Going anywhere with little kids is a challenge, but going on a road trip with them can be even more hectic. Having a four-year-old and two-year-old, I have learned a thing or two about mastering the art of car travel with littles. Or, attempting to anyway.
Here are five tricks I’ve learned that have helped make our family road trips a bit smoother, and I hope they help you as well.
1. Be flexible
Just when you think you have it all planned, think again. Things change; plans change. The snacks you packed are no longer their favorites. The toys you thought they wanted to play with they don’t. It happens. This means we have to be flexible and know everything you prepped for may go out the window. Being flexible will lead to a more pleasant trip. The less stress, the better!
2. Work together with your travel partner
If you’re taking a family road trip, you’re most likely going to have a spouse, grandparent, or another adult with you. Lean on your travel companion for guidance and support. Need a break from driving or being the snack passer? Swap out. When the fits are fitting, don’t take your stress out on your partner, be a team and remember that the whole way.
3. Snacks
Snacks are the basis of all car travel (if you do not allow food in the car this one may not be for you!). My latest car trick has been to pack an entire bucket with a variety of snacks. This makes it easy for me or my husband to grab when traveling. It also allows me to reach back from the passenger seat to pass them back. I also am able to see all of the snack options versus throwing them all in a bag.
4. Prepare for meals
If you are traveling through mealtime prepare what you will be doing for meals ahead of time. This can be done in two ways, stopping to get something on the road or packing the meal ahead of time. This depends on your child, and how much time you have before you hit the road. I love packing my Bento Boxes with their favorite meals and snacks. I also love using the Bento Boxes because it makes meals more exciting and less like the routine of meals at home on a normal plate. If your toddler will eat any food on the go you can always stop somewhere too. Again, it all comes down to knowing your toddler and what will work best for your family.
5. Activities
Let’s be honest, sitting in the car for any amount of time is tough at any age, so providing engaging and new activities can go a long way. I have a storage bin with items and activities specifically for travel and they come out for road trips then get put away so each time they reappear for trips it seems like they are brand new toys. I also love visiting the local Dollar Tree or Target Dollar Spot for quick fidget toys and any other fun things that my kids would like.
By doing all of these things, you may or may not have a more successful road trip, but at least you can say you tried! If you have a hard time on a road trip, remember it won’t last forever and we have all been there (also ear plugs go a long way!). Happy road tripping!
