Road Trip Season

The approach of summer means it's time to shake off the cabin fever, clean out the cooler, and hit the road for travels both near and far.

It's road trip season!

Every spring I start planning a dozen or more trips around my wife's summer schedule, which is pretty much set in stone by March. If something comes up at the last minute, well, too bad. We'll be missing my brother-in-law's wedding next month. That's what happens when you only give us five week's notice.

In the spring I also start looking at new gear for our trips. Like any good dad, I'm attracted to all the gadgets and gizmos that hold the promise of easier travels.

Recently I discovered a great online store that specializes in family travel gear. In fact, it's actually called Family Travel Gear. They're a family-run business, based in Colorado, that believes in high-quality, reasonably-priced products. Basically, it's a very cool place to browse for road trip essentials.

We picked up one very helpful item for my daughter -- the Snack and Play Travel Tray is a completely padded lap tray that buckles around the child so it's safe and secure. My daughter loved it for the simple reason that she likes to draw and this tray gives her a sturdy flat area to spread out her books and papers. I highly recommend this product!

I'm eyeing a couple of other items on their site, such as the Whale Beach Bag and the Trashstand Floor Litter Bag. Those would both definitely come in handy this summer.

Anyway, check the store out. Maybe you'll find something to make your road trip more fun (and take your mind off the high price of gas).