A long road trip with a car full of restless little ones can sometimes make you just want to stay at home instead.
 
However, with the right travelling gear on hand, you’re sure to hear fewer cries of ‘Are we there yet?’ and get to your destination without any spills or tears.
 
1. Listening material: Creating playlists for your iPod and downloading audio books or podcasts are a great way to pass the time and keep the kids entertained.
 
2. Snacks: Probably the second most frequent phrase behind “Are we there yet?” is “I’m hungry.” To avoid stopping in every town to feed rumbling tummies, bring a cooler with your own snacks. Not only will you avoid impulse buys at petrol stations, you can control what your children eat by stocking it with healthy treats. Cut up fruit and veggies ahead of time and put in individual snack baggiesfor each child.
 
3. Toilet supplies: Being in the middle of nowhere when your child says they have to go to the bathroom can be fairly stressful. Their small bladders can’t always wait for the next stop. Packing some toilet roll and hand sanitizer with you on long trips can go a long way.
 
4. Creative supplies: DVDs, iPads, and other electronics can be fun diversions, but even kids will tire of using them after several hours. However books, art supplies, and other creative toys encourage imagination and play. Your child can learn and be entertained during the drive if the car is well stocked with lap activities. 
 
5. Headphones: If you’re using electronics in the car, like children’s movies, CDs, or gaming consoles, make sure you have headphones for the kids. This will keep you from getting distracted from the road, and save you having to listen to the Wiggles video over and over again.
 
6. Baby wipes: Baby wipes can come to the rescue of sticky hands, unexpected toilet stops, and a number of other dilemmas on a long journey.
 
7. First aid kit: It’s always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand for any bumps, sting or cuts that might occur along the way.
 
8. Spill-proof cups: The last thing you need on a long journey, is having to pull over to clean up a drink spilling situations.
 
9. Ziplock bags: They are great for pretty much everything - from snacks to crayons.  A permanent marker to label things is also a useful tip. 
 
10. Sat-Nav or a good map: You want to get to your destination as quickly and safely as possible. Getting lost on a road trip when you’re on your own is bad enough, but with a car full of kids can be a scary and stressful experience. Be sure to map out your journey carefully before you set off, and allow for some extra time along the way for unexpected stops. 
 
Image via Pinterest. 

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