Pick the perfect destination
Finding a place where the whole family can have a great time is tricky sometimes. Especially if you have older kids. Pick somewhere you can make memories. That's not always going to be the most expensive place, the place that's on the commercials, or the place the furthest from home.
Map (phone or other devices)
I use google maps. It takes us on a lot of cool rides and usually around all of the cities to make better timing. I can pick my route if there is more than one.
Don't forget the games for the kids (laptops, iPads, anything digital)
Games and traveling are awesome and pretty much messless. That's a definite bonus when it comes to traveling. Really, you don't want to add more stress by having to clean a bunch later.
I just got to review an awesome Stylus that has apps! THis is perfect for being in the car or anywhere if you want to check it out- Doodling Made Easy With Coco Color Stylus and Apps. It's a stylus that is made for coloring on touch screen devices. It takes the place of a pen, pencil, paintbrush, and marker all in 48 colors! With no cleanup!! I love this thing.
So, let's get going!!
Loading the car....
#1- This matters more than any of the other things.
Keep all devices, chargers, cords, ear buds and bases in the front of the vehicle, before loading. Put them in the car first. I will never be able to put into words how important this is and it may take longer than any other part of the packing. Put them in a safe deliberate spot.
For me, that's usually the driver seat. That way when I am ready to go, they are in my way and I can transition them into my lap and disperse them where they need to be. Even if that means several trips around the car to ensure their proper placement. That is very important. (reasoning listed below).
A charger that we love to use is the Ulwae USB Car Charger. We can charge 2 devices at once. We don't lose power by adding the second cord and it keeps 2 kids happy at the same time. We have a power port in the front and the back of the car, both with dual ports!
#2- Pack everyone's bags in the furthest part of the vehicle.
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| Notice the fence behind the luggage. No dirty hands!! |
If you have a trunk, that would be ideal. That way, the grubby- road tripping hands can't rifle through the bags getting their clothes dirty before they even get to put them on. If you have little bags of stuff to keep them occupied, that's great but, don't put clothes in those bags. You will thank me later.
Recommendation- Let the kids travel in play clothes, not the outfit you want them to arrive in. The clothes you want them to arrive in to see grama/grampa/cousin/auntie/ or whom ever it may be, put them in 1 bag together in a location right next to the opening of the trunk. That way, on the last snack/ potty/ gas/ breather stop you take, they can do a quick change and refresher. If you are traveling far, don't let them change until you arrive at your motel, then go visit the fam.
#3- Get ready to go!
Open the door to the house and yell, "Ok Guys, - Let's Go".
This will cause mass hysteria through the passenger's minds. It's okay. You are awesome and #1 is done- relax, no matter how stressful the loading period is, it won't take too long, and everyone will be buckled.
#4 Get Going
Lock the door to the house. As long as the passengers and the pile of devices and wires are safely in the car, you don't NEED anything else out of the house.
Why number 1 is the most important-
The excitement will wear off about the trip about 75 yards (or less) from the end of the driveway and all of the passengers will want their devices (and probably yours for some reason) to keep them occupied.
Now that the devices are dispersed, start the road trip. It really doesn't matter if everything else is packed in the car from this point.
whether it is across town or cross country, you can get anything else you may need along the way. I am not kidding. You may have the perfect lunch packed, the drink cooler stocked, coordinating outfits for the special arrival, and gifts for the whole distant family. If you can't get there without losing your mind, the trip is kind of a bust.
I received this to facilitate this review. If you have any questions please feel free to reach us directly at [email protected] or [email protected]! We love hearing from you!!
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