There is nothing more exciting than getting in the car for a family getaway. You have worked hard all year and spent countless hours planning this special family time. However, it is the many hours in a car that will push even the strongest of souls to their breaking point! Here are a few tips to help make your next road trip a little more sane:
Travel at night. If the trip is outside your normal driving range, try driving it at night. Forgo the afternoon nap so that by the time you leave, the little ones will be ready to go to sleep for the night.
Dress comfortably. If you are going to travel at night, let the kids wear their pajamas. Also, loose fitting clothes such as athletic shorts or jogging pants are not only comfy, but will make bathroom stops easier! The same goes with shoes, as sandals, slip-ons and flip flops are all much less time consuming than lace up sneakers!
Make stops. Depending on your children’s needs, plan stops to stretch legs, change seats (you have to share the window seat!) and use the restroom. If traveling at night, you may want to plan ahead for these stops since you will be in unfamiliar territory at night!
Pack individual snacks/entertainment. At most dollar stores, you can purchase cheap plastic containers for each child and fill them full of individually wrapped snacks, books, crayons, activity pads, small toys, etc. Each child will get their own travel pack that they are free to use when they want, eliminating the fight over a bag of chips or the green crayon!
Bribery. You are never above bribing good behavior on a road trip. A simple and effective example is to purchase a decent size bag of their favorite candy. Set the rule that every time they misbehave, you get to eat a piece. At the end of the trip, however much is left in the bag is theirs to eat! Not only will they behave, but you will get some road trip snacks along the way, too!
Remember, at the end of this trip, after the countless recitations of “Are we there yet?” and “She is looking at me,” the destination that you have poured your heart and soul into planning is waiting for you and your family. Enjoy!