Summer vibes are in the air and as a parent, I love surprising my kids with impromptu trips. The summer holidays are getting closer, and it’s nearly the season for long days, adventures and of course the hot summer weather, well, an English summer I guess. I thought I’d compile a list of travel essentials for travelling in cars with kids. Just in case you’re planning a road trip this summer!
Having one teenager and a young child, I know a thing or two by now about travelling with kids, or so I tell myself. I’ll be honest as a busy working mum, I do the majority of my shopping on Amazon, including my groceries, it has to be the best when it comes to home food delivery, am I right? Anyway in the interest of transparency, I’m an affiliate for Amazon, and my article contains affiliate links, but really I purchase 90% of my shopping on Amazon. My daughter wants to make slime? I purchase a next day delivery slime making kit on Amazon. It has to be the best service for busy parents.
I went on a road trip last week, and it got me thinking about writing a travel essentials list for kids this summer. There is nothing worse than when everyone gets stressed. It’s the last thing that you want when you’re going on holiday. Crammed into a car, with kids shouting “are we there yet?”, is not my vibe, so I bought a few items to make life a little easier for myself.
I feel like it’s been ages since I explored the British countryside. I take for granted how pretty this country is. It may not be warm, but it is stunning. Grand sweeping backdrops and flowers galore, it’s an awesome place for photography, and there’s something so calming about the countryside, even if you take the kids.
I know that many families are feeling the pinch of inflation at the moment, so the thought of having a British holiday this year seems likely. I know that many places are expensive, especially during the summer, but there are some good deals to be had if you’re savvy and book in advance.
Last year for example, I went glamping in a Helicopter which was so much fun. It was a fun little twist on a classic camping trip, reasonably priced and it meant that I didn’t have to sleep in a tent. I stayed in Whitby which wasn’t too far from where I live, so it saved money on petrol too. We didn’t have to compromise on a holiday and we got to spend quality time together, which was the whole point of going away!
Anyway, I came up with a list of 8 items perfect for any road trip! So you can spend less time stressing and more time finding that summer vibe.
Travel Essentials for Kids on a Road Trip
1. Travel Tray
This was super handy for my active little girl. She likes to do a hundred things at once so this was really useful. It had lots of little compartments to put things in, including snacks. It was great for when she wanted to draw and watch her Ipad.
You can find these little tables cheaply on Amazon and they’re a great place to store everything so it doesn’t end up all over the car. I love the design of this and it came with some extras, two activity sheets and 4 wipe away markers.
Get your Travel Tray on Amazon here.
2. Car Organiser
This car organiser would be great for storing everything you need for a road trip, while freeing up space and leg room. If your a super organised parent, ready for a jam packed summer of fun, you’ll love these car organisers on Amazon.
Buy a Car Organiser, here.
3. Memory Foam Travel Pillow
There’s nothing more frustrating than a long road trip with tired kids, travel pillows are a must for long car journey’s. They’re the sort of thing you buy once and keep so they are a thrifty purchase. I’d like to recommend this one, a memory foam travel pillow in cute designs. Supporting your little ones neck is really important.
Buy a memory foam travel pillow on Amazon, here.
4. Ipad car mount holder
Keep kids entertained with the car mount and Ipad holder, it conveniently hooks onto the seat in front to give your kids a handy way to watch their favourite films, allowing you some peace and quiet on those long journeys. Adjustable to any length, these mount holders are quick to set up and ideal for any parents.
Purchase this car mount on Amazon, here.
5. Travel neck fan
Cool down quickly with this neck fan. There’s nothing worse than when your little one overheats. This cooling neck fan is safe and cools down the body, concentrating on the neck and face area, quickly to make sure your little one is comfortable and happy for a road trip this summer.
Buy yours on Amazon, here.
6. A Travel Journal for Kids
I love the cute graphics in this and it nurtures wellbeing, happiness and positive thinking. An amazing way to encourage your youngsters to write about their adventures and process feelings. These journals also are made for ages 3-6 years, and teen journals ages 12 years plus.
Purchase your child a travel journal on amazon, here.
7. Cosy Blanket
I recently purchased this glow in the dark unicorn super soft blanket on amazon and my daughter can’t get enough of it. While the summer days are hot, it can still get a little cold at night here in the UK. If you’re driving late at night, especially if you’ve been running around in the sun all day, a little bit of comfort can go along way.
Let your little ones get super snuggly with this cool glow in the dark unicorn blanket which will keep them amused and warm all in one go!
You can purchase this unicorn blanket on Amazon, here.
8. Noughts and Crosses
My daughter recently discovered this game and she’s ruthless at it. Warning! Competitiveness may come included in this rustic travel sized set. Perfect if more than one child is traveling in the back, keep them entertained on those long drives and it’s a great size to take on holiday with you (5.4″ x 5.4″).
The HB3F, set which stands for “being happy with friends, family and fellows”, is a great way to bring the family together. This simple game is easy enough for anyone to play. In a time where we don’t all have the cash to flash, make room for quality time together. You don’t have to spend much to have a great time together.
You can purchase this Tic Tac Toe set on Amazon, here.
So there you have it, my eight travel essentials for long road trips with kids! All of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links, for which I will receive a small commission for, if you wish to purchase them. Happy travelling!
Thanks for reading,
Soph.
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