Thanksgiving Travel Checklist

Okay, I know it is a bit late in the game to be putting together a Thanksgiving travel checklist (considering we are leaving tomorrow) but I wanted to make sure that I did not forget anything. We are traveling to Pennsylvania from Virginia to spend time with my sister and her family for the holiday. Attempting to get three men and the family dog organized and packed and making sure that nobody forgets anything usually means that I am the one who ends up forgetting something.

If you’re on the road with your kids this week for the holidays, you’ll find this checklist handy too!

For the Kids

If spending time with family – two to three changes of clothes (that’s what a washing machine is for)
Sneakers and house slippers (include boots if your destination is calling for snow like ours is)
Light jacket and heavy jacket
Something to occupy the kids’ time while they are in the backseat of the car being bored out of their mind (such as travel games, MP3 players, tablets, books)
Medications
Pillows and blankets for the car ride
Snacks and Drinks. And More Snacks.

For Dad

a Map with step-by-step instructions from home to your destination or GPS system in the car
Two to three changes of clothes
Sneakers and boots
Hunting gear / outwear (if he plans on spending some time in the great outdoors walking his rifle)
Coveralls and a heavy jacket
Medications
Reading Glasses
Emergency road kit
Food. More Food. And More Food.

For Mom

Make sure everyone has clean underwear and socks
Toothbrushes for everyone
Personal toiletries such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc. (for those of you with sensitive skin family members)
Two to three casual outfits
One dressy outfit (for an impromptu outing with family)
Flats, Pumps, Boots to match the outfits
Handbag that will work with all the outfits
Makeup, brushes, hair accessories
Directions in case hubby’s GPS breaks down
Phone numbers in case the cell phones die
Medications for everyone (including an extra large bottle of Excedrin for mom)
Jewelry (key items that you can wear there and use with all the outfits, or just a few additional items you won’t lose)
Headphones (to drown out the fighting in the back seat)

For the Family Pet

Travel water bowl and food bowl
Bed and blanket
Favorite toy
Food and Water

Extras

Did you remember the food you promised to bring?
Turn off the lights?
Lock the windows?
Set the alarm?
Stop the mail / paper service?
Arrange for a neighbor to get packages?
Set the heat at 68/69 degrees to conserve energy

Well then, other than giving the car a once over and making sure that all of your fluids are fine, tire pressure is good, and you have your emergency road kit (just in case), I do believe you are ready to hit the road!