There are some things that you may know or want to be reminded of before you go on your next road trip. We listed a few tips to help your trip be enjoyable.
- Allow your kids to pack a backpack with some of their favorite things like toys, snacks, coloring books, sippy cup, etc.
- Carry hand sanitizer and wet wipes for unexpected incidents.
- Make frequent bathroom breaks.
- Always be prepared, pack clothes whether you are traveling short or long distances.
- Engage in a game with your kids like looking for license plates from different states.
- Make sure they have their favorite form of entertainment.
- Make sure the ride is comfortable. For example, if you can choose or rent a vehicle that is more family-friendly, that can help the trip be a smooth ride.
Here are some additional tips from BabyCenter:
If you're traveling with a baby, plan mealtimes for when your baby is awake and alert, and choose baby-friendly locations. If weather permits, it's more relaxing to let your baby roll around on a blanket at a park or rest stop than to try to keep her quiet in a restaurant.
If you're traveling with toddlers and older kids, search for kid-friendly restaurants with your phone or tablet. Look for a restaurant with an outdoor area, where kids can play and color the menus. Bring along toys to entertain your little one or play games such as "I Spy."
Toddlers love sticker books, magnetic storyboards, drawing boards, and other toys that don't involve lots of small pieces or make a gooey mess. A baking sheet can be used to play with magnets and doubles as a playing surface so crayons and toy cars don't easily roll and slide away.
If you're traveling with older kids, try audiobooks or download free stories from StoryNory. Cracker Barrel, the nationwide chain of 600 restaurants and stores, offers an audiobook rental program. Here's how it works: Rent an audiobook at any Cracker Barrel location and when you finish it, return the book to any Cracker Barrel. The purchase price minus a nominal weekly rental fee will be refunded.
A travel journal can keep kids busy and capture memories of your family trip. Give each child a notebook and washable crayons or markers. You could even pack a glue stick or double-sided tape for adding postcards, ticket stubs, and other mementos from your trip.
These tips came directly from BabyCenter’s Road trips survival guide.
