Driving in a car for hours and hours is the worst. Especially when you’re a teen on a family road trip. KMN.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good family road trip, but how on earth are you supposed to survive in a cramped space for a long time? With your family?
There are heaps of benefits to road trips and camping, but if you’re not prepared with all the stuff you need then that’s the end of you. No matter how many games you have on your phone or how many movies you’ve downloaded, you are going to get bored within the first few hours, I guarantee.
Here are 10 things that you don’t want to forget if you want to get through a family road trip when you’re a teen!
1. Water and snacks
Water is the most important thing ever to pack. You will feel so much better staying in the car if you are hydrated. It will also help with car sickness and headaches.
If you get car sick you may not like to eat in the car, but you can when you stop off. If you need to buy something to eat at every stop when you’re hungry you will have a lot less money to spend when you are there! (Here are some healthy snacks you could pack, or make a batch of these scrolls.)
2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses block out the sun (obviously), and not having the blazing sun in your eyes will help with headaches. You can also hide behind them for a nap or to check out the local talent at pit stops.
3. Blanket
Even if it’s not cold, a blanket is nice. It’s cosy to cuddle, especially if you have leather seats because they can get really uncomfortable after a while, especially during a sweaty summer road trip. You can also use your blanket to sit on if you stop for a picnic meal; as a shade from the sun if you’re stuck on the hot side of the car; or as a barrier to put up between you and your annoying siblings.
4. Pillow
This is self-explanatory, you need to be comfy. Sure a car seat is padded, but it’s really not that comfortable. Plus if you go on a late-night trip or leave in the early morning its a lot easier to sleep with a pillow.
5. Deodorant
Even if you put it on before you left it can get really hot inside a car… you can use it for yourself or have it on hand in case your siblings (or even parents) forget to apply their own. No one wants to be in a car for hours with a stinky sibling. My mum actually keeps a can of deodorant in the glove box of the car for ’emergencies’ and you’d be surprised how many random friends have used that handy can when we’re out and about!
6. Lip balm
You always need lip balm, especially if you are sitting in the back with the air-conditioning blowing on your face. It can seriously dry out your lips really quickly.
7. Notebook/pens
A notebook and at least one pen is a must! You can write things you need to remember, addresses, stories and play games. (Here are some games you can play in a notebook!)
8. Gum
On the road, you’re going to be eating a lot of bad road food and you’re going to need to freshen your breath to keep the sanity of those around you so… gum.
9. Sleep mask
To go with the pillow and blanket you’re going to need a sleep mask so you can actually get to sleep. The bright sun combined with the uncomfortable position you’ll never get any rest, so cut out one of those factors and bring a sleep mask.
10. Headphones
Assuming you already have your phone you’ll need your headphones, because believe it or not your family and friends don’t want to hear your music or movies. (Check out this list for some car-safe movie recommendations, or this one if series are more your thing!!)
(If your one of the lucky ones who can read on a road trip, here are some great books to take along.)
When was the last time you went on a family road trip?
Feature image via Getty Images/ Unsplash+; back seat image by Kylie Paz