4. Whether you have a daughter, are a daughter, or know a daughter, you may have experienced the painful realm of utis (urinary tract infections). Cranberry juice, alas, never quite seems to do the trick. But ever since my friend introduced me to D-Mannose Powder, I’ve never looked back. It’s a sweet white powder that helps relieve utis from the moment it’s ingested. It can be eaten straight as a powder or dissolved in liquid, the effects are pretty immediate, and we always pack it for our overnights. D-Mannose Powder is available at the Health & Nutrition Center in New Paltz and other local health-food stores. Please consult with your doctor before trying it, though.
5. Glow sticks are lots of fun for all ages, so I always try to include a few packages when we go away. They’re always a hit!
6. To know me is to know how much I love having wet wipes close by. I feel fearless with wipes. My kid drops a 50-cent Burger King vanilla ice cream cone in her lap? No problem, I’ve got wipes. My Mexican Coca-Cola from Mole Mole gets jostled in the car? It’s okay, I’ve got wipes. I keep some in the car, I take a package on hikes and picnics, I have wipes at the movie theater, and they’re great for overnights because I know exactly where they are without disrupting the activity going on or the host. I like the unscented kind with the flip top because it seals better and they last longer.
7. I carry a bottle of disposable foam ear plugs in case my kids are overwhelmed by a loud sound system at a concert or another event. They’re also handy for overnights to block out unfamiliar sounds that can disturb sleep.
8. I bought myself a Thera-Band from Pilates of New Paltz, and I toss it into my overnight bag because it’s so light and easy to pack. This thin strap of rubber helps me stretch out during driving breaks and it inspires gentle morning warm-up stretches even I don’t want to do a regular workout while I’m away.
Erica Chase-Salerno also packs chocolate in her overnight bag but does not always readily share it. She lives in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind HudsonValleyParents.com. She can be reached at [email protected].
