How to Road Trip with Little Kids
Hey, friends! As you know, Liam and I have taken a number of road trips together, just the two of us. Some folks think I am absolutely crazy carrying a little kid all around by myself, but our trips have been so much fun – and safe. We have made so many memories in just 2 years (I didn’t start taking him until he was 2). He had already traveled to 10 states by 3 years old. I plan to continue this tradition as long as I can.
Today I wanted to share with you how I pre-plan as much as I can to ensure our trips are safe and successful. I hope some of these tips will help you and encourage you to hit the road with your kiddos!
Road trips are a fun and economical way for families to travel. Yet, when you throw toddlers into the mix, they can turn into miserable experiences for everyone. It IS possible to have a good time on the road with your toddler. You just need to be prepared and plan ahead. Use these easy tips for successful road trips with toddlers to have a blast on your next vacation!
PACK FOR SUCCESS
When you start packing for your trip, think through the actual road trip part of it. What items will you need in the car? Will you be stopping for the night before reaching your final destination? Are you going to stop for meals or eat in the car? How many hours will you be in the car at a time?
Pack your bags and place them in the car with these things in mind. You want to make sure that when your toddler needs something, it is within easy reach.
Pro Tip: Pack your car so you have what you need when you need it without any hassle.
PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT
When kids get bored, they become difficult. This increases dynamically with toddlers. To prevent this during your road trip, keep them entertained in the car.
Pack some of their favorite toys, both electronic and non-electronic, to play with while on the road. Be sure to bring more than you think they will need in case they get bored easily.
Pro Tip: Have plenty of toys and games in the car to keep kids entertained while on the road.
HAVE PLENTY OF SNACKS
Snacks can work magic. They can take your little ones from the brink of a meltdown to an entirely new place. And one of the fun things about a long road trip is eating snacks!
Pro Tip: Pack plenty of your family’s favorite snacks to keep the “hanger” away.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Timing is everything in life and on road trips. Pay careful attention to weather for the time of year you want to travel. Do you prefer seeing your destination during a certain season? Will traffic or toll roads be an issue?
Pro Tip: Time your driving to avoid traffic and schedule in potty breaks and food stops.
RELAX AND HAVE FUN
Just have fun! The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your toddler will be. Trust your planning and feel confident in your decisions. Let the chips fall where they may. Remember, you are creating memories with your toddler, and that’s ALL that really matters!
Pro Tip: Have fun and your family will too.
I hope some of these tips encourage you to hit the road with your littles and make those memories!
Tell me, if you could take your child anywhere, where would you go?
