We are on day 5 of a big cross-country road trip! So far, things are going really well. We are all a little tired, but the benefit of that is the kids are resting pretty quietly. I spent a lot of time worrying, planning, and organizing for this trip, so I'll share some of my tips with you.
What is working well :
- Audiobooks. We downloaded Redwall, by Brian Jacques, and that has kept all of us entertained for several hours each day. I have the Magic Tree house books too, which the kids enjoy.
- Dollar store cache of prizes. I picked up a bunch of little toys and sticker books, and the kids know that resting quietly in the morning will earn them a new surprise in the afternoon when we reach the next state. Having a new activity gets them through the fussy, fidgeting part of the afternoon.
- Celebrating each state and border crossing. The kids don't know much about geography, but they like hearing about each state and knowing when we get to the next one.
- Pre-packaged snacks. I saved a lot of space and hassle by making little baggies of favorite snacks like pretzels, crackers, baby carrots, trail mix, yogurt raisins, etc. I also pre-filled the baby's snack containers with Cheerios and goldfish. So when the kids are hungry, I can literally throw food at them.
- Stay on schedule. Not just your travel plans, but their eating schedule too. Be prepared for them to be hungry for morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner at predictable times. Remember to adjust as you cross time zones.
- Use a 'No throw' strap for the baby's toys or cup, so things don't end up all over the car where no one can reach them. Also, buckle baby's sleeping blanket in the seat.
- Refillable water bottles for each kid. These can be refilled for free at most rest stops, or even in a bathroom if needed. Keep everyone hydrated!
- Keep essentials handy. I have a place for everything, so from my passanger seat I can reach the snacks, the cooler, the surprise toys, my purse, our trip receipt bag, the DVDs, a book, baby wipes, our little trash bag, and the baby's carseat. I spend a lot of time turning around, so having things comfortably in reach is important. I also have easy access to the diaper bag to make changes at rest stops.
- Backpack of activities for each child. They all have a different selection of books, toys, drawing activities, travel games, and stuffed animals. So far, they have done well sharing and entertaining themselves without many car games.
- Blankets and pillows for all the kids to get comfortable. If they no longer have a back to their car seat, consider a travel pillow that wraps around the neck so they have something to lean on.
- DVD. Our new car has a DVD player, which is awesome to give 1-2 hours of relative quiet each day. Our kids don't sleep when a movie is on, so we don't play one until after nap time.
- Car-friendly food. I had to choose snacks and sandwiches that wouldn't create a lot of crumbs, smears, or stains. So, no Oreos, cheese puffs, or peanut butter.
- Sleeping in different locations. If we have a long day of driving (9 hours), we stay at a hotel or a friend's house. This is a god chance to do laundry, take showers, and restock food. But then we follow the hotel stay with a shorter drive (6 hours), and camping at a campground. At the end of the day, if the kids can run around for an hour at a playground or swim in a pool, then they sleep pretty well.
- Packing a lunch. Some stretches of road are fairly empty, and rest stops can be unpredictable. Just having bread and fruit in the car, and lunch meat and cheese in the cooler can make for a cheap and convenient lunch.
What isn't working :
- Getting enough sleep. Camping is tiring for the parents, so being patient and almost during long drives is becoming more challenging. But at least husband and I can take shifts to break up the long stretches.
- Crying baby. The poor baby needs more attention and time out of her car seat. I give her lots of snacks and toys, and sometimes just rub her cheek, but she still spends HOURS a day whining.
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