This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #Save4Summer #CollectiveBias
If your family is anything like mine, you probably have quite a few road trips planned for this summer. Also, if you family is anything like mine, you know that when it comes to road trips, you need to be prepared for anything.
Whether it be flat tires, breakdowns, or unexpected weather it is important that you have the correct tools to keep yourself and your family safe and comfortable. That’s why I have created my own “Road Trip Car Kit.” These kits are really easy to make and if the unexpected happens, you will be ready.
I keep the kit in the back of my car at all times so it will always be there if I need it. You, of course, can add whatever you’d like to your kit, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
Emergency car kit: You never know when an issue might arise while you are on a road trip. I’m pretty sure that over the years we’ve experienced flat tires, dead batteries, and any other number of mishaps. Thats why it is vital to keep an emergency kit in the car. You can buy some of these kits ready-made or you can purchase the elements separately. For my kit, I included jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, gloves, reflector triangles, and a flashlight. You might also want to put a windshield visor in order to protect your dashboard from the sun.
First aid kit: It is always good to have some basic first aid supplies on hand. I keep a stash of bandages, first aid cream, pain killers, and antibacterial wipes in a small case. This way, if any minor injuries occur when you are out on the road you will be able to take care of it.
Water bottles: It is a good idea to keep one or two unopened bottles of water in the car. They are especially useful if your car breaks down on a hot day (you need to stay hydrated while waiting for help) or for washing out cuts. It can also come in handy if your car overheats and you need to add water to the radiator.
A blanket: Having a blanket in the car can be useful for a number of reasons. It can provide shade or warmth in case of a breakdown, but is also great if you stop for lunch somewhere along the road and need to use it as a picnic blanket.
Diapering kit: If you have kids you know exactly why you might need a diapering kit in the car. For younger kids you can create a kit which has wipes, diapers, and diaper cream. For older children you can add put in a couple of extra pairs of underwear in case of an accidents. I have found one of those toiletry bags that fold up work perfect for this.
Rain Gear: Having some rain gear in your car is valuable for so many things. Whether you have to change a tire in the rain, or even if you are at the park and it starts to rain, you will be glad to have a poncho or rain coat in the car in order to keep you dry.
Walmart Family Mobile Cell Phone: Probably one of the most important elements to have in your car kit is a cell phone. There are so many things that having a cell phone is useful for, such as the GPS, camera, and of course, the phone itself. If you would experience a break down, you can use the phone to call for help. Additionally, if there is perhaps a detour on the road or you are just unsure of where you are then you can check the GPS built right into your phone to find out where you are at and how to get where you are going. Even if you don’t experience any problems on your trip, its great having a camera in order to record all of your memories.
The only issue is that with many wireless carriers having the convenience of a smartphone can be expensive. Luckily, we are lucky to have Walmart Family Mobile. For only $29.88 (for the first line), Walmart Family Mobile offers you an Unlimited Talk, Text & Data service plan which includes up to 1G of 4G LTE data. This way, you always stay connected but without having to break the bank!
(Note: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to your local Walmart for current pricing.)
Getting started with Walmart Family Mobile is easy. Just head to your nearest Walmart that carries Walmart Family Mobile and purchase a $25.00 starter kit and the phone of your choice. You can find this in the electronics section of the store.
Speaking of phones, they have a great selection of phones from basic smartphones to more advanced. I chose the ZTE ZMAX which features a 5.7″ HD touchscreen, 8 MP camera, and even a 1.2 GHz Quad-Core Processor. This phone does an awesome job of not only taking pictures, but the large screen is perfect for seeing the GPS map when we are on the road. This is perfect as I am not always the most “directionally inclined” person ever! Plus, the high-definition screen makes everything distinct and easy to read!
To get Walmart Family Mobile for yourself, visit your nearest Walmart, or check out Walmart.com.
What summer road trip are you most looking forward to this summer?