Travelling With Children by Car

I've never let traveling with children slow me down or stop me from taking trips.  Making sure that you are prepared is only part of the journey.

Depending on the age of your children, it is important to make sure you have the essentials.  Food, drinks, entertainment, and necessary clothing.  If you have a baby take an extra package of diapers,an extra package of wipes and a package of gallon size plastic bags (this way when you have to change that dirty diaper - you have something to put it in so you don't have the smell and can dispose of it properly later).

Depending on how far you are going and how many hours you are traveling this will vary.

Here in South Texas, we are blessed by many natural attractions.  The Gulf  Coast to the east, the Hill Country to the north, and the Piney Woods to the northeast.  One short "day-trip" will take you to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area or Lost Maples State Park. 

For a short day trip, I will "borrow" a backpack from one of my children and pack it with a six-pack of bottled water and a box of snack bars (I like the chewy Nature Valley).  I will also take a small ice chest and put sandwich meat, cheese, and condiments (I usually buy large bottles, so I use a small plastic sealed container with a spreader)and bread.  This way not only do we have water, but we can have a picnic at the park. 

Weather is essential to watch.  Right now, we are in the middle of the worst dry spell I can remember.  The Exceptional drought conditions have made most days "red-flag" high fire danger days.  That, combined with the extreme heat have conditions very dangerous.  Normally, we would have some rain.  Keeping in mind that we also live in "flash flood alley".  If it has rained, it is important to be on the watch for flash floods.  In different parts of the country, there are different hazards: tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, blizzards, etc..  Know what to watch for in your part of the country.

For longer trips, depending on how you are traveling (I usually travel by car) you will want to have enough clothing for each day and a spare.  Water is essential, usually I go to a "warehouse" store such as Sam's or Costco.  I buy 2 cases of bottled water, 2 cases of gatorade or a similar drink, and a pack of soda's (which I like).  I go to the grocery store and buy fruit (apples, bananas, pears, oranges, etc...), I take my ice chest and stock my food, sandwich meat, other dinner/breakfast items.  It is also good to have snack bars, dried fruits, chips (I like the vegetable chips and pita chips now on the market).

Make sure that the vehicle that you are in is in top shape.  Have your oil, tires, and brakes checked before you go.  If you see empty spaces on your map, make sure you fill up, whether you think you need it or not.  One trip, I made it to a gas station on fumes and a prayer, not a good situation to be in.

Our camping trip last year took us to Utah (Antelope Canyon park), Colorado (Mesa Verde), and New Mexico (Bandelier).  We often spent our days at National monuments, National parks, and anything else of interest.  About 10 years ago, we took the same trip and I invested in a baby backpack.  It was well worth the investment.

In 20 years of camping or traveling the only parts that I have not made it to is the far northwest and the far north east yet.  There are times that I have camped in a tent and times I have found a hotel to stay in.  You're decision will depend on your tolerance and where you are at.  In the west, I prefer tent camping.  In Chicago, I stayed in a hotel.

When traveling to Colorado the first time, I was not prepared.  I ended up setting up a tent in Cortez on July 3 when it was 32 degrees.  I was wearing shorts.  Not good.  I have since learned.  When camping in the Rocky Mountains, take what we Texas would call winter clothes.  Not heavy coats, but a fleece hoodie and a good blanket or 0 degree sleeping bag that can be used to cover up with.  When going out, I usually throw in some thermal blankets (these are metallic sheets that reflect body heat and fold to the size of a wallet).  They are good to have in case of emergency.   Always have a first aid kit, even if you don't think you will need it.  I have always had a snake-bite kit just in case.  

Think about what you will need first when packing your car.  This way you can take it out in order of need.  I usually pack the clothing first with the camping gear last towards the opening of the front.  The reason being - you want to have your tent set up first before you pull your clothing out.  The drinks and food for later is put on the side - easy to reach, but out of the way.

I will cover some additional tips on traveling in future!  In the mean time be safe and have fun.