In less than 2 weeks, my kids will be “celebrating” Spring Break! For the past couple of years we haven’t planned any trips. We’ve stayed home and tried to keep ourselves occupied. By the middle of the week, I usually say, “We will definitely go somewhere next year!” This year, we know we’re going somewhere, but not sure where or who or when! We obviously have decisions to make!

There was a time in my life when I loved to travel. I mean, I spent 2 years of my life living out of a suitcase and a 2 foot by 8 foot locker on a semi-trailer. It was a life of adventure, living in a different city every 3 weeks. Maj W and I dated long distance for a while, forcing me to spend countless weekends travelling from Northern Virginia to South Carolina. Before every one of these road trips, I would buy a new CD – totally dating myself, I know – and would listen to it over and over on my drives to and from. I loved the newness and spontaneity of it all. One Saturday morning, I hopped in my car, drove 7 hours to the north side of Charlotte and about 8pm that night, I turned around and drove the 7 hours back home. Travelling was thrilling!

Now, though, traveling is a different beast. Not only do I have to prep my own stuff for the duration of our travel, but I also have to make sure 4 children have all they need to survive away from the comforts of home. Prepping at my house usually requires a late night, a dash of anxiety and a lengthy list. Trying to anticipate all the ‘what ifs’ can be a little overwhelming. Even if I’m travelling alone, there is always a ton of prep work to be done so that everyone left behind has clean clothes, food to eat, rides to and from their various activities, etc. Needless to say, I don’t love traveling as much as I once did! 

Every time we pack up to travel, I typically come up with a list of items that might make our journey a little more manageable. Here are 5 items that are essential to make travelling with our crew a little smoother. Some of these items I own. Some of these items we will own soon!

Small suitcases for everyone. It dawned on me when I was packing for our trip to Auburn last weekend that we don’t own a suitcase for everyone. In the past we have packed the girls in one suitcase and the boys in one suitcase, but depending on our sleeping arrangements, that’s not always convenient. We decided it’s time to make sure we have enough suitcases for everyone! I’m thinking something like these rolling duffle bags would be perfect. The kids don’t need a ton of space and they could each roll their own bags into our accommodations. Score!

Travel cot for the littlest sleeper. Most of our trips are to see family and most of our family is not equipped for 6 extra bodies! We have lots of discussions (arguments) about who is sleeping where, who is sharing a bed, who is sleeping on the floor, etc. One of the best investments we made, and should’ve made much sooner, was purchasing one of these child sized travel cots. It’s given Harper her own little sleeping space and has alleviated at least one piece of the who is sleeping where dilemma.

Packing cubes. This is an investment we are about to make! We have been known to pack the kids’ individual outfits, all the way to underwear and socks, in ziplock bags just so they will wear the right tops and bottoms together. The kids’ bags always end up being a big pile that I have to sort every day to figure out what is left in the bag that matches! Packing cubes would help solve some of this problem and wouldn’t create all the trash that ziplock bags do. I naturally love every kind of organizing product so these just seem dreamy to me!

Entertainment. I am an entertainment over-packer! Each of my kids has their own Kindle because iPads are way too expensive! We own one iPad that Harper has claimed. It’s as old as she is and has cracks all over the screen, but it is still going strong. We typically have 10 extra chargers on hand, but can never figure out which bag we put them in when we need them most. Along with electronics, no trip is possible without an abundance of crayons, markers, coloring books, stickers and any other crafty supply that is portable. Sadly, my big kids are moving past the crayons and coloring books stage, but HarpAlyse is big on drawing and coloring!

Snacks. Before every trip, I ask the kids what’s their preferred road trip snack. Did I mention that we do most of our travelling via car? The most recent requests were goldfish, Stauffer’s Animal Crackers, cheddar Chex Mix, and fruit snacks. Personally, I need a stash of Diet Dr. Pepper and something covered in chocolate! If I’m committed to a diet, I’ll pack grapes or sugar snap peas. Chocolate is more fun, though!

Funds Added To My Starbucks Card. This goes without explanation! Caffeine. Sweetness. Potty break. Usually we are in a rush when we travel and, if Maj W is driving, I have a hard time getting him to make a Starbucks pit stop! If I whine enough, I usually get my way or I give him the silent treatment as we drive past the exit. One of our most driven routes is from our home in Northern Alabama to my parents in Central Texas. I know exactly where the most convenient Starbucks stops are along the way.

What are your road trip must haves? What can’t you live without when you are away from the comforts of home?