Oh my, where do I even start. By now, we've taken the kiddos on a few trips and I've learned a few things along the way. Whether it's a short camping trip, traveling several hours to see family, or a trip half-way across the country, I've compiled some trips for you.
For the first trip I recommend a shorter practice type run. We chose to go on a camping trip about an hour away, that way worse case scenario home wasn't too far. If you're going camping, make sure you bring the basic sunscreen and bug repellent (they make some excellent deet free kind you can pick up at Sprouts, or natural type stores). You can buy kid sized camping chairs and even little head lamps that are fun for them at night. Try and get somewhere near the shade to get them out of the sun for a bit.
Traveling Tips:
1. Make a list of must haves for your childs specific needs (medicines, etc)
2. Snacks, LOTS OF SNACKS! This is important because hungry children in a car are never a good time.
3. A cooler full of drinks. People tend to get dehydrated on long trips so make sure to have water on hand.
4. You can save money by packing lunches to have along the way, and it saves time so you don't have to stop somewhere.
5. Run to the dollar store and grab some cheap toys that will be new to them and keep them entertained (we grabbed a little doodler and some other random toys).
6. My favorite item to have on hand is a cookie sheet for each child. Doesn't need to be anything special and is so useful! They can use it as a tray to eat their lunch on, hold coloring book and other toys. I bought my kids some magnets and they used them to cling on the cookie tray.
7. If your kids are potty training go on Amazon, they have potty chairs that you can use right in the car. They come with disposable bags. So if you're kids don't like gas station bathrooms, or you just can't make it to a place in time, these are very handy. https://www.amazon.com/Potette-Training-Toddler-Travel-Toilet/dp/B0187ZQWSI/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522095554&sr=8-6&keywords=travel+potty+chair+for+toddler&dpID=61Bq5rLIKTL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
8. Of course there are always books and electronic devices for trips (but I keep the electronics for a last resort).
9. Plan out your route ahead of time, searching in the middle of the night for a place to stay is stressful. Know that it will always take longer when traveling with kids.
10. No matter what there will always be the unexpected. Try not to be in a rush and make the trip more of a memory.
11. If possible stop along the way at fun places to get out and stretch everyone's legs. We found every 4 hours or so worked best for our family.
Remember, depending on the age it can be hard on kids. To be on the safe side I would expect them to not be quite themselves when they get there (if it's been a long journey). They may be rambunctious when you finally arrive and guessing that their schedule is off don't expect them to be on their best behavior (especially if there are time changes). This is all new for them. My girls did great when we split up a 10 hour trip into two 5 hour days. Anything more then that and it was a little chaotic. Get me out of this seat mom!! If they aren't quite themselves I would say that's normal and just enjoy your time together.
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