Traveling with kids is rarely a vacation- most parents will agree it’s a trip. Check out some tips to make it a good trip, at least.
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I’m gearing up for a long road trip with my four year old. I’ll be honest, she’s a pretty great traveler so I’m not panicking, but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. We’re no strangers to road trips and long flights, so I feel confident sharing our go-to travel tips.
- Keep the snacks coming. Snacks keep everyone happy- kids, the driver, the person who get their wallet out at every gas station. Pack a snack bag and fill it with yummy treats! (We like pretzel rods, Twizzlers, and Pringles!)
- Add some small new toys to the kids’ bags. Bonus points for wrapping them up! Let your kids open a new toy every two hours or 100 miles. Space it out and make it fun!
- Play road trip bingo. If your kids can’t read yet, have them look for a green sign, a cow, or a red car. First one to find it gets a mini candy bar! If you kids are older, teach them the license plate game!
- Bring along an audiobook or download a kid-centric podcast.
- Give in to screens. I’ll be honest, we don’t allow our daughter to use an iPad at home, but if we’re in the car for more than 2 hours, she gets to watch some shows on our family tablet. It’s a special treat for her and a much-needed break for us. Don’t be a hero- pick your battles.
When our daughter was younger (under three years old), we avoided screens. We didn’t necessarily have a reason, but she was content to entertain herself and color, play with toys, or look out the window and sleep. The best thing we ever brought along on a trip during that age? A colorful slinky from the dollar store. It kept her entertained for HOURS. Give a try. You’re welcome in advance!
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Audrey Mattevi, Reporting