Building a Road Trip Survival Kit
As this post is going live, my husband and I will be getting ready to pack up our PODS trailer and head off on our first big PCS journey (and by big, I mean 400 miles, so really, not so big, but big enough to require some prep). We’re making things a little more entertaining for ourselves by choosing to do a partial PPM (Personally Procured Move), since we’re apparently gluttons for punishment and enjoy lugging boxes every year or so. What that means is we’ll be driving the distance from Long Island up to his family in the Adirondacks to visit, then traversing the state of New York to get to Fort Drum.
All in all, we’ll be in the car for more than 12 hours by the time we’ve finally moved in.
Now, I can’t lie, being in the car is not one of my favorite things due to my delightful inclination for motion sickness. Being in the car for extended periods of time is really not my bag, and certainly not if I’m hungry or bored. I become what the world is now finally recognizing as a real issue—Hangry.
So, I, a 26-year-old adult woman, need to pack for road trips like I’m taking along a toddler version of myself, storing handy snacks, games, and things to distract myself within easy reach. You know, all the fun stuff we adults don’t like to admit we want to play with when we buy them for our kids.
I figure I can’t be the only adult out there that gets a bit of a toddler tantrum going on in the car, so here’s a list of items you should pack for your Road Trip Survival Kit and take along on that next long vacation or PCS (or both!) to keep yourself entertained and stop you from wanting to physically harm your car-mates (read: your spouse).
1. Food
You’re going to need food. Even if you plan to stop somewhere along the way, cars get boring, and every McDonald’s you pass just makes you that much crankier. Bring bite-sized snacks and things you can easily eat as the driver, like granola bars, Goldfish (they smile back, how can you be mad at them?), fruit snacks, peanut butter crackers, and any other individually wrapped things.
2. Candy
Candy does not qualify as food as it provides no nutrition. However, if your sugar levels dip low and make you “hangry,” like me, candy is a quick fix for the insanity. Remember to bring non-melting things in the summertime. Pick a trash bag, too, since things with wrappers are a pain. Head for treats like Skittles, Spree, Mentos, Lemonheads, or even Boston Baked Beans to slow the monster from emerging!
3. Drinks
Dehydration is not pretty, and rest-stop water costs about one arm and a kidney, so stock up on water before you head out, and store it in a small cooler bag. Bring some sugary drinks, too, if you aren’t a candy fan, or some drink mix packets/flavor enhancing drops to change it up from the water if it’s not your preferred drink. Just remember, the more in, the more out!
4. Entertainment
Most of us have mobile devices which provide endless hours of entertainment, but those things die unless you have a break to recharge them, and you can’t use them while driving. Plan to play some old-fashioned games like car bingo, or bring an audiobook to listen to with your fellow passengers. Not only does it break up the monotony, but it lets you get out there and see the world (well… from the window, at least).
5. Comfort
One of the big sucks of a long drive is being cramped and uncomfortable. Change that! Bring comfy slippers or an eye mask and blanket for a nap. Keep the driver cozy, too, with a massaging neck pillow or a nice seat cushion. Comfort can make all the difference.
6. Camera
If your mobile device doesn’t have a decent camera built in (I know, crazy right?), be sure to bring one to capture all the entertaining things you see en route, chronicle the journey, and take ridiculous selfies in different states. Maybe even strap it to the dashboard to take some random candid shots. Have fun with the drive!
By no means am I suggesting you bring the kitchen sink on your next vacation, but you know what’s going to keep you happy and not wanting to turn on your family/friends in the opposite seats. Be sure to pack your adult survival kit. When you feel the stress coming on, dive right into it for instant relief.
Good luck PCSing everyone, and happy trails to you!
