With summer comes summer vacations. And, for many people, that means rounding up the family, packing up the car, and hitting the open road! Remember those long family road trips spent in the back of your dad's station wagon? Watching everything disappear along the blacktop behind you, not caring about what was up ahead? 

Some of my greatest childhood memories were spent in the way, way back looking out that window. Being the parent in that pretty picture of a memory means a bit of planning. We want our family road trip to be fun and memorable! So with that in mind, I'm sharing some plan ahead essentials for your family summer road trip!

Family Road Trip Essentials

Entertainment

When we were kids, we didn't have access to today's technology. No portable DVD players, tablets, or smartphones with unlimited games to keep the kids occupied. Nope, we had to actually talk to each other on those long family road trips of long ago. Also, we shared and fought over control of that holy grail knob. The one that controlled the radio. Of course, it only picked up a single radio station (if it picked one up at all) We played "slug-bug", "he's touching me" and my mother's not so favorite "are we there yet".

There was also "I Spy", "Name An Animal That Starts With XX Letter of the Alphabet", and counting how many out-of-state license plates we could see. And it was AWESOME. For, oh about an 2 hours. Then we were pretty much ready to drop someone off on the side of the road. A family road trip can be great quality time for family bonding lets face it - Sometimes, everyone in the car needs a break. A little bit of quiet time for mom and dad. Bring those tablets and phones with apps!

Get a DVD player with screens in the back of the seats to pop in a kid's movie to pass a couple hours time. Better yet, a portable DVD player or 2! That way, everyone picks what they watch. Don't forget the headphones or earbuds My own husband knows all too well how useful these are for the kids to have!

The driver especially will appreciate you for bringing those along. Embrace your technology, just remember - all things in moderation. Do take advantage of the talking, laughing and fun that goes along with a family road trip! And don't forget all your chargers and/or batteries!

Toiletries

Are we there yet? 'Cause I gotta gooooo!!! Yes, you will have to stop for bathroom breaks during these family road trips. The more kids, unfortunately the more stops you'll make. I myself will kick into auto-pilot have to go if I even see a rest area sign. Be prepared. Throw some hand sanitizer in your glove box and purse.

You can never have too much of that when it comes to truck stop bathrooms. Bring along some sunscreen for when you get out to walk around and stretch or to eat a picnic lunch. Also, bring a roll of toilet paper that you can stash somewhere easily accessible in the car, just in case. You just never know if you're on a long lane with nothing in sight but corn fields. Ya gotta go, ya gotta go!

Finally, bring along some baby wipes. They're not just for babies anymore, am I right? We use them in the car to clean hands, sweaty faces and even a bug filled headlight once.

Snacks

Beef jerky, because... obviously. It may be a throw back from college days road trips, but it's still just as awesome. It travels well and doesn't need refrigeration. Energy drinks or coffee for mom and dad. They need to stay focused and alert, eyes on the road! Juice boxes are a must for the kids.

These are handy for family road trips because they are healthy alternative to soda. Also, don't forget bottled water! Lots of bottled water! Maybe freeze some grapes in zip-loc baggies. Healthy fruit is a great alternative to chips and such. It will keep well and thaw slowly.

Maps

Yes, you can still buy maps! We actually have a whole collection from all the places we've visited that we keep in a memory box. I love them. And, if you're going on a really long family road trip into unfamiliar areas, it wouldn't hurt to have an actual paper map.

You never know when you may come into less than stellar cell and satellite coverage. While the kids are watching the mile markers wiz by, you'll have the piece of mind that you're not circling around on a road to nowhere.

Comfort

At some point on all long, family road trips, the kids are bound to fall asleep and nap. Make sure you have some blankets and pillows to make that as comfortable as possible! Bring an older one to cover the ground if you're planning a road-side picnic too! If you're traveling with really small ones, make sure to grab their favorite stuffed animal.

Can't sleep without those now can they? Make sure everyone has at least one change of clothes and a light jacket just in case the weather turns. To stay connected during your journey, an eSIM for global connection can be a great addition, ensuring you’re reachable wherever you go.

Medical Supplies

And that brings me to the final necessity of my list, the medical supply kit. You already have this stuff in the house, just gather it all up and throw it in a easily accessible bag. Bandages, antiseptic ointment and Calamine lotion in case of bites from those stops along the way. Benadryl, Pepto-Bismol, and ibuprofen are super handy for those unexpected ailments that can sneak in the car.

And of course don't forget any prescription medications you may need! You'll want to be sure to pack Ricola® Revitalizing Herb Drops too! These are a huge help for those of us suffering from seasonal allergies and will help relieve that itchy throat. Chrüterchraft is the secret of the 10-herb blend, and this is what differentiates Ricola® from other cough drops. They are naturally effective and provide long lasting soothing relief.

There's nothing that can ruin a family road trip quicker than not feeling well. These extra strength drops also knock out that annoying cough. Can't sing Row, Row, Row Your Boat when you keep coughing, right? Be prepared, and well stocked up on those Revitalizing Herb Drops!

Are you ready?

FAMILY ROAD TRIP!!!!