Are you planning a road trip with your tween? Packing for a trip can be overwhelming, especially when you have to consider what your child needs. To ensure that your tween enjoys the journey as much as the destination, here is a comprehensive packing list that will make your life easier.
Snacks
Getting snacks on the go can be expensive and unhealthy. Packing healthy snacks is an excellent way to save money and keep your tween energized for the trip. Some great snack options include:
- Granola Bars: Granola bars are a perfect snack option as they are packed with protein and fiber.
- Nuts: Nuts are rich in protein and healthy fats. You can choose from almonds, cashews, peanuts, or mixed nuts.
- Fruits: Fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and oranges make for great travel snacks.
- Veggies: Cut up some carrot sticks or celery and pack them in a container with hummus. This is a tasty and healthy snack option.
Clothing
Packing appropriate clothing is essential for a comfortable road trip. The type of clothes you pack will depend on the weather conditions of your destination. However, it’s always advisable to pack layers as temperatures can change quickly while on the road.
- T-Shirts: Pack at least five t-shirts so that your tween has enough options to choose from during the trip.
- Sweatshirts/Jackets: It’s always good to pack a sweatshirt or jacket just in case it gets chilly during the trip.
- Pajamas: Pack comfortable pajamas so that your tween can sleep soundly while on the road.
- Socks and Underwear: Pack enough socks and underwear to last for the entire trip.
Entertainment
Long hours on the road can get boring, especially for tweens. Packing some entertainment options will keep your tween engaged throughout the journey.
- Books: If your tween enjoys reading, pack a few books to keep them entertained during the trip.
- Music: Create a playlist of your tween’s favorite songs and load it onto their phone or MP3 player.
- Movies/TV Shows: If you have a portable DVD player or tablet, pack some movies or TV shows to keep your tween entertained throughout the journey.
- Gaming Devices: Portable gaming devices like Nintendo Switch or PSP are perfect for keeping tweens entertained during long trips.
Toiletries
Packing toiletries is essential for maintaining good hygiene while on the road. You don’t have to pack everything but consider these essentials:
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Pack a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste so that your tween can brush their teeth after meals.
- Hairbrush/Comb: Pack a hairbrush or comb to help your tween maintain neat hair during the trip.
- Sunscreen: If you’re traveling in sunny weather, pack sunscreen to protect your child’s skin from sunburns.
- Feminine Products: If you have a tween girl, pack feminine products just in case they start their period during the trip.
First Aid Kit
Packing a first aid kit is crucial for any road trip. You never know when someone might get hurt or fall sick. Here are some essential items to pack:
- Band-aids: Pack a variety of band-aids to treat cuts and scrapes.
- Pain Relievers: Pack pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil to treat headaches or other aches and pains.
- Allergy Medications: If your tween has allergies, pack allergy medications such as Benadryl.
- Tweezers and Scissors: Pack tweezers and scissors to remove splinters or cut bandages to size.
Packing for a road trip with tweens can be overwhelming, but with this comprehensive packing list, you should be prepared for anything that comes your way. With snacks, appropriate clothing, entertainment options, toiletries, and a first aid kit, your tween will have everything they need to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.