This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.
Our family loves to travel and while we fly on a lot of our really long trips, anything under 10 hours is usually a road trip for us. We're serious road warriors. And while our next big road trip is seriously daunting (we're planning to move across the country in the next 6 weeks or so), for the most part, we've got road trippin' down to a science. The biggest keys to a successful road trip are keeping everyone entertained and keeping bellies full. Thankfully this month's BabbleBox has us covered! It's full of road trip essentials that keep everyone happy!
Here are the keys to keeping everyone happy on a road trip!
Entertainment
It's important to keep everyone entertained on road trips. I usually make sure that I have multiple devices loaded with things to keep my kids entertained. Each of my kids have a Kids Kindle Fire which is loaded with books to read, books to listen to on the audible app and a few movies and games. Since my husband and I use audible all the time, our iPhones are already ready to go with lots of titles to choose from. We also keep some small games on hand to keep the kids' hands busy! If you're looking for something else to do on the trip, make sure to print off this Road Trip Selfie Scavenger Hunt!
audible.com
Personally my biggest sanity saver on any long trip is audible. Audible is a leading provider of premium digital spoken audio and entertainment. I have a long long history with audio books. I used to listen to them on tape, then on CD, but when audible came along, it was like the heavens opened up and angels started singing. I signed up as audible listener, chose the amount of book credits I wanted to purchase each month, and the rest is history. I have over 300 titles in my audible library…everything from personal development, to business, to fiction, to children's books, to memoirs. One of my favorite things about audible is there deal of the day. Each day they offer an audiobook for well below retail. They're often between $1.99 and $4.99. I've been able to find new authors this way and have listened to books, I may have otherwise not discovered. For road trips, I usually pick a few entertaining titles that are appropriate for everyone in the car. Our next 2 family listens are Isle of the Lost (a Descendents Prequel) and Wonder (which we want to listen to before the movie comes out in November). Literally, I would be lost without audible and am not sure I'd attempt a roadtrip without it.
If you have road trips coming up (or if you're looking to break up the monotony of household chores), sign up for a free 30 day trial at Audible.com.
Cube-tastic!
There's nothing worse than hearing “I'm bored” 7 bazillion times on a road trip, which is why I always make sure to have fun things to keep hands and minds engaged. I absolutely love Cube-tastic. Created for kids aged five and over, a free downloadable app paired with a colored cube promotes hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills and memory. It's like an old-school Toy Rubiks Cube but even better since there is an app too. Plus, right now you can save 15% on Cube-tastic!
Food
If you're going to be traveling for any length of time, you'll want to make sure you have snacks in the vehicle and a plan for which restaurants you can stop at along the way.
Chops
When the twins get hungry, they can go from pleasant to melt-down in no time at all…which is why I always make sure to travel with snacks. I usually keep a cooler packed with meat, cheese, veggies and dips and also bring a variety of fruit, fruit snacks, and beef jerky. Chops Beef Jerky is different from any other beef jerky we've tried because it's all natural super tender. Other jerky is sourced from old dairy cattle while Chops uses a high quality beef and other high quality ingredients to make their beef jerky exceptionally tender and deliciously chewy! You can get 20% off your first order with Code 5CHN79Z7Q1BE at www.chopssnacks.com.
IHOP
We always have snacks with us, but it's nice to slip into a booth and order a nice plate of yummy food that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. IHOP has been a go-to place for families for 59 years…they have amazing breakfast food and if you're not into breakfast, they have lots of other yumminess to choose from. James and Shayna were over-the-moon to get Nutella to put on their french toast. I'm a creature of habit and had my usual pancakes and eggs and my hubby got an appetizer sampler.
Emergency Kit
It's important to make sure your car is in good working order before you head out on the road. If you're using this printable vehicle maintenance schedule, your car should be ready to go, however it's always a good idea to keep some emergency items in your car.
T-Rex Tape
While everyone hopes that nothing goes wrong on a road trip, it's always nice to have the things you need in case of emergency. T-Rex tape is ferociously strong duct tape that performs well in all conditions. It's perfect for holding things together or keeping your husband from talking your ear off {just kidding on the taping your husband thing}. 😉 Seriously though, T-Rex tape consists of 3 layers that make it double thick and it's super strong. It's the perfect weather-resistant tape! Make sure you add T-Rex Tape to your emergency kit!
Wherever you go on your next road trip, I hope you have an amazing time! If you need extra help figuring out what to pack, make sure to print off this printable packing list! And if I missed any road trip essentials, leave me a comment! 🙂
