What Should Tweens Pack for a Road Trip?

By Anna Duncan

Road trips can be a fantastic way for families to bond and create unforgettable memories. However, packing for a road trip can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing for tweens.

Tweens are at an age where they want to be independent and pack their own bags, but they may not know what essentials to bring. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on what tweens should pack for a road trip.

Essentials:

Clothes
Tweens should pack comfortable clothes that are suitable for the weather conditions of their destination. It’s also important to pack extra clothes in case of unexpected weather changes or spills. Here’s a list of essential clothing items:

  • T-shirts
  • Shorts/pants
  • Sweatshirt/jacket
  • Raincoat/umbrella
  • Pajamas
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Swimsuit/towel (if the destination has a pool or beach)

Toiletries:
Tweens should pack their own toiletry bag with items such as:

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss/mouthwash
  • Hairbrush/comb/hair ties/headbands/bobby pins/hair gel/spray (as needed)
  • Shampoo/conditioner/body wash/soap (travel-sized containers)
  • Sunscreen/lip balm/chapstick (SPF 30+)
  • Bug spray/insect repellent/wipes (if necessary)

Electronics:

Tweens love their electronic devices, so it’s important to pack them safely. Here’s a list of essential electronics:

  • Cell phone/tablet/laptop (with chargers)
  • Headphones/earbuds
  • E-reader
  • Camera (optional)
  • Batteries/charging bank (if necessary)

Entertainment:

Books:
Tweens should pack books that are suitable for their reading level and interests. They can also bring audiobooks to listen to in the car.

Gaming Devices:
Tweens can bring handheld gaming devices or portable game consoles, as well as games that are suitable for their age.

Movies/TV Shows:
If the car has a DVD player or a tablet with streaming capabilities, tweens can bring their favorite movies or TV shows to watch during the trip.

Board/Card Games:
Tweens can bring board/card games that are suitable for their age and interests. This is a great way for families to bond and have fun during the trip.

Snacks:

Packing snacks is essential for any road trip, especially if you have tweens in tow. Here’s a list of healthy snacks that tweens will love:

  • Fruit (apples, bananas, grapes, berries)
  • Veggies (carrots, celery, snap peas)
  • Nuts/trail mix
  • Granola bars/protein bars

In Conclusion,

Packing for a road trip can be overwhelming, but with this comprehensive guide on what tweens should pack, you’ll be able to make sure that your tween is prepared for the journey ahead. Remember, the key is to pack essentials, entertainment, and snacks that are suitable for your tween’s age and interests. Happy travels!