In order to keep the kids quiet, we were tasked to find how many license plates from different states we could spot.  My brother and I would keep our eyes peeled (and generally speaking were fairly quiet, too) until we spotted something. Then we’d call out, “Nevada!  I’ve got Nevada.”  Someone would dutifully write down who spotted what.

Since our road trips were all fairly local, I’m not sure that we ever spotted ALL 50 states, but it was a good way for Mom & Dad to have some peace while we were all cooped up in the car.

Variations of this game are still played today.  It will keep kids occupied, can be both fun and educational, and requires very little in the way of paraphernalia.  That means it takes no room to pack – and it’s cheap, usually FREE.

You can keep a list of the states that are found, you can have a list of the states printed up and then just check them off (or highlight them) as they are found, or download and print out this map of the states (hat tip to Richard P. Carpenter’s Travel & Trivia) and color in the ones you spot.

The game can be a team effort, with everyone keeping an eye out to try to see all 50 states.  Or, it can be competitive (first one to see the license plates gets to claim it), with individuals or teams competing to see who can find the most.  You’ll know your family and group best, and can decide which option best suits the personalities involved.  Best of all, kids of nearly all ages can be entertained by the simple game – and mom and dad, too!

Did you play this game as a kid?  Or maybe you still play it as an adult?

Photo credit: markhillary @flickr

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State License Plate Travel Game

Sure, you may never need it. but it sure is handy and practical.

Olive Smart makes reusable bags that come in one small sack.  They’re made out of a durable and washable supplex nylon (in a variety of colors) and can hold up to 20 pounds.  The sack is designed to fit into the cup holder of your car, too, so you won’t need to choose between paper or plastic the next time you make an impromptu stop at the market.

I can think of lots of ways to use these on an upcoming trip that I’m planning.  I’ll can use it at the outdoor market, pack up for a picnic, and keep one handy for wet clothes after a day at the beach. 

I love being practical and it’s one little change that I can make to get away from consumable bags.

Olive Smart Sacks are sold in sets that are priced starting at $24.  Order them online, or find a local store that carries them.

Image credit:  Olive Smart

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Reusable Olive Smart Sacks for Lots of Travel Needs

It’s not sexy or pretty or exciting.  But it can be a life saver – figuratively and literally. 

You can use duct tape for temporary repairs for everything from a loose hem, fraying tent, broken luggage handle, to a ripped backpack.  It can be used to hold things open or keep things closed.  It can seal up cracks, hold drapes together, fix a broken window, or twist into a handle to carry a package.

And it can be a lifesaver!  If you ever find yourself trapped in a hotel room during a fire, duct tape can also be used to seal up your door.  That helps prevent toxic fumes and smoke from entering your room, and can give firefighters a little extra time to rescue you.

Buy several rolls, it’s cheap (under $5 for 2 yards) and keep one in your car, RV, boat, with your camping equipment and in your suitcase.  Although it’s typically seen in silver, it now also comes in a variety of “fashion” colors.

Image credit:  Amazon

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Duct Tape – The Traveler’s Helper

The set of two travel mugs is regularly priced at $29.95, but right now you can get them for just $18.88 at Overstock.com. The mugs plug into any standard auto cigarette lighter using a detachable 12-volt cord.

This is a great product for vacations or for every day use if you have a long morning drive in traffic.

Photo credit: Overstock

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Heated Travel Mugs on Sale

Comfy for the your cat, and easy to clean to for you, this pet carrier features a removable padded shoulder strap to make it easy to carrier.  You can even buckle into into the seat belt in the car, providing additional safety for four-legged family members.

The Sleepypod comes with posh options like the Sleepypod Warmer that you can place between the bedding and the liner to keep your pet a little warmer during the travels.  And there’s an optional car adapter for the warmer, so there’s no need for your pet to get cold while on the road.

The bedding is machine washable, and all other components can wiped down with a damp cloth.  Available in a variety of colors, so you can find the right choice for your pet’s personality.  Suitable for pets up to 15 pounds.

With the Sleepypod, your pet’s pampering isn’t confined to home – you can pamper him on the road as well.

This fashionable pet carrier is available through All Pet Furniture, and starts at $152.63 (sale price).  Options are available.

Photo credit:  All Pet Furniture

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Meowme Carrier for Pet Travel

The ART HAT by Wallaroo Hat Company provide a fun art activity and provides sun protection for the younger set.  They’ll get to design and paint their own personal sun hat.  Art project now, sun protection later.

The ART HAT is a microfiber bucket hat with a contrasting color (fuchsia or navy) under the brim.  It comes with six non-toxic fabric paints and a paintbrush.  When down time is over, the kids can put on the hat and go out to play.  It’s okay to crush it up, even after painting, and it is hand washable in cold water.

Two sizes are available, one that will fit 2-5 year olds, and another to fit 5-7 year olds.  Purchase from Wallaroo Hat Company, $20.

Image credit:  Wallaroo Hat Company.

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ART HAT, a Wearable Travel Activity

Mighty Mendit is a flexible bonding agent that will grab, adhere and interlock the fibers of virtually any fabric.  Use it to make a permanent repair, whether it’s to your tent, the hem of your skirt, a hole in your pants, a broken strap, or a torn piece of luggage.  If you’ve got a vacation cabin, you’ll definitely want to keep some handy!

It’s machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about losing your repair.

Purchase online, $19.99 for 3 large bottles, and a travel bottle.  Keep a bottle in your car, and keep the small travel bottle in your luggage.  It won’t solve all the travel problems you’ll encounter, but it will take care of many.

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Mighty Mendit Helps Make Travel Repairs

The CVS/pharmacy Hand Sanitizing Spray Pen is a practical solution to this germy problem. 

It takes up little room in your purse or pockets, and is a quick way to kill 99% of the germs out there instantly.  It contains Vitamin E and Aloe for moisturizing; hand sanitizers can be very drying. 

The hand sanitizing spray pen has been approved by the TSA for airline carry-ons.

Image credit:  CVS Pharmacy

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CVS/Pharmacy Hand Sanitizing Spray Pen Zaps Germs

And if you’ll be driving down I-95 heading to Florida, Drive I-95 is a book that you’ll want to take along with you as a reference.

Written by Stan Posner and Sandra Phillips-Posner Drive I-95 contains diligently charted every exit between Boston and Miami.  All 552 of them.  In 12 states. 

There’s information regarding everything you’ll need for a lengthy car trip, including food options, motels, radar traps, radio stations, 24-hour mechanics, ATM machines, golf courses, places to shop, and maps. 

The Peterbrooke Chocolatier (Jacksonville, Florida) with its sweet, salty and crunchy chocolate popcorn caught my eye, but here are a few others that might catch yours:

Golfers will love the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, the only PGA facility that is open to the public.  $20 gets you a day of practice putting, chipping, and pitching greens.

Sample the rock shrimp in Dixie Crossroads in Titusville.  At one time these shrimp were passed over because they were too hard to peel.  This is the home of the shell-splitting machine that made peeling easy and introduced this delicacy to the rest of the world.  And boy am I glad they did!

There are just too many great stopping places to list here, so you’ll need to pick it up and discover them for yourself.

In between all these great suggestions are quizzes, trivia, and bits of history that will keep you entertained for the entire drive. . . there and back.

This is a must-have for anyone driving any portion of the I-95 corridor.  It would also make a great gift!

Drive I-95 can be purchased online for $23.95.  An electronic version is also available.

Image credit:  Drive I-95

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Drive I-95: Exit by Exit from Boston to Miami

Zorica of Malibu has developed a Hydrating Travel Mist that is designed to protect skin from this and other dehydration worries by locking in your skin’s natural moisture.

It’s made of 100% eco-friendly ingredients, including green tea extract, vitamin E, and pure essential oils of lavender (for its antibacterial properties) and rose geranium (for its relaxation properties).

Whenever you feel a little dry, or simply need a refreshing pick me up, hold about 6-8 inches from your face and give yourself a little spritz. 

The two ounce size bottle is TSA friendly for your carry on bag, and is small enough to keep in your purse for use any time of the day.  Or, keep a bottle in your car accessory compartment or glove box for a little refreshing spritz during a long car trip.  A two ounce bottle is $16, and can be ordered online.

Image credit:  Zorica of Malibu

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Hydrating Travel Mist Helps Combat Traveler’s Dry Skin