Since my parents moved to Pennsylvania in 2018, we have been doing road trips to explore the beautiful landscapes and charming towns of the region. I travel for work a lot by planes, but I have come to love our road trips as they offer a unique way to create memories. Over the years, we have really enjoyed our time exploring various destinations, from the rolling hills of Lancaster County to the coast of Maine. I thought I would share the items that we travel with to assist my elderly parents, ensuring their comfort and mobility during our adventures. We travel with two walkers and a scooter, as these crucial pieces of equipment alone take up the entire back of the car. I have realized that I have searched for items that have made travel easier for the elderly, as it’s essential to prioritize their well-being. I haven’t found much in the way of resources, so I thought I would put together what I have purchased and found helpful over time. We have invested in lightweight, foldable equipment that is easy to transport, which has made a significant difference in our trips. Additionally, I always make sure to pack snacks, a first-aid kit, and comfortable seating cushions to ensure my parents can relax and enjoy the journey. Hope this helps!
We have found during our trips that we prefer staying at places with a kitchen, as it gives us the freedom to prepare our own meals and truly experience the local ingredients. Since we enjoy exploring the areas we are traveling to during the days, relaxing and savoring delicious homemade food become our favorite nighttime activities. On our recent trip to West Virginia, my friend took the lead in the kitchen, cooking us a variety of delicious dishes, and we loved unwinding with a selection of movies at night, sharing laughs and creating cherished memories together. When I travel with my parents, I now bring my AppleTV, which adds an extra layer of convenience and entertainment to our evenings. I do wish it was a little smaller for better portability, but nonetheless, it allows us to watch what we want easily, since most AirBNBs we stay at don’t have cable TV. Having the ability to stream our favorite shows and movies makes the traveling experience feel more like home, enriching our adventures even further.
Thule Rooftop Cargo Carrier
A couple of years ago, we added a Thule to the top of the car for our trips, and it has truly transformed our travel experience. We have found this to be extremely useful and great for our trips, as it provides us with ample storage space that we needed. The additional capacity is a game changer, allowing us to pack everything from camping gear to extra clothes and supplies for longer vacations. They add so much space for the trips, ensuring that we no longer have to cram everything into the cramped interior of our vehicle. I do have to say that on the Thule website, it looks easy to put on top of the car, with helpful videos and instructions showing how effortlessly it can be done. However, once it arrived, I realized that I am not able to do it myself due to its size and weight. Thank you to my friend Matt; he makes it look easy and has helped us set it up on multiple occasions, turning what seemed like a challenging task into a smooth procedure. His confidence and expertise alleviate my concerns, and I truly appreciate his assistance every time we embark on our adventures.
Cup Holders with tray
On our recent trip, we just added a cup holder that has a tray, and it has truly been a game changer for my parents to hold their food during our delightful “car picnics.” These picnics became a cherished tradition during the pandemic, as we discovered the joy of enjoying our meals while driving around the picturesque landscapes of Bucks County, where rolling hills and scenic views provide the perfect backdrop for our culinary adventures on wheels. I am genuinely happy that these cup holders work great for them, as it allows us to savor our favorite snacks and meals without the hassle of balancing everything in our laps, making our outings even more enjoyable and memorable.
Motion Night Lights
When traveling, I try to keep as much as normal for travel as possible, as maintaining a sense of familiarity can ease the transition to a new environment. As we all know, when we wake up during the night, the sudden shift can make us feel a little disoriented in a new place, leading to confusion and sometimes even minor accidents. To combat this, we’ve found that having familiar items from home can make a big difference. Since my parents have motion sensor night lights at home, which provide a gentle illumination that helps guide us through dark spaces without harsh light, we decided to bring them on our trips. This way, we ensure that the hallways and bathrooms are well-lit, allowing for safe navigation during the night and creating a comforting atmosphere that reminds us of home, making our travels a little more enjoyable and stress-free.
Compression Packing Cubes
I love the compression cubes that I have been using for about a year. They work exceptionally well and significantly help with making more space in my luggage, which is a game changer when traveling. When packing for three people, these cubes are invaluable as they help with keeping items separate, ensuring that everyone’s belongings are neatly organized and easy to find. They not only save space but also prevent items from shifting during transit, which can be a common issue when packing for multiple individuals. These are great to put in a duffel bag and place in the Thule, as they efficiently utilize every inch of available space while adding convenience and order to my travel preparations.
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