Families Find Comfort in the Great Outdoors with a Ready-to-Go Kit of Travel Necessities

A handy kit of travel, safety and comfort essentials makes summer outings more organized... and more fun!

(PR WEB) July 6, 2005 - Summer vacation is a highlight of family life, providing recreation, relaxation and quality time" for parents and kids. But arriving unprepared or short of important items -- say, sunscreen at the beach -- can turn a fun getaway into a real headache, especially if small children are involved! Regardless of the destination -- three weeks in the mountains, a theme park holiday, or a day at the shore -- a few comfort and safety essentials should always be on hand. A Family Essentials-to-Go Kit" keeps the basics together, organized, and ready to go at a moments notice.

To assemble a Family Essentials-to-Go Kit, parents should first consider their typical travel destinations," says Krista Fabregas, founder of KidSmartLiving. For weekend camping and days at the beach, a medium-sized plastic storage box with removable lid is ideal. If traveling by air, or for outings like theme parks, relatives homes and places like zoos, a zippered tote or diaper bag is a great choice."

The following list of essentials is a good starting point for most any travel need, and it can be customized to suit childrens ages and usual destinations.

Remember to include a checklist of kit contents -- either attached to the lid or tucked into a pocket -- to make assembling and refitting the kit a breeze." says Krista.

The Go-Anywhere Basics

These must-have items can even be tucked in a diaper bag in a pinch.

- A small first-aid kit -- bandages in various sizes, antibacterial cream, insect sting pads, tweezers, and small scissors -- plus a bandana and small resealable bag to ice or wrap an injury

- Sun block -- kids sprays and sticks are compact, tidy and easy to apply

- Insect repellent -- also in sprays and sticks

- Individually wrapped antibacterial wet wipes -- for cleaning hands, shirts and you name it...

- Several removable cabinet locks -- a must for families with toddlers, even if just visiting a friends home

Comfort in the Great Outdoors

This is where a box or tote comes in handy to assemble the often-forgotten basics.

- Small roll of trash bags and plastic grocery bags

- Several large and small heavy-duty resealable bags

- Napkins or paper towels

- Plastic cutlery

- Paper or plastic plates and cups

- Toilet paper

- Can opener

- Sharp knife secured in a cover (like Knife-Safe® snap-on covers)

- Twine

- Clothespins

- Twist-ties

- Small notebook and pen

- Multi-use ground cover (like NeatSheet®) for beaches, picnics and sudden rain showers

Added Security On-the-Go

Parents with young children should also include two key child safety items -- whistles and wearable Child IDs -- in their kit," says Krista.

Whether in a forest or a crowd, children can quickly disappear from sight. Equipping kids and parents with whistles ensures quick reunions," she says. And if a child does become separated or lost, a wearable ID -- like the Whos Shoes ID containing parents' contact information -- helps officials quickly identify children and locate parents."

Krista Fabregas founded KidSmartLiving.com in 1999 to provide parents with excellent resources, ideas and products that help create stylish, safe family homes and low-maintenance lifestyles.

###