Even on a short trip with kids these things can come in handy. You will have some idea how long the trip will be and you can pack accordingly.
* Snacks. Packing your own snacks is a nutritious alternative to fast food and means you can pull over in a wayside stop or better still, a park and let everyone let of some steam. Ideal snacks are cheese sticks, little packets of dried fruit, mini muffins, pikelets, fruit and muesli bars. Add a small cool box or insulated lunch box and you can include yoghurt snacks, rice desserts and sandwiches.
* Drinks. Pop these into the cool box as well and maybe add a vacuum flask of tea or coffee for the driver.
* Plastic bags - very handy for rubbish, dirty clothes.
* Change of clothes for toddlers.
* Your toddler's favourite toy or cuddly.
* A surprise toy, CD or book.
* Pillows or cushions and a rug or two.
