Traveling in Style with Kids on Board: What to Take in the Car

Over the river and through the woods - or across the highway and down the street. When you have children in the car, those nicely ironed clothes, that carefully brushed hair, and those clean, sweet little faces and hands can turn into a wrinkled, frazzled, chocolate-stained mess. And we're talking about YOU as well as the kids!

Here's what to buy and take to keep your car trip tidy. You'll arrive with you and your children just in need of a quick freshen-up before you step out in style.

1. Whether it's a wedding or a relaxed family gathering at a relative's home, you want your family to look tidy and attractive. The secret: separates. For example, matching pants and tops may be ideal for this purpose. Wear your "occasion" pants or slacks, and have your children wear their pants as well. It's the tops and blouses that tend to be the most likely to get dirty in the car. Pack those in a carry-along bag, then wear sweatshirts or t-shirts, depending on the weather. You'll all feel more comfortable, with no worries about spills on your good blouses or tops.

2. A car trip can cause even older children to fall asleep. Pack travel pillows and blankets in the car for easy, comfortable snoozing. Their clothes will become less wrinkled from shifting around trying to get comfortable, and they'll arrive feeling energized, rather than cranky from lack of sleep. Recommended for easy blanket packing and toting: the new Snuggie Blanket To Go. It stores in its own little travel pouch that can do double-duty as a pillow, plus a sleep mask that just might help you sleep at night in a hotel room or relative's house. Get the details on retailers at Mysnuggiestore.com

3. Avoid packing snacks that leak or melt, such as juice packs and chocolate bars. Go for small bottles of water and juice that are easily opened. Individually portioned packages of whole grain crackers, small servings of dried fruit, and mini energy bars all are great when you're traveling with kids: they're satisfying, healthy, and less prone to messing up the family's clothes. I've found a variety of individually portioned treats at Minimus.biz.

4. Washrags, hairbrushes, face wipes, and makeup for Mom all belong in a separate car tote bag. Just before you arrive, head to the nearest rest stop. Change into your "good clothes" blouses and tops, freshen up your faces, brush your hair, and, if you want to, re-apply your makeup, Mom. You'll all look and feel much better.