Travel Tips: For Stress-Free Journeys with Kids!
Introducing: Our Whole Big Bag of Things
If you're a parent, you know the struggle of keeping them entertained on the go. That's why I'm excited to share a game-changing hack that's saved me from countless "I’m bored" and "Are we there yet?" questions!
Our secret weapon? A well-packed toiletry bag!
We swear by it for day trips and appointments, earning compliments during Hailey’s recent two-hour clinic visit. It's a game-changer for keeping snacks, toys, and essentials in designated spots. Hang it in front of your child for easy access, and when you reach your destination, repurpose it! Hang it on the back of the door for instant entertainment.
Trust me, this bag stays in our car at ALL times – it is the ultimate travel lifesaver!
Unveiling the Fun Inside
Pro Tip: When it comes to filling the bag, here's a golden rule: don't overthink it! Chances are, you have a treasure trove of options already scattered around your house. If you need some help, I have included a peek at what’s inside our carefully curated “GO Bag” and car organizer below, with clickable titles that will take you directly to Amazon. Simply click on the titles to explore these items further!
Math Link Cubes - Counting and Creating:
Originally purchased for homeschooling, Math Link Cubes have found a dual purpose as building blocks for impromptu creativity. They are so loved that I have purchased this set 8 times! Evan's creations range from car garages for his Hot Wheels to interchangeable superheroes, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our journeys.
Travel Etch a Sketch & LCD Writing Tablet:
A few years back, Evan's swim buddy gifted him a Travel Etch a Sketch, sparking endless hours of backseat fun. Later, a small magnetic travel drawing and an LCD Writing Tablet joined the collection. Recently, Evan has added a personal touch by bringing characters from our audiobooks to life and engaging in countless games of tic-tac-toe.
Guess in 10 :
This year, Evan is diving into the world of Swimming Creatures for Science. Embracing my inner nerd, I turned our car into an impromptu classroom, seizing every mile as a chance to unravel the mysteries of the deep blue. Lively discussions and friendly competition added a splash of fun to our trips. Evan's gastroenterology department inquired about the game at his appointment yesterday and promptly ordered it on Amazon for their own kids' Christmas—talk about making waves in learning and laughter, proving that education and family fun can go hand in fin.
Rush Hour & Kanoodle -
Rush Hour and Kanoodle were both gifts from Evan’s grandparents that landed into our bag of wonders. These puzzle games transform delays into brain-teasing challenges, keeping the whole family engaged.
Fun Erasable Pens - Scribble, Doodle, Repeat:
Quick tip: I learned the hard way that crayons melt, so consider colored pencils, washable markers, and our personal favorites: erasable markers and pens! From doodling to creating impromptu travel journals, these pens add a touch of magic to every mile.
Themed Coloring Sheets - Creative Road Trip Delight:
Download themed coloring sheets for a fun road trip activity. Whether it's holiday themes or thrilling travel adventures, they can keep your little ones captivated. To make them last beyond a single journey, we recommend laminating them and using a dry erase marker for continued creative fun.
Scavenger Hunt - Turn Your Road Trip into an Adventure:
Transform your road trip into an exciting adventure with a checklist of license plates from different states and captivating things to spot along the way. It adds an interactive layer to the journey, making each mile a discovery.
Musical elements:
When boredom starts to creep in, we often hand over the AUX and let the kids take control of the music. They take turns choosing songs, and I always enjoy hearing what is unique selections.
Turn it into a game of its own: One of my fondest memories on a car trip involved trying to identify a distant Disney song heard across the lake at my in-laws. We turned the 45-minute drive into a game of “Name That Disney Tune” with their favorite tracks, sparking laughter and friendly competition. 🎶
Other Items In the Mix:
Magic Color Pads with Markers, Hot Wheels Racing Cars, Miscellaneous fidget spinners, and other tactile toys find a home in our bag, providing the perfect distractions for moments that call for focus and calm.
Snack Variety
Granola Bar: A quick energy boost for those in-between moments.
Nuts and Meat Stick: Packed with protein, offering a satisfying and nutritious snack.
Gummies: A soft and sweet treat to delight the taste buds.
Crunchy Option: Whether it's a rice cake or popcorn, a crunchy snack adds a good crunchy texture to the mix.
Our Most Used Car Sickness Essentials:
Preventive Measures:
Pack ginger candies or ginger ale; ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. Consider essential oils or wristbands designed to alleviate motion sickness. (Mints are my personal favorite, though my little dude disagrees.)
Look Forward:
Have your child look out of the front window to reduce feelings of nausea. Try a game of name that tune or include an audiobook. Keep hands busy with fun fidgets. Create challenges with the math cubes: build a character from two different colors or build something from 12 blocks in 3 different colors, etc.
Some of our favorite audiobooks this year: My Side of the Mountain Series by Jean Craighead George, The Green Ember Series by S. D. Smith, The Vanderbeekers Series by Karina Yan Glasser, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and most recently The Cronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.
Frequent Stops:
Plan breaks for fresh air, minimizing the risk of car sickness. Find a park or a place to walk around. I know this means you’ll get to your destination a bit later, but you’ll be a whole lot happier and cleaner!
Personal Experiences and Solutions:
We keep a roll of paper towels, an old beach towel, an extra full set of clothes, and—yes, you guessed it—extra puke bags (we love the blue ones like they give out at the hospital). Also, include a garbage bag for throwaway items and a gallon zip lock for any dirty clothes if IT happens.
Lastly, Embrace for Impact, Expect the Crazy—it's Bound to Happen
Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, something unexpected occurs. It’s okay, friend, it’s momentary! Let the kids take turns being the DJ, and remember, holiday travel can be a breeze with a bit of preparation and the right tools in your arsenal.
So, there you have it—our tried-and-true guide to turning your family road trips into joyous adventures. Remember, the key is to embrace the unexpected, enjoy the ride, and let the laughter of your little ones be the soundtrack to your journey. Share your own travel tips and experiences in the comments below, and may your holiday travels be filled with happy memories!
Love, Jayna
