The Essential Kit for those long car journeys and bad weather travel.

[ellen15]

As you know, travelling with kids can be traumatic at the best of times, but with the recent awful weather (yep, I broke down, but luckily was without the kids!)and overnight traffic jams, we need to be doubly prepared, so here is my advice on making the best of a bad lot. Please feel free to add, criticize and comment...

A Full tank of petrol/diesel
De-icer, scraper and screenwash
Jump Leads (just in case...)
A shovel (just in case...)
A Torch
Fluorescent Vests (available online for £1.50)
Warm winter Coats
Hats, Gloves, Scarves.
A Hot Flask
A good variety of snacks,water and fruit
Kiddie Fleece Blankets (Available in Peppa Pig, Hello Kitty and Postman Pat varieties etc. at £3.99 from HomeBargains)
Junior/Adult Travelloo (available from £6.99 for 3 at www.travelloo.co.uk and the kids don't even have to leave the car!)
Colouring Books and Crayons
An Audio Storybook (www.amazon.co.uk or www.play.com)
An In Car DVD player and DVD's if you can stretch to it www.argos.co.uk(It really does keep them quiet in a crisis, but whatever you do, do not flatten your car battery because of it!)

And finally, for now..if you haven't already-try and fork out for an AA membership (available from £28 for 1yr from www.theaa.co.uk) BEFORE you break down, otherwise it can cost 3 times as much if you need them on the spot!Yep, it happened to me...

Or.....

stay in.

I'm here to help.

Winter tyres

According to something on the news today - a candle and some matches, if stranded heats the car without having to run the engine. Have never had to try this myself so can't confirm if this works.

How much heat do you think that would give out?(hmm) Altho, they probably know what they're talking about, and I guess something is better than nothing! Think I'll keep the matches in the front of the car tho:-)

Spare set of car keys. I dropped the key to the car in snow a couple of days ago. DH had to come up the mountain on a bus because I couldn't find it.

I would add a book or 2, make sure the torch is a hand powered one so no batteries. Also if you have those heat pads that you pop to warm up that would help.

Cardboard or hessian hacks or similar to help car grip if stuck.

Mobile Phone - charged up and with credit

Spare set of clothes for each person travelling - in case of accidents and extra warmth.

Bin Liners - will help warmth

Remember to let people know where you are going and what time you will get there and then let them know when you are there.

that's a good idea-I've seen those wind up torches for about £3, so they can be pretty reasonable and handy to have in the car at the best of times.

A bag of cat litter - sprinkle it under the back tyres to get a grip on ice.

Never heard of that one(grin) but if it works... Anyway SKY news et al preparing us for another bad weather fest, so make sure you get your "Essential car kit" out again and don't forget the hot drinks, blankets and travelloo. Thinking of going to Hunstanton for the weekend with three kids and my 86 year old grandmother- my long journey kit better be the mother of all long journey kits!(smile)