Preparing for the Perfect Road Trip

By Donna Stark

Sometimes, traveling by plane is a necessity, but if you like the open road and you enjoy your family, perhaps a road trip is in order! Summer is the ideal time to pack your bags, turn on your favorite tunes, and hit the road, so take control of the wheel and explore the world at your own pace ... just don't forget the most important road trip hacks! Because as carefree as a road trip can be and as much as you love your family, you definitely want to prepare for the worst. Take a look at what I am talking about.

Paper Products

It is usually nice to have some paper towels, napkins, wet wipes, and tissues on hand during a road trip, especially if you have children. You can use them for the obvious (messy hands and faces) or throw some on your lap to help prevent messes when eating.

Snacks

Speaking of eating, don't forget the snacks! Make sure the snacks you choose won't give everyone neon-orange fingers for the rest of the day or require a personal chef to put together ... you want simple and easy here. It's also smart to make sure that the snacks you do bring along are filling so you won't have to pull them out every few minutes. Some great choices are sliced fruit, trail mix, string cheese, and peanut butter sandwiches.

Beverages

Have you ever cleaned up a bottle of soda that exploded in your car? Or tried to get the smell of spilled milk out of your upholstery? Play it safe and choose water for your road trip. And if the adults want to treat themselves to a cup of coffee, be sure to choose a cup that has a lid.

First-Aid Kit

The trip that you forget to pack a first aid kit on is the trip when you will need it the most. Save yourself the hassle of looking for a pharmacy while on the road and pack a small bag with antacids, acetaminophen, motion-sickness pills, bandages, sunscreen, and anything else you may need. It's also good to have a pair of scissors too!

Game Basket

If you are traveling with kids, you will want to pack some items that can help keep everyone occupied and happy! Fill a small basket or bag with movies, games, crayons and paper, and their favorite handheld devices or tablets.

Trash

You are always going to have trash on a road trip, so save a few of your plastic grocery bags and tuck them into an empty tissue box for easy access.

Hitting the Road

Hitting the open road is the perfect opportunity to create memories with your loved ones, but you want those memories to be good ones so plan for everything and enjoy your time together! Now get ready and go! The roads are calling your name!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wheaton, Ill.