I hope everyone’s summer is off to a great start.

As I prepare to plan for our very exciting, very long 20 hour drive from Portland Oregon to California. I’m wondering how the heck I’m gonna make it all that time in a van with two very active, nonstop talking girls; and one very focused, for the lack of a better word- driver (my husband).

I should start praying now!

I know road trips are fun, somewhat- ok… at least in theory.

I love my family don’t get me wrong- but to much of anything can’t be good. ~

Now, unless you love to hear “Are we there yet?” over and over and over again, make sure your kiddies have enough to keep them entertained & busy.

I will have my girls pack their own travel bags with things they love to do to keep themselves occupied during our road trip.

When they have done all they can on their own, then that means my break is over and the creative juices need to kick in.

We begin by playing every car game known to man, proceeded by telling old stories passed down from generation to generation.  Then we end with our all time favorite “the make up your own song singing game”.

(And of course this will all happen when we are completely tapped out with no where to turn for peace!)

So in planning, preparing and organizing for our trip this month, I’ve searched and found some very cool and creative ideas to make our road trip more enjoyable and less stressful.

Notice I said LESS. There will be stress; I’m just trying to minimize the amount of it.

Car Organizer

First things first. When planning for a long road trip, make it easy on yourself and purchase an inexpensive small accordion file folder.

Organize and store all the important paper work you’re gonna need for your trip.

You can keep your registration, insurance, emergency contact information, maps, directions, receipts, and more inside. You can also choose to label them for easy access.

Have it handy on your passenger seat or in your glove compartment.

You will be very glad you took the time to do this let me tell you.

There’s nothing like searching for information you need in a hurry and not finding it.

Travel Light

Packing is one of the most stressful things you can do for a trip;  especially when you’re doing it for a family of 4 or more; but it really doesn’t have to be.

Keep in mind that your on vacation; Less is More!

You don’t need six pairs of shoes, trust me; you won’t wear them all!

A whole lot of stuff means less space for those treasured purchases you will most likely make. Packing is a fine balance of bringing what you really need without taking too much. Planning ahead and having a really good list will work best here.

Bring anything you absolutely must have, bring coordinated clothing you can mix and match. Don’t bring anything that can be bought along the way if you really need it.

Basic necessities is the key!

And because you’re traveling with little ones- wash and wear will be your best friend!

Car Trunk Organizer/Snack Section

Traveling with kids as you know can be a challenge. My girls love to snack all day long. Convenience is my middle name… HEY I’M A MOM.

We’re supposed to have everything at our fingertips, right?

So I’m making sure I have plenty of snacks and things to keep them occupied.

Items in the back trunk tend to roll around and get lost underneath seats, so it will help a great deal to arrange them in a vinyl catchall or any sort of storage bin.

You can purchase two.

Stock one with plenty of healthy goodies.  See Michelle’s post about what healthy snacks she takes on a roadtrip and how to stay healthy while traveling.  Pack the other bin with emergency items such as a first aid kit, rope, flashlights, blankets, etc.

You will be so happy you did this when it’s time to grab something from the trunk & you know EXACTLY where it is.

Kids Back Seat Toy Organizer

How cool would one of these be… A canvas shoe, I mean toy organizer.

This is great for keeping things neat and easy to reach for the kids.

You can purchase an inexpensive 16 inch pocket organizer and cut it in half and hem at the bottom. Put a ribbon loop at the top and hang over the back of the front seat.

You best believe I’m doing this… 20 hours is waaaaayyyyyyy to long to hear, “Can you get me this!  Can you get me that!” They can reach out and get it themselves.

The pockets can hold anything from headsets, flashcards, coloring books, DVD’S, pad & pencils, small toys and EVEN a nintendo DS.

You could even make another one for the other seat so each child can have their very own toy organizer!

Movies, Movies, Movies

I would be absolutely CRAZY if I didn’t have a stack of movies for my kids to watch. Did I say 20 hours??? Yes, even with the frequent stops you will make along the way kids need to be entertained at all times; at least mine do anyway.

Before we leave you best believe I will pack the car with their favorite dvd’s and buy some NEW ones that will keep them engaged.   Mums the word.

This will be the very first thing on my LIST.

If you are planning a road trip this summer that’s 20 hours or 2 hours make sure you PLAN, PREPARE & ORGANIZE yourselves in a way that will make your trip a pleasant one with few stresses; if any.

Here’s a quick list I came up with to help keep everyone happy-  especially MOMS.

The Perkins Road Trip Packing Check List:

* Lots & Lots & Lots & Lots of DVD’s 

* Tricks and treats bag (new games, toys, healthy snacks and any other magical distractions)

* Small cooler for upfront and larger cooler in the back filled with refill items (the more food you take the less food you buy)

* First-aid kit (with motion sickness relievers for ME)

* Roadside emergency kit

* Wet wipes, paper towels or napkins (can’t leave home without this)

* Trash bags (a must)

* Flashlight(s) and extra batteries

* Cell phone and DVD player charger (not worth going anywhere without this)

* Easy on/off shoes for the entire clan (flip-flops)

* Camera and video camera

* Pillows and blankets

* Toilet paper (Have you ever stopped at a rest stop that’s out of TP? Yup- we have)

* Laundry bag for dirty clothes

* Laundry detergent (I believe in wash and wear when I travel)

* Laundry Basket (great for carrying lots of small bags into the hotel room or to the beach)

* Rolls of quarters (for tolls, laundry, gumball machines & meters)

* Duct tape (in case anyone gets out of hand)