On the Road Again
I love car trips.
Although flying gets you to your destination faster, car trips let you make stops along the way, either visiting your favorite places or checking out new spots. I have a particular formula for packing my bags and then the van that has worked well for me.
No matter how long or short your car trip is, you’ll need to pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need. Here are some tips for packing for a multi-stop car trip:
- Start by making a list of everything you’ll need for the entire trip. This should include clothes, toiletries, snacks, and any other items you might need. You can use old-school pen and paper, the notes on your phone, or even your favorite app.
- Pack a separate bag for each day of the trip. This will help you stay organized and know exactly what you need for each day. When we take several days to reach our final destination, I will pack one bag with toiletries and a packing cube for each day and pack those in a separate bag that is easily accessible. The rest of the luggage can go further back/in harder-to-access areas of the van. When we stop at a hotel for the night, I grab the “overnight” bag. Less to carry in is perfect for quick, smooth check-in!
- Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the drive. This will keep everyone in the car happy and comfortable during long drives. I like to place a cooler within reach of one person who can grab the snacks and drinks for everyone else.
- If you make any stops along the way, pack everything you’ll need for those as well. This includes things like a change of clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You might have a camera bag for photo stops or postcard stamps to send off a quick postcard from a local gift shop.
- Finally, don’t forget to pack any essential items for the car itself, such as a first-aid kit, flares, and a spare tire. You never know when you will have an emergency.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’ll have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable car trip. Happy travels!
Rebecca is the founder of Sightseeing Sidekick travel blog and the publisher of both a lifestyle and a bridal magazine. Living in Northern Virginia, she’s a 50+ mother and grandmother who started travel blogging to share her “new to her” experiences as she has more time to travel. She hopes to “inspire women who previously may not have been able to travel due to career or family obligations to plan, sightsee, and create memories.” You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube
