The Complete Family Road Trip Packing Checklist

Family taking a selfie before a summer roadtripThe kids are out of school and summer vacation is upon us. Road trip season is in full swing. But before you pile everyone into the vehicle for the excursion, there are a few road trip essentials you should make sure you have on hand. This checklist of what to bring on a road trip will make the trip much easier. So take your trusty vehicle in for routine maintenance and make any necessary arrangements so you can get started on packing all of the road trip must haves. Best of all, you can save with a promo code on your necessities and earn Cash Back at Ebates on your purchases from our easy road trip packing checklist.

  1. Snacks: No road trip is complete without a nice supply of snacks. Just steer clear of chocolate and other meltables that may be destroyed during pit stops.
  2. Water: Keep some extra bottles of water on hand for when stopping isn’t an option.
  3. First Aid: Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit that includes supplies for any number of situations. Be prepared with everything from anti-nausea medicine to band-aids for scrapped knees from roadside adventures.
  4. Hand Sanitizer: This miracle concoction will not only rescue you from questionable bathroom selections but will also help clear up any sticky residue left behind from snacks.
  5. Tissues, Napkins & Baby Wipes: Baby wipes aren’t just for babies. Baby wipes, tissues and napkins are handy for cleaning up messes from the kiddos or from the adults.
  6. Small Cooler: Keep your beverages and other goods cool with a small cooler and a steady refill of ice.
  7. Sandwich Supplies: Ditch the fast food joints and create your own roadside picnics instead. You’ll save money and be able to take in the local scenery at the same time.
  8. Sunscreen: Wherever you end up, you’re going to need broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Don’t forget to reapply often for proper protection.
  9. Sunglasses: Protect your peepers with the proper eyewear so you can take in all of the sights for years to come.
  10. Auto Documents: Make sure you’re prepared with copies of your registration, insurance and roadside assistance contact information.
  11. Hat: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat that provides a nice amount of shade.
  12. Empty Bags & Baggies: Keep trash off your floorboards and protect your valuables from splashes with a good stock of empty bags.
  13. Tickets & Confirmations: Bring along printed copies of all of your tickets and confirmation pages in case there are any mixups.
  14. Coin Purse & Change: There might be many toll roads in your future so plan accordingly. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few extras for smashed penny souvenirs.
  15. Poncho or Umbrella: Plan for the unexpected with rain gear for the whole family. An umbrella can also double as additional sun protection.
  16. Jacket: Account for cooler nights or unexpected cool fronts with jackets for all of your passengers.
  17. Headphones: Headphones allow each passenger to enjoy their own road trip entertainment while the driver can maintain control of the main radio.
  18. Device Cords & Batteries: Your electronic devices are only as good as their battery supply if you forget the power cords. Spare batteries allow you to keep non-rechargeable devices going as well.
  19. Travel Games: Quell boredom with travel-friendly games for the backseat crew.
  20. Children’s Lovies: Pack your children’s favorite toys to fend off complete meltdowns far away from home, especially around bedtime.
  21. Travel Pillow: Enjoy a mobile nap with a comfy travel pillow that will allow you to rest while on the go.
  22. Earplugs & Eye Mask: Whether it’s to curb the sounds of other passengers during a nap or to fend off unfamiliar sights and sounds at your destinations, these items can be very handy.
  23. GPS navigation unit: Don’t rely on cellular reception that can be spotty during road trips. Pick up a stand-alone GPS navigation unit with traffic updates and lifetime maps.
  24. Roadside Safety Kit: Don’t get caught in a difficult situation. An emergency roadside safety kit should definitely make it onto your road trip packing list.
  25. Books: Ditch the digital and grab some old-fashioned bound books for everyone to enjoy.
  26. Music: Your streaming service may not work everywhere and radio selection can be questionable. Bring along some downloaded music or CDs so you can jam out wherever you are.
  27. Camera: Capture all of those memories on a rugged camera that can stand up to all of your adventures.
  28. DVD Player: Fight boredom with a DVD player and some household favorite movies.
  29. Footwear: Whether you’re hiking mountain trails or sandy beaches, make sure you have the proper footwear for the occasion.
  30. Bug Spray: Get rid of pests like mosquitos with bug spray so you can truly enjoy your adventures.
  31. Beach Gear: Last but not least for our road trip list, if you’re hitting the beach, be sure to pack swimsuits, towels and sand toys to enjoy.

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The Best Cyber Monday Deals on Electronics

You won't understand, It's a technology thingOnce you’ve had your fill of turkey and dressing, it’s time to buckle in for all of the holiday deals and savings coming your way. Make this year the one that puts all others to shame with the monumental savings you’ll find at retailers all over. But if long lines and massive crowds aren’t your thing, you can shop from the comfort of your home with incredible online shopping discounts and earn Cash Back at Ebates for the upcoming Cyber Monday.

If electronics deals are at the top of your shopping list (and let’s face it, who doesn’t want the latest electronics around?!) then this guide is for you. Manned with this list of the best Cyber Monday deals around, you will reign supreme this holiday season.

laptopLaptop Deals

This year’s laptop deals are bound to be pretty spectacular. Whether you’re looking for the latest 2-in-1 laptop deals or just want to get a reliable and durable laptop, the holiday season will have plenty of Cyber Monday deals.

Your favorite big box stores, like Best Buy, Staples and OfficeMax, will feature additional savings online. But don’t shy away from the likes of Arrow Direct, where you’ll find the ultimate selection of refurbished laptops that are sure to meet the needs of anyone on your list. You can even customize your gift with a laptop from Dell or Alienware. To bring you the best laptop deals, many stores will offer bundle specials, allowing you to get even more bang for your buck.

TV Deals

Televisions are always a holiday gift hot item, but there’s no need to shop doorbuster sales when the ultimate TV deals can be found through online shopping. Get savings on everything you need for your home entertainment system this Cyber Monday.

Walmart will feature TV deals on hot names like Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Vizio, Sony and more. You’ll even find special savings on surround sound systems and wall mounting hardware so your gifting experience can go to the next level. Overstock won’t disappoint either with deals on 4K Ultra HD televisions, Curved TVs, OLED televisions and even outdoor projection equipment.

Playing video gameVideo Game Deals

Video games are always a favorite amongst kids, teens and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a deal on a new console or the latest video games, you’ll have plenty of special offers to choose from on Cyber Monday. You’ll find savings on the season’s hottest video games, like Rainbow 6 Siege, Just Cause 3 and more. Whether you’re looking for games for portable systems like Nintendo 3DS XL or Playstation Vita, or you want to add to their arsenal of games for Playstation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Wii U, plenty of online retailers will have great Cyber Monday deals.

You’ll find incredible savings on video games when you shop at stores like GameStop, Best Buy and CD Universe. Walmart will be sure to extend their department store savings online, so keep a close eye on savings that keep you out of the cold and the chaos.

Smart Phone Deals

Step up your smart phone game with the latest from the big names in smart phone technology. Whether it’s Android, BlackBerry or Microsoft on the wish list, you’ll find incredible savings and earn Cash Back at Ebates. Best Buy will have fantastic pricing on the latest smart phones on the market.

You can even save directly through cellular providers. You can earn Cash Back at Ebates with the biggest names including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. And don’t worry, Lifeproof and Skullcandy will be able to help you with all of the accessories you need to pair with your smart phone purchase.

WearablesWearable Electronic Deals

Wearable electronics are one of the most popular items on online shopping lists. The tech junkie on your list will get their electronic fix on the go and you’ll save with Cyber Monday electronics coupons for the latest wearable technology. Expect to find savings on smartwatches, fitness trackers, action camcorders and headphones this upcoming Cyber Monday.

The biggest brands in electronics will have plenty of sales available. Best Buy, Crutchfield and Brookstone feature the latest hot brands. Garmin, Fitbit and more will be marked down with fantastic pricing for Cyber Monday deals. Samsung and Microsoft Store will have their own devices with special savings as well.

Camera Deals

If you’re shopping for a photographer, you’re bound to find items like cameras, lenses, lighting kits and flash units on your list. Get Cyber Monday deals on the hottest camera brands like Canon and Olympus, as well as the gear to go with them.

Adorama features deals on everything from simple point and shoot cameras to the finest full frame DSLR cameras on the market. You can save hundreds on camera bodies at Focus Camera and Beach Camera where you’ll also find free shipping offers and rebate options. You can even save on popular Canon products, including bodies and lenses.

kidlaptopKids’ Deals

If kids are the top of your shopping list, there are bound to be plenty of hot electronic toys finding their way to your online shopping cart. Walmart will have plenty of Cyber Monday deals for the kiddos in your life. The Disney Store and Fisher Price will have special savings on toys for kids of all ages. Give great education gifts with Cyber Monday deals from Fat Brain Toys and Marbles: The Brain Store. Turn their special gifts into an educational experience that will brighten their day and lead to hours of entertainment.

Big Kids/Adult Deals

Adults love getting their hands on the latest gadgets and gizmos, just like the kids. Shop for the big kid at heart on your list and save with Cyber Monday electronics coupons. Whether you’re shopping for your spouse, your sibling or your parent, you’re bound to find exactly what you need at unbeatable prices.

Best Buy never disappoints with their great selection of Cyber Monday electronic deals. You’ll find savings on items like GPS navigation devices, Bluetooth speakers, KitchenAid mixers and more. Their deals go quickly though, so be sure to check their list of daily deals regularly throughout the day to get the best savings.

Give the gift of an amped up sound system with audio equipment from Crutchfield or find the latest tech innovations at Brookstone. Whatever the upgrade, big or small, great Cyber Monday deals are to be had.

If you have your heart set on a special item for someone, keep an eye out for the best Cyber Monday electronics coupons to pair with incredible daily deals. When you earn additional savings with Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll find the best Cyber Monday deals and save the most money.

Holiday Gift Guide For Teens & Tweens

Holiday Gift Guide For Teens & Tweens 1

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One of the hardest groups to shop for at the holidays is the tweens and teens. They are no longer children, but they aren’t adults. And of course they are growing up way too fast. Don’t despair, we know that teens and tweens love music and taking pictures, but we’ve covered a few other bases as well.

Instead of stuffing their stockings with gift cards (those are great, but nothing beats unwrapping a present!) we’ve come up with 8 great gifts for those picky tweens and teens. Many of this gifts come with multiple color options, which helps cater to different personalities. Blue headphones, pink cameras, and galaxy shoes show off their individuality.

1. Sparkle Every Day Gift Set in Pink Chiffon (Bath & Body Works) | $15
2. Shutterball (Sears) | $22.99
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera (Adorama) | $73.88
4. Poketti Plushies with a Pocket (Rakuten) | $16.99
5. Quest 41-inch Tribes Pin-kick Tail Longboard (Overstock) | $49
6. Vans Era 59 Cosmic Galaxy Skate Shoe (Journeys) | $54.99
7. Rosewill Portable 8400mhAh External Backup Battery Charger (Newegg) | $19.99
8. Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo HD On-Ear Headphones (Best Buy) | $169.99

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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