Taking family trips can be a wonderful bonding experience, especially if the trip is taken on the road. Adults and children alike, however, can grow restless if the trip is exceedingly long.
Fortunately, boredom and fights can be avoided by packing a family travel tote ahead of time. The family travel tote can include many different boredom busters such as puzzle books, paper, snacks and games. Each item needs to be packed with a certain person in mind for optimum results.
* Snacks are great for long road trips and even those moments when you get stuck in traffic and your children complain about hunger. Pack a bunch of different snacks such as trail mix, mixed cereals and fruits and vegetables. Not only will your wallet thank you, but your stomach will as well.
* Carrying paper and crayons is a must for those of you traveling with small children. Children need an outlet for their creativity. The ability to create a work of art will also allow your child to temporarily forget that they are restrained and give you a few moments of peace. For adults who are passengers, packing some paper and pens will allow for writing.
* Games provide simulation and ease boredom. Many of the popular games such as Connect Four and Sorry! come in travel size for road trips. Other games that can be fashioned with paper and pen are tic-tac-toe. You can create games as you go along such as I spy or various license plate games.
* Books are a great tool for easing boredom. If you do not get car sick when reading, consider packing a book to pass the time for both adults and children. Small children will benefit from picture books, so do not exclude them. Puzzle books are also great ways to pass the time and challenge your brain as well. For adults who are driving, audio books offer the perfect solution.
* Believe it or not, maps are a great way to keep the kids entertained. With all the technology readily available, the good old fashion map has taken a backseat, literally. On a recent road trip with my son, we picked up a map at a Georgia Rest Area. This once efficient guide kept my 15-year-old entertained for a few hours. He had fun “making fun” of the old fashion ways of traveling before the GPS.
Depending on the ages of the kids, give them their own backpack and have them pack it with items of their choosing. Traveling on a road trip can be a lot of fun for a family. There are bound to be moments of boredom or frustration, so packing a family travel tote is a good way to keep the family entertained.
What are some items that you would pack for your personal travel tote? I’d love to hear from you, so add your comments below.
Until next time, be blessed!
