How To Have A Happy Road Trip with Kids
Let's face it, road trips with kids can be tough. But there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. With a little planning and some creativity, you can turn your car into a rolling party that will make even the longest trip seem like a breeze. Here are our top tips for having a happy road trip with
Let's face it, road trips with kids can be tough. But there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. With a little planning and some creativity, you can turn your car into a rolling party that will make even the longest trip seem like a breeze. Here are our top tips for having a happy road trip with kids.
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How To Have A Happy Road Trip with Kids
First, if you are thinking about taking a long road trip with kids, do not frustrate yourself any more than you have to. For example, if your trip is 12 hours, and you know that the kids will not make those long hours, find a mid- point. Try to arrive around late afternoon, which is usually around the average check- in time. Get settled in and go explore. Have a nice dinner and a good rest. You may be spending a few dollars more, but trust me, it will be worth it. Plus, you will be able to discover an area you may have never thought of before.
Here also is an extra tip...if you do this, just pack 1 or 2 small bags with a change of clothes, pajamas, etc. This way, you do not have to unpack the entire car for just one night. Looking for rates, can be sometimes frustrating.
Use HotelsCombined. They will give you every low rate from all different sites. I always book my hotel stays with them, and they have saved me so much money. Check it out below to see for yourself!
Having an easy road trip with kids depends on the planning. Kids get bored...quickly! Have each child pack 1 bag. The older children can make sure they have phones, games, chargers, etc. The younger children, their favorite toy, stuffed animal, books, and what I love to pack is Crayola Color Wonders. They allow the child to color without the parents worrying about their seats getting ruined from markers or melted crayons. There are different variations depending on the child's age.
To avoid hearing those famous last words, 'I;m hungry, I'm thirsty!', pack a cooler with drinks and snacks. I always pack the mini bottles of water. This way, you do not have half used water bottles all over the car. For snacks, I love Gary's popcorn, especially if you are traveling with older children. They can pick their favorite flavors and it makes the trip special. I also like to pack nutritious snacks that will make them feel full. One of my favorite combinations is 2 boiled eggs, grapes, cheese, and crackers. I place them in Disposaware To Go Containters. I love these, they are reusable, but you can throw them away on your trip too. They are also easy to stack in a hotel refrigerator.
Talking about throwing things away...I can't stress this enough...YOU MUST HAVE A TRASH CAN IN YOUR VEHICLE! I love The High Road Stashaway Car Seat Back Organizer & Trash Station. It enables you to have a close able trash lid while having other compartments for storing other things. I always keep bug repellent, sun screen, hand sanitizer, and hand wipes in mine. Here is also another tip, keep at least 5 other trash bags folded underneath the one you are using. When you stop to get gas, take the trash bag that has been used, and throw it away in one of the trash bins. Then take one of the unused bags to replace it. This helps to keep your car clean. For more tips on how to keep your car clean while traveling with kids read HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR CLEAN ON A ROAD TRIP WITH KIDS.
On your road trip with kids, at one point, everyone will need to use the bathroom. Instead of stopping at a rest area, go to a supermarket, convenience store, etc. You won't have to worry about large crowd and you will be avoiding the asking of food from their restaurant chains. However, if you do need to stop for lunch or dinner, don't use a rest area to get your meals. They are higher priced, and more so than not, unhealthy. Make it a point to stop at a restaurant. Everyone will appreciate a decent meal and the driver deserves a well needed break too.
If you make a stop, especially at a restaurant. always make sure that everyone has a sweater or light jacket to take with them. As you travel on a road trip with kids, the weather can change. It is also usually cold in the restaurants. Avoid hearing, I'm Cold, while you are trying to relax! This Family Travels sweatshirts are fabulous for traveling; it also makes the trip special when you get one for each member for the family!
If your destination is to the beach or a lake, these 2 essentials are a must. And believe it or not, it effects that road trip with kids back home. The first essential is Sand-Off. This literally will get all the sand off without having to use any type of outside shower. Otherwise you will be driving home with half the beach with you! It is great for sandboxes too!
The other is the OUSPT Sand Free Picnic Outdoor Mat. This is fabulous to take to the beach, lake, or even for a picnic. Crumbs fall right off of this mat...but so does water too! No use in having a wet mat that can smell and will take more room coming home with you on your road trip with kids.
Last, but certainly not least, mothers should have a really good bag while on a road trip with kids. You are the one who carries everything, from brochures to souvenirs. The 3-in-1 convertible backpack is what you want! You can use this bag as a backpack, crossbody, or even just use the wristlet when going to dinner. The best part, besides all the different ways you can use this bag, is the RFID. This protects you from others stealing your information, like credit card numbers, etc. This actually happened to me while traveling...they can get your numbers just being in line at a coffee shop! This bag is totally worth it!
