All Aboard! Summer Road Trip Checklist

The Ultimate Checklist for Family Road Trips

Photo Credit: Baylie Dalton 


Are you preparing for your final summer road trip?  


At WAYB, we understand that traveling with kids can be both exhilarating and a bit daunting. 


That’s why we've crafted the ultimate checklist to ensure your family road trip is smooth sailing. 


With a little prep and the right gear, you can focus on making memories, while also managing chaos. It's time to buckle up and get ready for the ultimate summer road trip.


Pre-trip Prep

Map out Your Adventure:

Every great road trip starts with a solid plan. Make sure you map out your route using GPS or even a good old-fashioned map, and mark off rest stops, gas stations, and must-see attractions along the way. By knowing where you’re headed, you’ll save yourself from last-minute scrambles.


WAYB Team Tip:

  • Are we there yet? Create an "Are We There Yet?" map by placing a piece of painter's tape by the sunroof to keep your kiddos up-to-date with how much longer they have in the car. Add your start location, final destination, and any stops along the way.
  • Itinerary Template: Check out This Big Adventure for free printable travel itineraries for you to fill out with your families needs in mind. From road trip planners, what to pack, to daily planners they have it all to make sure you stay organized on the road. 

Book Ahead:
Reserve your hotels or campsites in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you're staying somewhere safe. Planning your activities and sightseeing spots ahead of time will make for a more relaxed trip.

WAYB Team Tip: 

  • Booking Safely: book with your favorite hotel or go through booking.com to make sure you are getting the best deal possible for you and your family. For a more adventurous stay check out Hipcamp for beautiful campsites or even try renting from Vbro for a unique stay. 
  • No More Email Searching: one of our team's favorite ways to stay organized is by using the app Tripit. Once downloaded you send all of your reservations to the email address provided and it keeps all of your bookings in one place so you don’t have to worry about finding the email when you’re on the go. 

Essentials to Pack

Travel Docs:
Make sure you have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance cards handy. Don’t forget your health insurance cards, maps, and travel guides! Better to be safe than sorry so make sure to make copies and take photos on your phone of important documents to make sure you have what you need.


WAYB Team Tip:

  • Going somewhere we've been? Check out our travel guides on our Instagram @hellowayb.

WAYB Must-Haves:
You can't go on a family trip without your favorite WAYB products!


The WAYB Pico is the perfect pal for your road trip. Its small frame makes it possible for you to sit comfortably in the back with your kiddos. 

Multiple cup holders on the Pico car seat are perfect for snacks, toys, and water bottles to keep your little ones entertained.


Bring along our newest bag series: the Daily Pack for extra snacks and clothes, and the Mini Pack for toys and games. 


Need to find your perfect bundle? Head to wayb.com to ensure you have what you need for your next adventure.


Comfort and Convenience

Snacks & Drinks:
Healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and granola bars keep everyone energized. A cooler with drinks, including water and juice boxes, is a must. Don’t forget your reusable water bottles to refill at rest stops.


WAYB Team Tips:

  • Bring sandwich fixings to build on-the-go sandwiches, avoiding soggy meals.
  • Fairlife protein shakes are great to keep you full between meals.
  • Olipop is a treat for kids without the sugar crash.
  • Use "snackleboxes" to keep snacks organized.

Entertainment:
Books, magazines, e-readers, and tablets loaded with movies and audiobooks will keep everyone entertained. Bring along travel games, stickers, puzzles, coloring books, and crayons for the little ones.


WAYB Team Tip:

  • Gifts for the Road: Pack a bag full of new games to gift your little ones along the way. This excitement can keep them entertained longer. Check out the dollar section at Target or Five Below for these items.
  • Games on-the-go: Think back to your childhood with games like Etch A Sketch, Waterfuls, Wooly Willy, Simon Says, I Spy, and the license plate game.

Comfort Items:
Bring your little ones' pillows from home to make new sleeping places feel familiar. Don’t forget blankets, sunglasses, hats, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and travel-sized toiletries.


Kid-Specific Essentials


Baby & Toddler:

  • Don’t forget the basics. Diapers, wipes, changing pads, formula, pacifiers, and favorite toys are must-haves. 
  • Keeping these items in our WAYB Pods and Essentials will keep everything organized and easy to access. 
  • A stroller or baby carrier will make stops more comfortable.

For Older Kids:

  • Don’t forget school supplies to keep their minds active. Math books and summer reading lists are great for on-the-go silent activities. 
  • Bring sports equipment or outdoor toys for breaks.
  • Gift your kiddos a journal at the beginning of the trip so they can write down what they do each day. This way you have an adorable souvenir and they are working on their writing skills. 

Additional Tips & Tricks

Frequent Stops:
 Plan breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch and let the kiddos run around. Look for rest stops with playgrounds or open spaces.

Stay Organized:
 WAYB Pods are the ultimate travel hack to keep everyone’s items together while staying separate. Assign different colors to family members to keep things neat and easy to find.

Healthy Travel Habits:
 Keep everyone hydrated, encourage stretching during breaks, and pack nutritious snacks to maintain energy levels.

Stay Connected:
 Give a trusted family member a copy of your plan. Keep a list of important contacts and emergency numbers. 

Bring a backup power source for electronics and stay updated on weather and traffic conditions.


With this ultimate checklist, your family road trip is bound to be a hit. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey and the memories you create along the way. Here’s to making summer WAY better with WAYB!


Safe travels and happy adventuring!