You're in the car on your way home from a day of fun at the zoo when suddenly the oldest child screams: she's been stung by a bee!


Quickly you pull off the main road and onto a side street. You speak in a soothing tone, but your mind races: what do I have here that will help? Ice or alcohol would be ideal, but the cold drinks are long since gone and the nearest fast food restaurant is miles away. What about a baby wipe? You've used them for on-the-go wash-up and they might help. You place it on the site of the sting and the child's face relaxes. Blowing cool air over the surface of the sting evaporates the moisture left from the wipe.

With the swelling stopped and everyone calm, you drive on. Pulling into McDonald's for ice and some well earned treats, you file this incident away for future reference: "Always have baby wipes on hand. Great for bee stings."

This scenario actually occurred several years ago, and I've shared its message with others who confirmed my results. By the way, wipes will soothe other bug bites temporarily, too. No doubt you've had parallel experiences that contributed to your unique survival kit. Our family has kits for traveling by car, by plane, by foot or bicycle or on hikes, and specialty items at home as well. There are also items labeled "Boredom Busters" for rainy days, vacations and summer doldrums.

On the Road
Because I drive a pickup truck with a bench seat for the children, storage space is a priority. I have an organizer hanging from the back of both driver and passenger seats with different items in each.

Practical Pouch
• sealable plastic bags for trash
• a folding umbrella
• sunscreen
• baby wipes
• tissues
• sunglasses
• half a roll of paper towels*
• bottled water
• Purell (waterless) soap (no towel needed, either)
• brush and comb
• ponytail holders
• small plastic bags for trash or treasure
• an emergency snack pouch

* I use about half a roll and then put it into the truck, as a full roll is too bulky.

Play Pouch
• paper
• pencils
• crayons
• handheld games
• extra batteries
• books
• a disposable camera
• a couple of travel pillows*

* Camping stores sell a self-stuff sac that opens to about 6" x 9" - just right for a sleepy head.

In the glove compartment I keep copies of the children's health insurance information and an emergency medical treatment release from my employers.

Above the visor is another pouch for maps and important telephone numbers.

Under each seat I keep a first aid kit augmented with the kids' favorite Band-Aids, bug repellent, Benadryl, children's Tylenol, and any emergency medications that the children may need. For our eight-year-old that means his asthma inhaler.

I also keep a light, warm blanket rolled up with a beach towel in the back seat. Tired children can use it as another pillow or as a picnic blanket, and it works wonders as a "room divider" when personal space issues arise. The towel is great for spills and accidents of various kinds, and it's a handy bib when the youngest has a messy snack.

You must keep all of these items in good order, clean, and restocked as used. The children can help "trash out" the vehicle after each trip and rotate books and games as needed. On a personal note, I keep emergency funds in a special compartment on the visor pouch. You never know when you may need it. Don't forget to replenish this as well for your next adventure.

Hiking & Biking
We modify the essentials of our vehicle kit to fit into a backpack or a bike pouch. Depending on our destination, we may add binoculars. Water and a snack boost are essentials. I carry my cell phone and emergency numbers wherever we go. A bike repair kit can be tucked away and may come in handy.