Road Trip Checklist for Family: Packing Tips for Kids with a Self-Drive Car

Holidaying with your family is a next-level excitement that offers mesmerizing memories. But it is
important to pack and prepare effectively with kids by your side. The guide here helps you know the
essentials, from understanding all about self-drive cars to packing tips and more

1. Introduction

Self-drive car give you the comfort to discover a place at your own comfort. They wipe out the need for
using public transportation or cramming into cramped tour buses. But before you rent a car for a family
road trip, consider the individual needs of your family and the services provided by your chosen self-
drive car rental company.

2. Understanding Self-Drive Car Features for Families

a) Space and storage:
● Seats and spacing: It is essential to ensure that all your family members are comfortable in
the ear with enough legroom for long trips.
● Cargo space: Keep a check on your luggage and gear. Make sure your cargo space is
sufficient for your long term car rental & the company may offer roof racks for additional
storage.
b) Safety Features:
● Child safety: Most rental car companies provide car safety seats. Ensure it is compatible with
the age and weight of the baby.
● Safety Ratings: Check the safety rating of the car you have booked.
● Airbags: Ensure you check and see the airbags are functioning properly.

3. Essential Packing List

a) Safety and Comfort items
When thinking of safety, ensure you have these family road trip must haves.
● Insect repellent and sunscreen: Secure everyone from bugs and sun, majorly when you’re
performing outdoor activities.
● First-aid Kit: Prepare a fully-stocked first aid kit with proper bandages, pain relieving
medications, over-the-counter medicines, antiseptic wipes etc.
● Hand sanitizers and wipes: Keeping cleanliness as your top priority, make sure you have easy
access to sanitizers.
● Emergency kit: Never forget a roadside emergency kit which includes jumper cables,
flashlight, tire pressure measuring device and basic toolkit for unforeseen situations.
● Entertainment: Make sure you keep story books, coloring books, games and portable devices
with movies and games to keep the children entertained all through the trip.
● Traveling pillow and blanket: If you’re going for a long trip, make sure you carry these.

b) Clothing and Toiletries
● Pack according to the weather conditions: Keeping the weather of the destination in mind,
you should do your packing. Layering is good if you’re going somewhere with temperature
fluctuation.
● Comfortable shoes: Make sure you pack comfortable shoes for walking, hiking and exploring
locations.
● Bathing suits and towels: If you have chosen a beachy location, pool or water park, carry a
swimwear and towel with you.
● Required toiletries: Do not forget the basic toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste and brush,
and personal hygiene items.

4. Snacks and Meals

a) Healthy Snacks
Always pack healthy snacks for your kids such as fruits, nuts, protein bars etc. as it keeps everyone on the
trip active and energized and prevents you from solely relying on rest stops. It is also essential to pack
road trip essential for kids to keep them active and tummy-filled all through the trip.
b) Hydration
Keep lots and lots of water bottles, energy drinks and ORS water with you, when traveling with kids. You
can use reusable water bottles to eliminate plastic wastage.

5. Tips for using a Self-Drive Car on a Road Trip

a. Pre-Trip Car Checks:
● Inspection of the rental car: Before starting your journey, cautiously inspect the rental car for
any damages and check all the features such as air conditioning, brakes, light and more.
● Know your car: Spend some time with the car to understand the control of self-drive car and
get to know about its audio system, safety specs and navigation system.

b. Planning your Route:
● Prepare a map: Plan your route prior to beginning your trip, pick rest stops, meal breaks and
also possible places of attractions that you wish to see.
● Measure realistic travel time: Consider the potential traffic delay and sightseeing duration
when assessing travel time.
● Break for kids: Keep space for break for kids every three hours.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip with your family, ensure you find the best vehicle to rent for a family road
trip for a smooth and mesmerizing experience. Find out all about the services offered by your car rental company, along with the specs of the car. Recheck your checklist for family travel, keep comfort and
safety as your top notch priority and enjoy a family trip with mesmerizing memories.