The minivan makes an excellent family travel vehicle. Road trips can be enhanced and made much easier with a few accessories to assist and entertain.
Before you hit the road in that minivan, consider upgrading with some of these great minivan accessories:
GPS unit - Ditch those retro (and annoying) folding maps. A GPS unit allows you to always know where you are, and how long it will take to get to your destination. Sophisticated units also come with a database of the nearest stops (like Wal-marts, Starbucks and gas stations).
Minivan tent - A minivan is no RV, by any means, but you can take advantage of some minivan space by getting a minivan tent fitted for your model. Tents on Trucks sells large family tents designed to fit on several minivan models.
Car cooler and warmer - This is especially helpful on longer trips. This cooler and warmer is electrical and portable, and allows you to take fresh, healthy snacks along on your next trip.
DVD player - I can hardly think of a minivan accessory that offers more peace (and avoids more bored-kid-fighting incidents) than a minivan DVD player. You can buy units that attach to the backs of headrests, or even find after-market built-in DVD player.
Satellite radio - One of the most annoying things about roadtrips is that, just as you find a radio station you like, you lose it. The wonderful thing about satellite radios is the stations stay the same as you travel. You can get a satellite radio and service from XM or Sirius.
Minivan roof rack - Minivans are great for trips since they hold so many people, but they don't really hold that much stuff. That's OK. Keep your people and stuff separate (and buy lots more room) by getting a roof rack and rooftop carriers. You don't have to limit yourself to putting luggage up top. In fact, you can find roof carriers for bicycles, skis, kayaks and surfboards.
Electric car blanket - For helping passengers get cozy and nap along the way, consider a handy electric car blanket, which plugs right into your minivan's lighter.
iPod mounting system - Bringing an iPod is a great way to customize your roadtrip's soundtrack. This iPod mounting system not only charges and plays your iPod music, but it also allows you to play downloaded videos and movies on your built-in DVD system.
The copyright of the article Minivan Accessories for Travel in Family Adventures is owned by Kelby Carr. Permission to republish Minivan Accessories for Travel in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Oct 20, 2006 2:37 PM
Jennifer W. Miner :
Great article! I especially like the idea of a GPS installed; not much worse that getting hopelessly lost, with a few kids in the back that all have to pee. :) Jen
