Road Trips

In my opinion, taking road trips with your children is an easier, less stressful form of travel. You have the option of carrying whatever you want and whatever you need – liquids included. Your kids can scream to the heavens without inconveniencing anyone else but you and your spouse. Although your travel time may be longer than taking a plane, per se, your average costs will be lower and you will have more control over your travel arrangements. Your only confinement on a family road trip is your imagination. It is a great way to connect with your children, play family games, and explore the landscape as you journey towards your destination.

Here are some tips to ease the strain of taking road trips with young kids:

• If you’re traveling with an infant, leave during either naptime or bedtime.
• Pack your bags the day before when they are either asleep or preoccupied.
• Create a To Do List that will help you get out the door quickly.
• Make sure everything pertaining to car maintenance is done several days before.
• Pack your child’s favorite (non-noisy) toys the night before.
• Carry enough of a variety of visual and audio aids (movies, CDs, video games) for the trip.
• Carry a portable potty, complete with “capture” bags.
• Pack easily accessible snacks and drinks, including plenty of healthy options.
• Do not leave during rush hour.
• Stop every couple of hours to allow them to stretch and run around.
• Take pictures at your rest stop or allow them to take pictures.
• Avoid eating gaseous/high-fiber foods the night before or during your road trip.
• Promise rewards for their cooperation and good behavior.

Activities:

• Reading a story
• Singing songs/Listening to nursery rhymes, classical music
• Identifying people, places, things along the road
• Photographing scenery
• Watching appropriate children’s movies
• Looking at a road map, pointing out destination
• Playing video games
• Playing educational apps on the iPad, iPhone, or iPod

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