“Who’s ready to hit the road?”
While the kids cheer with excitement, I’d guess most parents have a more reserved level of thrill. I mean, family road trips can be fun, but parents know there can be whining, dead technology, sibling bickering, and a hefty dose of “Are we there yet?”
I wouldn’t yet call myself a road trip expert, but I have traveled a fair amount by car with five kids. Lots of five-hour trips, a few 10ish hour ones, and one epic 35-hour trek over the course of four days. On those adventures, I’ve learned a thing or two about long road trips and I can’t wait to instill you with some confidence to embark on your own travels.
Lower your expectations
Stop often
As front seat passengers, we can wiggle and adjust quite a bit more than little ones who are strapped into car seats. Plan to get out of the car every two hours for 15 to 30 minutes.
Milk naptime
But, with that said, if kids are asleep — keep going!
Make it cozy
To sleep in the car, my youngest desperately needs a blanket and stuffed animal. It seems extra to pack these things along, but he snoozes great when he has them so we pack everything he needs to be cozy. My big kids like to bring a small travel pillow to make car naps more comfortable.
Lots and lots of snacks
We’ve established some road trip-only snacks and that makes my kids excited to hop in the car and be on their best behavior. For us, it’s Pringles and chocolate cat cookies from Trader Joe’s, but you can pick whatever special treat that will excite your troops. Then, pack lots and lots of extra snacks. There’s nothin’ like a little nibblin’ to enjoy the miles. Don’t forget something special for you, too!
Consider a red-eye drive
You’ve all heard of red-eye flights, well, a red-eye drive is an option, especially, when you have two drivers. Put the kids in pajamas and load up in the car an hour or two hour before bedtime. Let them watch a movie or listen to an audiobook and at the two-hour mark, stop for the final bathroom break of the day. Then, it’s “lights out.” Clock the miles in the wee hours and the littles wake up at or much closer to your destination. Of course, be sure drivers get ample rest time on the road or a solid nap once you arrive.
Say yes to technology
Lots of families aim to be low or no screens these days, but a long road trip is the perfect time to say yes to technology. We have an old Nintendo DS that only comes on road trips and my boys look forward to it like no other. Consider borrowing or buying a portable DVD player, queuing up an iPad with pre-downloaded movies, or getting a Yoto Player for little ones who would enjoy music or a story on the road.
