Road Trip Hacks that Make You Want to Leave Yesterday
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It's time to hit the road and see the world! Where will you be heading? There are so many beautiful and awe-inspiring spots to see in this world. Thank goodness we can hop in the car and see so many while traveling to another fun location. Worried about your sanity along the way? Read How to Keep Your Sanity While Traveling with Kids combined with these 5 tips and you're going to have a great time.
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Whether you are traveling for 5 hours or 3 days, there are a few things that are must. They make life easier and road trips happy memories instead of whiney nuisances. Before you hit the open road, read on:
Keep The Claw in Your Vehicle
Hands down one of the best things you can do is pick up a claw toy for your vehicle, especially if you have smaller children. When someone drops something, you will actually be able to reach it without becoming a contortionist! You parents of small children know what I'm talking about- dropping the sippy cup is not a fun game. We've loved it so much it's now permanently in our car. Other reasons to use the claw in the car: playing with a child that is ready to be out already, handing out snacks, and picking up that gross piece of trash.
Pack Snacks by Day Separately
You have probably already divided up food by days but take it a step further and divide up all the snacks by day. What happens on road trips is kids get bored then start asking for snacks to fill the boredom. Skip the boredom eating and ration smartly for each day. Put enough snacks to get through your next destination in one bag. Put the other days of snacks in the trunk. The bags I packed above had more than enough for the seven of us.
REMEMBER to pack snacks for Mom and Dad too! I always forget so last time I made a separate bag for us. It was a lifesaver! Whenever I put my snacks in with the kids, they always eat them. This time I was a happy driver and they had plenty for themselves too. We like to hand out snacks at a set time. They can eat them right away or save them for later but this way, they are more likely to eat because they are hungry, not because they are bored. Remember to pack healthy snacks! It is so easy to get your digestive system out of whack simply because you are traveling. Pack some dried fruit and fiber granola bars with the fun stuff. One of my favorites is one of those bagged salads. I can mix everything in the bag and eat it with a plastic fork.
Plan Screen-Free Activities
Don't turn your children into zombies in the car. Mix your electronics up with interactive activities- you want everyone to be able to hop out of the car and enjoy your next destination. We are big fans of activity books- they can be interactive or great for some quieter car time (see our favorite activity books). I also like this Road Trip Adventure in a Box idea from The Dating Divas. Plan out the activities based on the distance you travel. Bringing out a new little thing every now and then really refreshes everyone. We've traveled for 3 days straight with only 1 movie a day and 1/2 hour playing time each on the iPad. The kids did amazing AND had a great time. Part of the fun is seeing all the sites along the way! However, if you don't have some sort of plan, you will regret it later. When you are ready for a movie remember you can rent a Redbox in one state and return in another.
Consider audiobooks before you try a movie
While audiobooks still have you listening to something, your children have to use their imagination for the imagery. You can try Audible but I love Deseret Bookshelf PLUS for unlimited access to LDS audio and ebooks. See what books my family likes to listen to or let me hook you up with a 30-day free trial now.
Pick Up Postcards On the Way
One easy way to make sure you keep those family road trip memories is by picking up postcards wherever you go. Kids love buying postcards and they are usually some great images that you can’t get on your own. Plus postcards are still, for the most part, pretty cheap. While in the car to your next destination, take a few minutes and get everyone to write down some memories on the back. When you get home, stick them in a photo book and add some of your own photos and poof! Your road trip scrapbook is already done! Get more tips for your postcard memories.
Bring on the Vacay Bucks
Vacay bucks are a way your kids can earn money towards souvenirs, treats, or whatever else they want to spend their money on while on vacation. It's a great way to stay within budget while on vacation as well as give your children more responsibility. You no longer have to be the one that says no to a souvenir because they are in control of their money. Set a max amount they can earn so it stays within your budget as well. Because Vacay Bucks are for vacation, I'm more generous in giving them out which makes my kids even more motivated to earn to them. Print your own and learn how your kids can earn their Vacay Bucks.
Bonus Tip: Let's Talk Hotels
There are some hotels that provide hors d'oeuvre and light dinners in addition to breakfast. When you've been traveling in a car all day, it is heaven. You don't have to worry about anything! We love Staybridge Suites for this reason plus they have great comfortable rooms for big families. Call ahead to check out the menu and what times they serve dinner to plan accordingly. Plus Staybridge Suites have kitchen areas so even if you miss the hors d'oeuvres you can still cook something up and relax in your room. Yes, make reservations. Nothing is worse than pulling into a hotel exhausted only to find that they are fully booked. Plan ahead and get some reward points and extra offers in addition to savings while you're at it. Try booking through Swagbucks to earn extra gift cards for Christmas.
