How to Guide: Traveling Long Distances with Kids(and keep your sanity) PART 1

We are known to take long trips with the kids, at minimum 3 times a year we go to New Orleans (8hours-9with stops).  We also travel once a month shorter distances 2-4hours. We have become aficionados’ in that department…Sort of….. because one thing we have learned is to let go.

Let go of your expectation to travel in a timely manner. Frequent stops, and unexpected things that occur with children in tow have humbled our sense of timely travel. BE spontaneous, if you see a playground, attraction, from the interstate, take time to stop and explore. Road trips, even if extended are the perfect opportunity to SLOW down and just enjoy the teachable moments! 

We also have resigned ourselves that our van will resemble a rolling trashcan for the duration of the trip. Despite all measures for self cleaning, it never fails we have to purge our rolling home, sanitize and vacuum the car upon arrival to our destination.

In addition, deafening laughter, fighting, or tablet disputes no longer have the same effect that they once did. They have become white nose.

My granola crunchy ideals once swore we never would use tablets or movies to entertain our children…we now cant leave home without it.  Ever.

But here are a few of our suggestions, to ensure you and the kids make it with all the marbles still in your brains.

BEFORE YOU GO

ENDLESS SNACKS

We have tried making travel sandwiches, or stopping for a hot meal and it never fails….they rarely eat meals when on the road.  I am not sure why but small packaged snacks and finger foods always are consumed. Large meals not so much.   You will find 1/2 eaten sandwiches, and prepared food littered in cup holders like a squirrel hording its nuts for a rainy day. I believe it is due to the excitement of getting to the desired destination. Besides, snacks are fun vacation bonuses for kids, even if its healthy options!

TRASH CAN

Put a flip top Tupperware in each row to use to collect snack trash COOLERS

Pack a cooler full of cut up grapes, prepackaged snacks, LOTS of bottled waters (freeze them and use them to cool your cooler instead of ice).  Go easy on the juice boxes, and any sugar filled snacks. You don’t need to put any gas in their tanks when traveling for long distances.  If travelling with multiple children make snack baskets for each row. Announce snack times so they wont ravage the baskets in the first hour.

EMERGENCY POTTY

We made the mistake of not bringing a potty this last trip and it was a huge mistake.  Rest stops are not always predictable, and sometimes the thought of using dirty restrooms for really little ones is disturbing. In addition unbuckling 4 other children from cars seats and hearding them like cats into restroom when only one child has to pee, is a bit much.  Line a potty with plastic bags from the grocery store, alternating with layers of paper towels inside the bags. Pack wipes, bags for disposal and hand sanitizer to go with your emergency potty.

ACCESSIBILITY

When packing the car always be strategic about where you are putting items, so your not spending 30 min  unpacking looking for the diapers, or sandwiches, or bug repellent.  Place items in convient location, such a diaper changing products below in front of the seat of the baby. I know seems self explanatory but we have been the dummies who have unpacked the car looking for that ONE thing we needed. Put the cooler behind your seat if possible so your able to pass off water, or snacks. 

SEPERATE BACKPACKS

If you have multiple children, separating clothes, desired toys, books into their own belonging bags is crucial! I learned this trip from Afarmhousefull. When I first heard of it, I cringed because I thought that it would take up precious room. I used to pack clothes in a giant army bag. But it  made me responsible to separate them and turned out to be a huge mess.  Make kids responsible for their own backpack.

1. Have them gather 2 shorts, 2 shirts, etc Even our 4 year old participates in packing. They get super excited about packing for a trip, and seem to have more personal responsibility for their belongings.
2. Limit toys to 1 favorite thing, or if 3 children can share something like plastic train tracks have them gather them together for the trip. Might want to forgo things with tiny pieces like Legos.
3. Pack like things together: Toiletries, first aide, medications, essential oils, bug repellant(terrasheild is my favorite), I usually keep in the same bag

LAUNDRY

We do 1 load a day on vacation of laundry daily, so we usually choose a facility that has a laundry (most hotels do) or a vacation rental that has a washer and dryer.  Pack a small container of washing pods instead of liquid. *Make sure to bring a roll of quarters for laundry and other incidentals*.

SWIM GEAR: suits, towels, suntan lotion, beach toys are all kept in the same bag.

THINK AHEAD:  If you have a child that frequents ear infections, or asthma attacks bring medications, essential oils, or whatever you use normally use to treat the child. It never fails, we have a kid get sick on  a trip. Make sure to bring insurance cards in the event you had to visit a urgent care.

ON THE ROAD 

CREATE NEW TRADITIONS

Unfortunately children don’t often remember how grand the Grand Tetons were when they are 25, but they will remember the silly things. Like seeking local donut shops out at every major destination. Being able to pick their own 1.00 snack at a gas station for every major road trip. Its the simple things for them.

REST STOPS

When possible, stop at rest stops. A good stretching of the legs to walk in the picnic site setting of rest areas is a welcome break from the confines of the car. 

 

DIFFUSE OILS
We use Balance, Cheer and Serenity oil when traveling! It makes all the difference in the WORLD! And when your feeling lack of energy peppermint oil will wake you up better than a Red Bull!  For more information on essential oils go to Mom’s Saving Grace Oils

I have so may ideas to share….stay tuned for part two where we will address how to find the best rental and fun car games for the road. To follow our travels join us on Instagram at momsavinggrace. What are you favorite traditions or road trip must haves? I would love the hear them below!