Family Road Trip
by NeatTick · Used 0 times
Car prep, the in-car kit, a kids' bag, and everyone's clothes and toiletries for a long drive.
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Road Trip Car Prep
- Check tire pressure, including the spare
- Check tire tread depth
- Top up oil, coolant, and washer fluid
- Test headlights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Clean out the car
- Confirm registration and insurance cards are current
- Check your roadside assistance coverage
- Plan the route and overnight stops
- Load a toll pass or plan for tolls
- Fill the gas tank (or charge the EV) the night before
Before You Leave Home
A few days before
- Confirm reservations (travel, lodging, campsite)
- Arrange pet care or boarding
- Hold mail and packages (or ask a neighbor)
- Pay bills that come due while you're away
- Refill prescriptions that will run out
- Tell a trusted neighbor or friend your dates
- Download maps, shows, and boarding passes
The day you leave
- Empty the trash and recycling
- Clear perishables from the fridge
- Run and empty the dishwasher
- Set the thermostat to away mode
- Set the water heater to vacation mode
- Unplug small appliances and electronics
- Water plants
- Set lights on a timer
- Check the stove and iron are off
- Lock windows and doors, including the garage
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust
Road Trip Car Kit
Documents & money
- Driver's license
- Registration and proof of insurance
- Cash and cards for tolls and gas
Comfort
- Phone mount
- Car charger and cables
- Sunglasses
- Pillows and a blanket
- Refillable water bottles
- Cooler with drinks and snacks
Clean-up
- Trash bags
- Paper towels and wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
Just in case
- Jumper cables or jump starter
- Flashlight
- Tire pressure gauge
- First-aid kit
- Motion sickness remedies
- Ice scraper (winter trips)
Kids' Travel Bag
- Kids' tablet loaded with shows and games
- Kid-size headphones
- Coloring book and crayons
- Sticker or activity books
- Small toys or card games
- Comfort item (stuffed animal or blanket)
- Snacks they actually like
- Change of clothes
- Tissues
- Sick bags (just in case)
- Children's pain and fever reducer
Clothing Basics
- Underwear (one per day, plus a spare)
- Socks (one pair per day, plus a spare)
- Sleepwear
- Tops (one per day)
- Pants, shorts, or skirts
- Sweater or fleece
- Jacket for the forecast
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Second pair of shoes
- Belt
- One dressier outfit
- Workout clothes (optional)
- Slippers or house shoes (optional)
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Accessories and jewelry you'll actually wear
Toiletries
Daily routine
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Razor and shaving cream
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties and styling products
- Lip balm
- Makeup and remover
- Contact lenses, case, and solution
- Glasses (and a spare pair)
Health
- Prescription medications (in your carry-on when flying)
- Pain reliever
- Allergy medicine
- Adhesive bandages
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Toiletry bag (travel sizes if carrying on)
Tech & Chargers
- Phone charger and cable
- Power bank (carry-on only when flying)
- Multi-port USB wall charger
- Spare charging cables
- Laptop and charger
- Tablet or e-reader and charger
- Smartwatch or fitness tracker charger
- Camera, batteries, and memory cards
- Travel power adapter (for international trips)
- Short extension cord or small power strip
- Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar)
- Portable speaker (optional)