We are located halfway between my Idaho and California. My grandma lives in California which is about 8 hours from me. My mom lives in Idaho with a lot of other extended family. I am 6 hours from them. This means that we travel a lot to see family. I am very close to my grandma so I try to visit one to times a year with the kids. I travel by myself with the kids since it is impossible for Stoney to take that time off. When traveling, I am very outnumbered. With a little planning, I can survive the trip.

We are leaving to California in 6 weeks. I am blessed that Stoney is going to be making this trip with us. We will be picking up my two stepkids on the way. We are meeting my grandma when we pick them up. We will also be adding extra time in the car with a trip to San Diego for a Christmas surprise for the kids. Six weeks is a long time but with the holidays, it means that I need to start planning now.

Pack a goody bag

Have each of your kids pack a small backpack or tote bag. Include items that will keep them busy. Items that we generally add to the bags include:

• Color Wonder sets. Crayons can melt and can be broken. Crayola Color Wonder markers only mark on the color wonder paper. Perfect for car trips.
• Books. Picture books for the little ones and chapter books for the older kids. Set reading goals for the trip with a surprise at the end.
• Blanket and pillow. I suggest the blankets and pillows in one. It saves space and lets the kids rest comfortably.
• Music player or handheld game. Distract them with something different.
• Homework. If your kids will be missing school, let them catch up during drive times.
• Reading Lights. They have mini reading lights that allow them to have plenty of light without distracting you as you drive.
• Snacks! Don’t pack a lot of drinks but be sure to have some water.

Pack Entertainment

Invest in a DVD player for your kids. It is well worth the price. Get the Redbox app so that you can find different locations to rent movies during your trip.

Be Prepared

Pack your vehicle the night before with everything. Have a full tank of gas. Get to bed early so you can leave early, preferably while it is still dark out. This allows you to get a good amount of your driving done while your kids sleep in the car. Plan out stops. Know where the best places are to stop for gas and bathroom breaks. If you will be traveling more than 5 hours, I recommend planning one big stop. You should choose a spot that allows the kids to run and stretch.

I also asked a few of my awesome friends to share their tips with us. Be sure to check out all of their posts for some great traveling tips.

• Tips for Traveling by Car with Kids
• Flying with a Baby: Six Easy Tips
• Magical Travel Tote of Goodies
• Traveling Tips from A Parenting Production
• Road Trip with Kids Tips
• Tips for Smooth Travel Transitions
• Top Ten Tips for a Family Vacation
• Momnesia Monday: Travel
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Top Ten Travel Tips
• Disney on the Cheap
• Holiday Travel Tips to Save Time & Money
• Importance of Family Vacations
• A letter to family I want to visit

Suz from Not Your Typical Mommy said:

“I always pack a bag for each kid filled with their favorite toys, snacks, etc so while I’m driving I can have the bags on the seat next to me and just hand out things as I drive. No need to make stops. I also bring along card games and a portable DVD. Player for the oldest. I also make sure I have a stack full of pacifiers on hand so when the youngest throws them I can quickly replace it. Also, track your journey online before you go so you know where all the fat food joints with play areas are. And never forget the importance of a lollipop. ”

 

Tania from Pure Natural Diva said:

One thing I always do is visit a local market to stock the room with fresh fruit, healthy snacks, and some food that will work for breakfast. Traveling with young children – it takes the pressure off of getting everyone up and out the door for breakfast. It’s healthier to have fresh fruit and health options on hand, and it will save money! I also always travel with castille soap – it can be used to clean any tools you need to prep the food, while doubling as produce wash if you couldn’t find organic fruit.

I hope you enjoy your next family trip! If you have any additional tips to share, please leave a comment below!