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Going on a road trip with kids can be an adventure. But we’ve all had moments in the car when we’ve heard the questions, “How much longer?” or “Are we there yet?” one too many times. The last long road trip we went on, we checked out audio books and listened to them. But soon those ran out, and boredom struck. I always feel a little guilty turning on a DVD, or pulling out electronic devices to kill the time. Why? Because I feel like a road trip can be a great time to connect as a family—to have long talks and laugh with each other . . . kind of like the olden days. And with electronic devices, we lose that communication with our family members. So to get a little old-fashioned, and enjoy our next road trip together, I created this “road trip suitcase.” It’s full of conversation-starting games, and ways to get creative. I hope this will inspire you to “become a little vintage” on your next road trip, and turn those devices off.

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Here’s what I put in ours, but make yours unique to what your kids would like!

  • I found this adorable paper suitcase and these vintage-style travel stickers on Amazon. I decorated the suitcase with the stickers to personalize it. You can use a box, basket, backpack, etc.
  • I found a doodle-style coloring book and added crayons. I love doodle coloring books because they encourage imagination. You can find a wide variety at Barnes and Noble. I also love Mad Libs for kids. These require thinking, and also encourage communication in the car. Most of the time with doodle books and Mad Libs, your kids will ask a sibling or a parent for some help with words or ideas, and that usually ends in a giggling session. Laughter is always good on a long road trip.
  • My kids love maps! I went to AAA and got a map of the city we were visiting. AAA is awesome about giving out free maps when you ask for them. Having maps on a road trip is fun because it builds anticipation and sparks conversation about all the places they are soon to visit.
  • I also found at AAA some inexpensive Auto Bingo games! Buy a couple small fast food gift cards for prizes and give your kids an incentive to keep playing. This will keep them occupied and aware of their surroundings so they get the most out of the drive.
  • Find car games that require thinking or skill. I found these really cute, inexpensive vintage games at World Market. They have miniature pinball games and vintage-style puzzle games. Card games like Go Fish and Uno are great to pack as well, and encourage family member interaction.
  • A kid-friendly camera is an awesome thing to pack. I, once again, got retro and packed a camera that requires film. I love exposing my kids to the way things used to be. Using a camera with film is really fun for them, especially when they get to hold their finished product in the form of a printed picture.
  • Pack snacks, and lots of them! (This is a big one.) Try to pack snacks that you don’t usually buy on a regular basis. This makes it more exciting for your child. Try to pack things that are low in sugar but fun; if your children are anything like mine, sugar causes them to bounce out of their skin . . . and that’s not good while confined to a car seat on a long drive! Even a sugar-free or kid-friendly gum is good, especially for going up in altitude so their ears don’t pop.
  • Books on tape are always fun. I love “Adventures in Odyssey” by Focus on the Family. These cause your children to use their imagination, and as a parent, I love to listen to them too. It also relaxes your children, and a lot of times lulls them into a nap, which is never a bad thing on a long road trip!
  • Lastly, a good movie isn’t a bad thing either—just as long as it’s not the whole trip. I totally understand the need for mom and dad to have quiet time in the car, or to just be able to talk with each other. A good movie that maybe your kids haven’t seen before can bring much-needed peace.

I hope this encourages you to make your own “suitcase” for your next long road trip. If planned well, it can be a time to remember—a bonding experience for the whole family.