This is my Family Car Trip packing list, I hope it helps you remember what you might want to bring on a trip. Although I use it for every car trip, it may not be complete for your needs, so feel free to use it as a base for your planning.

The Waist Belt:

q   Palm Pilot / Wallet / $ bills – toll booth change / Cell Phone/ directions / travel & hotel information / cash for stops

The essential carry-in the car bag / Just plain in the car--

q   Formula – Rice  - Baby Food – Baby Wipes – Baby Bottles –Pacifiers

q   Books on Tape/Books for parents and Favorite Baby Video Tapes & DVD’s - headphones for kids

q   Make up bag with: freshener/moisturizer,  sun screen, toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash/floss (Kids & Parents) body & hand lotions, makeup, deodorant/talcum powder, shampoo/conditioner/gel/hair spray (non-aerosol), brushes/combs, hair bands

q   folding tote bag/fanny pack

q   flap happy haps caps/visors

q   Phone List for work / hand held recorder for work notes, Notebook and Pen

q  First Aid Kit with: eyewash, medicines/bandages/antiseptic cream, germicidal hand cleaner, vitamins, Tylenol PM, Benedryl, baby Tylenol, tweezers. Neosporin / PediaCare decongestant, Sun Block

q   extra glasses/Sunglasses

q   camera – Video Camera and chargers  and batteries

q   passport/money/documents/keys (home & luggage)

q   Soft sided cooler with juice boxes – bottled water, milk and formula bottles in cooler, snacks, lunch, dinner

q   favorite blanket/toy, doll, pacifiers, box of small toys

q   Diapers, Wipes and plastic bags for diaper disposal.

q   Portable potty for the side of the road emergencies

THE MAIN SUITCASES:

q   Personal 2-way radios

q    Zip-Lock bags/garbage bags

q   A nightlight

q   flip flops/water shoes, socks/white tennis shoes

q   Kids shoes, shorts, tees, socks underwear, warm clothes PJ’s, bathing suits, sunhats (1.5 outfits per day of vacation plus 2 warm outfits and warm hats)

q   Diaper rash ointment, Diapers, Wipes

q   Sippy Cups, Bottles, Insulated mug

q   Pack n’ Play

q   Double Stroller

q   Shovel and pails for kids

q   CAMERAS & VIDEO CAMERAS – CHARGERS

q   Specialty food items: Rice Milk, Soy yogurts, Formula etc.

 

 Mom’s Stuff

q   night gowns/robe purses (daytime & evening) pantyhose/knee-high stockings bras/panties/slips swimsuits (3) /cover-up, Teva Sandals, lotion, lip gloss, white shorts/white slacks/two blouses or polo shirts

q   Jewelry, toiletries, hair dryer, curling iron, brushes, shampoos.

q   Clothing, Shoes (Socks Optional),D ay Wear, Tee Shirts or Polo Shirts, Shorts, Swim wear , Tennis shoes & socks, Other Wear, Boxer or Briefs, Sleepwear/Robe, Hat or Cap, Sunglasses  Teva Sandels knock around shorts and t-shirts

q   Shaving Kit (his includes what he needs)

q   Sunglasses – Sunglasses covers

q   Swiss Army Knife

q   Travel Clock

q   Short, Multi-Plug Extension Cord

q   Strapping Tape/Duct Tape, Cable Ties

q   Book to read

 

PLAN BEFORE YOU GO
 

q   Take care of Dog – Fish

q   Copies of our passports, driver's license, and credit cards before leaving home.

q   Charge all cameras and video camera batteries

q   Research restaurants and things to do, print out map if avail.

 

 

Keeping Baby Happy in the Car:

q   Peekaboo (many variations with blanket) where is… hide the toy, bring it out…

q   Magnetic Erasable doodle pad – I have a few of these if you don’t have one.

q   Goldfish (everyone likes them), Cheerios one at a time.

q   DVD’s

 

If it’s going to rain:

q   Umbrellas

q   Rain coats

q   Warm sneakers and socks

q   Scrabble

q   Indoor games