| When traveling with the family, there are a few things | | | | you compare the prices of buying packs of drinks at a |
| you should never leave behind. Your car, van or SUV | | | | local grocery to buying individual drinks at a convenient |
| can get messy in a hurry if you don't plan ahead and | | | | store, you'll see a tremendous savings. Also, organize |
| organize, at least mentally, before you leave your | | | | snacks in advance. Take along snacks that are easy |
| home. Whether car trash or the kids' small toys, items | | | | to eat and will not melt or leave excessive crumbs. |
| can build up in your vehicle within just an hour or two. | | | | Pack the snacks in individual baggies or small lunch |
| Luckily, there is an auto accessory to help combat | | | | pouches for each kid before leaving the home. Keep |
| almost every problem that can occur when you travel | | | | the snacks handy so you can hand them out as |
| with kids. | | | | needed. |
| Avoid Car Litter | | | | Prevent Messes and Spills |
| Car litter can build up with just one stop at a | | | | Another must-have auto accessory is a sturdy car |
| convenient store or restaurant. Imagine a family of | | | | console. Car consoles enable the driver and front |
| four, each with a drink and snack in hand every time | | | | passenger to store their drinks and snacks without the |
| you exit a store or restaurant! This equals at the very | | | | threat of spills and splashes. A car console can hold |
| least six to eight pieces of car trash just for one stop. | | | | regular-sized soft drinks, cups, coffee mugs, and even |
| If you're taking a long 10-hour trip, that could equal | | | | sometimes auto cassettes or CDs and other small |
| about four or five stops and about 30 pieces of car | | | | items. |
| litter! To help combat car litter, take along a car | | | | Travel Toys and Games |
| accessory made specifically for storing auto trash. | | | | When you travel with kids, you're likely to have toys |
| This could be a small auto trash bin or two (for vans) | | | | and games to keep them occupied. Give each child a |
| to hold trash until you can get to the next store or | | | | bag or plastic storage container to keep his or her |
| restaurant. When you arrive at your next rest stop, | | | | games and toys organized. Let him or her know that |
| you can empty the auto trash bin to prevent spills, | | | | every toy or game must be put in its container after |
| leaks, and bad smells. A good car accessory for car | | | | use. An auto accessory that works great for storing |
| litter might be a litterbag, plastic auto bin, or cloth litter | | | | small toys is a plastic auto bin. These can be used for |
| bag. Plastic car litter bins often work best because | | | | car trash or toy storage. Other auto accessories that |
| they will not retain smells and are easy to wipe clean | | | | can make travel with kids more pleasant, safe, and fun |
| along the way. | | | | include an auto emergency first aid kit, portable DVD |
| Prepare for the Traveling Munchies | | | | players with headphones, car seat storage bags, lap |
| It seems kids are hungry and thirsty every hour on the | | | | trays for coloring and drawing, seatsaver mats, baby |
| hour when traveling. You can prepare for these | | | | mirrors (attachable to seats), sun-block window |
| traveling "munchies" and save lots of money by taking | | | | shades, car seat covers for sun/heat protection, travel |
| along some auto accessories for snacks and drinks. | | | | pillows and blankets, and compact auto organizers. |
| Take an ice cooler along and pack it full of can drinks | | | | With the right auto accessories, your family trip can be |
| or bottle drinks, juice bottles, or even milk. Have it | | | | enjoyable, clean, and safe! |
| readily available when the kids cry, "I'm thirsty!" When | | | | |