Top 5 Family Vacation Travel Accessories

If there's one thing we've learned from Clark W. Griswold, it's that family vacations can be great, as long as everything runs smoothly…but it never does. So, whether you're looking for something to hold it all together or something to take your mind off of it when it all falls apart, here are 5 must-have car accessories you shouldn't leave home without.

The one thing no vacation is complete without is music. And, if you're driving, that means one of two things: an expensive new sound system or an iPod car adapter. An iPod car adapter allows you to take your entire collection on the road by plugging into your car stereo in one of two easy ways. The first, a simulated cassette, attaches to your iPod through a thin cable, playing digital quality music as though it were a tape. But if you're looking for a little more sophistication (and a few less wires), you can get the same effect from a small FM radio transmitter that broadcasts the signal from your iPod straight into your car's antenna—just like listening to the radio, only it's your playlist.

The road can get long and, with kids, even longer still. Keep them entertained with a headrest monitor. Most feature a 9" LCD screen that offers a crystal clear picture and a wide range of input options, even allowing the tike to plug in portable video games. Most systems feature monitors that work independently of one another, eliminating the endless bickering over whose turn it is to watch what. Plus, headrest monitors can be installed at home and feature a classy, tech-savvy appearance that won't leave your vehicle looking like a daycare on wheels.

Many headrest monitors feature built-in car DVD players, minimizing the number of outlets required for operation and freeing up much-needed space for cargo, with wiring tucked neatly away behind the headrest post. Car DVD players aren't like the dinosaurs you have at home. They feature state-of-the-art touch-screen controls, allowing your backseat passengers to swap discs without leaving the safety of their seat belt or car seat.

Jumping in and out of the car on a long trip can get messy, especially when using roadside gas station restrooms. Prevent mud, grease and anything worse from ruining your floorboards with a set of high-quality floor mats. They're constructed from rubberized thermo-plastic and other durable materials, making them a snap to yank out and hose off when they become soiled—sure beats the tedious and time-consuming process of trying to clean up your actual interior. Plus, some models even feature tall outer ridges for containing minor spills and mud.

Even though you're keeping up with traffic, you still have to be mindful of your speed…or at least mindful of those watching your speed for you. With an Escort radar detector, you achieve maximum protection with 360° detection, alerting you to radar and laser signals emitted from every direction. Escort radar detectors are often credited for creating the radar detector market and have been awarded more patents in the field than all other radar detector manufacturers combined.

Save gas. It's more than just a socially-conscious slogan, it's a necessity. One of the most effective gas saving devices you'll ever find is a performance exhaust system. It features pipes with a wider diameter, allowing the engine to breathe easier, maximizing exhaust flow and creating an overall efficiency that translates to a greater fuel economy—something you're sure to notice on a long trip. Another small accessory that can provide some serious savings at the pump is a tire pressure gauge. By maintaining proper tire pressure, your vehicle runs more efficiently while preserving tread and the overall life of your tires.

Car DVD players, an iPod car adapter and an Escort radar detector can keep the troops happy (the ones in the backseat as well as the ones lying in wait at the side of the road), making your next family vacation one to remember.

Family Travel Accessories