Summer road trip coming up?
Whether you are heading down the road an hour or across the country, these tips can save your sanity while preparing ahead of time and throughout the trip.
PROACTIVE CAR CARE
It may seem unimportant, but a little proactive care can save a lot of trouble down the road! Check your tire pressure and fill any in need of more air. Be sure you have washer fluid and effective wipers in case of weather. If you’re almost due for an oil change, go ahead and get that done pre-trip. Fill up on gas the day prior to your departure.
PACK THOUGHTFULLY
Make a list! Use pen & paper or a note on your phone to keep track as you pack. You may want to reference this list from Naptime Kitchen or come up with your own. Before pulling out of your driveway, check your list of key items (wallets, IDs or passports (if needed), insurance cards, chargers, daily medication, diaper bag, stroller, keys to vacation home) and ensure they are en tow.
Choose which system works best for your situation: one bag per person, or one bag for each category of items (all clothing in one suitcase, shoes and accessories in a bag, activities and snacks in another).
Lands End Zip Top Tote Bag
Pop Up Mesh Hamper
If you’re stopping overnight on your road trip, we recommend packing one “overnight bag” with toiletries, night time essentials, and one outfit for each person and allowing you to leave the rest of the luggage in the car until your final destination.
Packing with unpacking in mind, at the end of your trip- pack in a way that your future self with thank you for. Utilize trash bags or pop up hampers to corral dirty clothes.
CREATE A COMMAND CENTER
Choose one accessible spot for the essentials. Including items like: phone chargers, wallets, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, tissues. To avoid loose items floating around the car throughout the trip, make a habit of putting things back after using. It may feel like an additional step in the moment, but it will save you from repacking the entire car when you reach your destination. This means when you (or your children) are done with an activity (Kindle, coloring board or activity books) you put it back in it’s bag/container. This habit takes training! Prep everyone a few minutes before arriving at a stop to tidy up their area and put things in the appropriate spot.
EMERGENCY PREP
Always re-check the weather and traffic conditions before beginning your journey. Bring: towels, trash bags, first aid kit, auto emergency supplies (jumper cables). Snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated and won’t easily melt are great to have on hand. A couple of filled water bottles is a good idea as well in case of a breakdown.
PLAN YOUR STOPS
Utilize Googlemaps ahead of time to find spots along your route that fit your family’s needs: Chick-fil-a with a play place, coffee shop near an outdoor park/playground, fast food close to a grocery store to stock up on your last stop before reaching your destination. Schedule your stops as conveniently as you can around anticipated bathroom breaks, meal times, and strategic breaks based on the duration of the trip.
Similarly to stops on your trip, it’s important to have a plan for your activities and to carefully pace these out. Aim to avoid screens until all other options are exhausted for kids.
Audio entertainment options:
Family friendly listens: But Why? podcast, Bluey Stories playlist, Bedtime Stories with Netflix Jr. podcast
Knox County Libraries have Wonderbooks available for kiddos who aren’t able to read on their own yet, it’s a read-along version of countless beloved stories. You can search by Format: Wonderbook to find the book & library branch you’re looking for!
FULLY UNLOAD UPON RETURN
Everyone can help! No one goes inside empty handed. Dump and sort all dirty laundry near your washer & dryer (bonus points for starting a load right away). Then take suitcases to each persons room for easy unloading of clean clothing. Resist the urge to “live out of your suitcase” for the next few days! Return to your daily rhythms right away to avoid unnecessary delayed overwhelm.