Family Travel Essentials: What to Bring with You to Save Money on the Road

Most of us go on fewer vacations than we would like to, just because of cost. Respites, retreats and travel are a perfect way to rejuvenate a family, to put the sparkle back into overworked peoples' lives.

So how do we get fit that vacation into a tight budget, without causing more stress than we had before we left? Here are 10 proven guidelines for getting some family 'downtime' without going down the financial tubes! This covers non-camping types of travel. the focus is on car travel, but I recommend it for air travel as well.

What to pack:

Plan ahead; pack any and everything you will or even might need. This can be done even when space is limited. Don't count on finding a place to pick up the 'few' things you'll need. Chances are you won't be able to find the lower prices that you get when you shop at home and know the area. Also tourist areas anticipate what you will need but might forget. They can literally charge whatever they want because they know you need it and will be forced to buy it! For example:

--Health and beauty supplies (lotions, powder, cleansing products, prescription medications)
--Camera and film
--Bread, milk and eggs
--Sun screen, hats, sunglasses
--Warm clothing and winter wear if necessary (we froze on the 4th of July in Michigan's Upper Peninsula-who'd a thought we'd need our parkas?!)
--Coats, boots, swimming suits and towels ( you never know what you will need)
--Assorted clothing for different climates.
--2 pairs of shoes per person
--Diapers and wipes for baby (these are outrageously expensive in convenience stores!)
--Paper products (tissues and napkins)
--Water and hydration beverages
--Snacks
--Laundry supplies
--batteries
--one outfit for each every two to three days of travel (depending on your destination)

First Aid Supplies:

Store all items in individual zippered plastic bags and one paper bag for hyperventilation. Replace supplies as soon as you use them. Check expiration dates on medications and creams. Read labels. Know who in your family can use which products. These can be obtained in generic versions.

Keep these with you at all times (you will need adult and child strengths).