7 essentials for family road trips

Make sure little passengers are entertained and your car journey is smooth and stress free with this unbeatable selection of travel essentials

(Rex Features)

DVD player

There are only so many games of ‘I spy’ you can manage on a long journey, so when boredom sets in, keep the kids amused with their favourite films or TV shows on a portable DVD player.

Shop here

Folding food and drink tray

A warm car and a long journey means that staying hydrated is essential for all the family, so keep your beverages within easy reach (and make them less likely to spill everywhere) with a holder. Many products also have a handy tray for phones, wallets and other essentials, so you can keep everything in one place, rather than having to root through endless pockets and bags.

Shop here

Roof box

One of the keys to a successful road trip is having enough space to be comfortable, but that needn’t mean you have to skimp on what you pack. A roof box means there’s plenty of safe, dry storage for bags and cases, without a tower of belongings piled on the knees of everyone on the back seat. So forget that agonising decision between bringing teddy or dinosaur – there’s room for everyone.

Shop here

Hanging waste basket

Kids are messy (and let’s be honest, adults aren’t always much better), and when you’re on a road trip your car becomes a makeshift mobile home. Keep it clean and tidy when you’re on the move with a car bin – many fold for easy storage, and one that can be hung up won’t take up valuable floor or seat space.

Shop here

Sunshade

Sunshades are a must for long journeys with children – not just to keep them comfortable, but to protect from harmful UV rays too. Many are transparent enough for your child to still be able to see the world outside, but if they’re not keen on having a shade on their window, try one with their favourite character on.

Shop here

Travel pillow

If tiredness hits, help little passengers to catch 40 winks and wake up refreshed with a supportive travel pillow. Once all is calm, grown-up passengers might even be able to grab a nap, too.

Shop here

Sat nav

Make sure journeys aren’t any longer (or more stressful) than they need to be by investing in a sat nav. It’ll get you where you want to go without any needless detours, bickering over directions or wrestling with oversized maps.

Shop here

Find all the road trip essentials you need for a stress-free journey with children at http://www.ebay.co.uk/rpp/road-trip-getaways