have good options.Best bags to carry are Duffle Bags with wheels whether you are travelling by bus or car.
Apart from the other list,you can carry drawing books,activity books,games to keep the kids entertained.If you kid is a toddler then you have to carry sterilizers,extra diapers,extra clothes and sickness bags.
