How do you usually survive road trips with your kids and pets? If yours are anything like mine, they might consist of chaos topped with a good serving of whining and a sprinkle of sticky interiors; reason why I had to gather some advice from pro moms to get my road trip situation under control. After acquiring all of this great advice, I wanted to share the good stuff with all of you.
First of all, be prepared for everything. And for this, you have to be hyper-organized.
Tip #1: Buy a bunch of $1 games and toys at the dollar section of the super market or at the dollar store.
Tip #2: Pack items in different bags for easy access. For example, one bag for books, one for videogames, one for coloring books and crayons (by the way, get washable crayons and avoid any coloring stains), one for DVDs, one for snacks, etc. You get the idea.
Tip #3: Pack small snack bags for each child. That way you’ll reduce the chances of having food spilled all over the car and avoid fights.
Tip #4: Bring bottled water instead of juices and sodas. Juices and sodas have the potential to make a very sticky mess out of your car.
Tip #5: Don’t over hydrate your passengers so you don’t have be making bathroom stops every hour.
Tip #6: If the drive is really long, I would suggest dividing it into two days and enjoy one night at a hotel with a pool and such so your kids can get some excitement while on the road.
Tip #7: Teenagers – why not encourage them to make a fun project out of the trip. Something like taking photos and creating a video when you get back home.
Tip #8: You want your pet to feel good too. Bring his pad/blanket/pillow so he feels comfortable, and pack their favorite treats and toy.
Tip #9: Bring baby wipes – they clean everything! (Well, almost)
Tip #10: Get some exercise during your stops. Get yourself and your kids running and jumping while at a restroom stop to get the blood flowing and release some of that stored energy.
I hope these few tips will help you keep your sanity on your next family road trip. The only thing that we’re missing now is a new Honda Odyssey or Honda Pilot to make the trip ultra comfortable!
Tags: honda odyssey austin, Honda Pilot Austin, how to survive a road trip with kids and pets
