You'll probably be spending a lot of time in the car this summer. So treat your vehicle as you would a room in your house. Fill it with all the comforts of home and that five-hour excursion to the beach might not feel that bad.
The top priority for some is the kids. If they're not happy, you certainly won't be. So let them personalize their own kit that they can bring into the car. Each child gets their own small crate to fill with their favorite activities and toys. When the back seat gets messy (which it inevitably will) just toss everything back into their respective containers.
1 Make personalized car kits for the kids with this fun craft from marthastewart.com.
2 Placed on the back seat windows, these shades will keep the car form heating up, and hopefully help get the kids to sleep. (safety1st.com)
3 Tiffin boxes are a cool solution to keeping many different snacks contained. (pearlriver.com)
4 Keep snacks or family meals packed in these tupperware containers from the Martha Stewart Collection. (macys.com)
5 Each child can pack their own car kit with these small crates. They can pick out activities and a few toys to bring along for the ride. (containerstore.com)
6 These gentle sanitizing wipes are great to have around for cleaning messy faces and hands. (soap.com)
Bringing a pet along for the ride is now easier than ever with all the travel accessories on the market...from collapsible food bowls to quilted seat covers. And don't forget the extra doggie bags and food.
1 The dog bed might be too big for the car, but this fold-up dog blanket is a good replacement. (crateandbarrel.com)
2 These silicone bowls are light enough to throw into your dogs travel bag. Martha Stewart (petsmart.com)
3 Since these bowls are collapsible they won't be a hassle to pack. (containerstore.com)
4 This doggie bag dispenser is so unobtrusive. It connects to the leash at looks surprisingly chic. Martha Stewart (petsmart.com)
5 Keep dog food stored in an air-tight container like this. This bag is especially good for travel with the handle on top. Martha Stewart (petsmart.com)
If your taking a longer road trip, chances are you'll need to stop and eat a few times along the road. Putting together your own picnic can save you from the limited choices along the way. All you need is a pack with a few table staples and you have the perfect al fresco meal.
1 This bright tote would be a great way to keep your picnic pack all in one place. Keep in the car all summer. You never know when you'll need it. Martha Stewart Collection (macys.com)
2 An insulated grocery bag is a necessity in the summer. You can keep ice-cream, meat and other food stuffs cold even in a blistering hot car. (crateandbarrel.com)
3 Nothing is more perfect for a picnic than a gingham table cloth. (surlatable.com)
4 Always keep a few tealight candles in your picnic kit for low-cost illumination that's easy to pack. (brookfarmgeneralstore.com)
5 This petite salt and pepper shaker is easily portable in a picnic pack. (surlatable.com)
6 Even with everything shifting around in the back trunk, these tough melamine dishes won't break on you. Martha Stewart Collection (macys.com)
7 Your picnic will taste like any meal at home with this foodie survival kit. It has all the spices you use to liven up food at home. (uncommongoods.com)
8 Always keep towels in the back of the car during the summer. You'll be thanking me when you see that crystal clear lake on a 100 degree day. Martha Stewart Collection (macys.com)
9 Re-usable glass bottles are great to keep packed in the car. You can fill them up over and over on the journey and cut back on cost while going green. (brookfarmgeneralstore.com)
The cleaner the car, the easier the road trip will be. This kit is something you can keep in your trunk all-year round, but it perfect for summer when you need it the most.
1 Micro-fiber rags are great for so many things. Use them to dust the dashboard or with water for a deeper clean. (williams-sonoma.com)
2 A simple broom and dustpan will come in handy for keeping the sand out of the car after a beach trip. (brookfarmgeneralstore.com)
3 Milk crates are clever idea for keeping grocery bags in order. Keep a few in the trunk and the contents of your shopping trip won't be sliding around the back of the car. (crateandbarrel.com)
An organized car can save time and stress. You don't want passengers hunting for a tissue or an umbrella to step out in the rain with. Keep small necessities in the glove compartment for easy access.
1 Tissues are always great to have around. You never know when a case of seasonal allergies or a bout of tears might show up. (crateandbarrel.com)
2 Most cars have GPS built-in now, but if yours doesn't you can buy one. These nifty systems will help you with directions, and could be very important in case you get lost. (garmin.com)
3 A lint roller is a smart addition to your glove compartment. You can use it before work or on the carpet and seats to keep clean. (containerstore.com)
4 Be prepared for summer showers by keeping a small umbrella in your glove compartment. (ikea.com)
It's important to be prepared for emergencies when you set out on a road trip. Keep all of the safety essentials in a kit in the back of the car, so you won't find yourself under-prepared if and when the worst happens.
1 When I first saw this lovely vintage-looking first aid kit, I had to get one. I haven't seen another as sophisticated since. (redcrossstore.com)
2 Everyone should have a swiss army knife, especially in the car in case of emergency. It helps that they look so cool. (swissarmy.com)
3 Jumper cables are another must have. Keep them stashed in the car at all times. (sears.com)
4 These chargers will really pay for themselves in an emergency. Even if your only emergency is a dead cellphone before a conference call. (adrenalinetechnologies.com)
5 I love the idea of these flares. They're better for the environment that single-use flares. (powerflare.com)
6 This survival pack is for the most dire of circumstances. It's always smart to plan for the worst though. (containerstore.com)
7 A tire jack is another car staple. Changing your tire will be a snap with one of these onboard. (homedepot.com)
8 This multi-purpose weather radio/flashlight is a real life-saver. And you won't be worrying about it dying on you. It has a built in hand-crank that will power it in case the batteries die. (brookstone.com)
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Claire | 7/7/11 at 7:19 pm
With peak hurricane season looming in the near future, these are GREAT tips! I'm going to add many of these to our list of things to have for evacuations which usually entail long hours in the car in tons of traffic.