Holiday Road Trip Essentials for Moms

I’m really excited to visit a favorite spot, Newport, R.I., this holiday. We love being in Newport and it makes the 4+ hours on the road, with kids, well worth it. I’m a planner, but I also like to keep it simple when preparing to take a road trip with my kids. Below are a few of my favorite essentials that help me get through the miles.

Entertain

{Them}

{You}

Get your playlists in order – download books, podcasts, movies and apps on your phone or tablet. Don’t forget headphones! If you are okay with technology for the kids (we’re cool with it with time limits) bring along tablets, handheld game consoles, etc. I also always bring my planner if I need to get a bit of work done during naptime.

Manage – Behavior

I keep everyone on their best behavior with these DIY clip-on name tags. There’s SO many uses for them. You can use these for turn taking – rotate the clips to indicate turns with a certain toy/game, seat rotation, or music choice. You can also monitor behavior – if the clip stays up, they get a treat at the next stop. Clip comes down…they get zilch. This is super effective in my car! Finally, you can use it to time the use of electronics. Bottom line, find something that works to keep everyone accountable.

Comfort

Load up a great bag with the essentials for your comfort and your kids. Some examples: mini first aid kit, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, tissues, fast dissolve powdered medicine for pain/headache relief or upset stomach. Don’t forget to dress in layers and wear comfy clothes for your drive. Make naps and sleep more comfortable with small neck pillows and blankets.

Snacks

Last, but not least, you need snacks! I like to pack good-for-you, portioned foods so that I pass over the greasy, high-sugar foods at the rest stop. Load up on fresh fruit, healthy snacks for the kids and lots of water. For this upcoming trip, I’m bring along the new V8 Protein Shakes and Bars for myself.

These will help me stay on track during the drive so that I can enjoy a great restaurant in Newport vs. at a rest stop.

More About the New V8 Protein Bars & Shakes

When choosing the right snacks, ingredients are so important. The new V8 Protein Bars & Shakes are packed full of great ingredients. For example, the shakes are made with things like Milk, Soy, Peas, Brown Rice, Quinoa and Veggies, like Sweet Potatoes and Carrots. With components like 12g Protein (10g for bars), 3g Fiber (5g for bars) and a quarter cup of veggies in each – you can feel good about making these choices . There are 6 flavor options across the bars and shakes.

Even when you’re not traveling, these are still perfect to keep in your bag or office for those hectic days. Best of all, both the shakes and the bars taste great and are really satisfying. Head to Walmart to find these for yourself in the health & beauty aisle. I found mine in the health section, near the nutritional drinks and other bars.