{"id":1057,"date":"2021-08-02T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intentionallywell.org\/?p=1057"},"modified":"2023-09-24T16:15:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T20:15:14","slug":"road-trip-with-kids-surviving-to-thriving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intentionallywell.org\/road-trip-with-kids-surviving-to-thriving\/","title":{"rendered":"Road Trip Hacks for Families: The 5 Best Tips to Go from Surviving to Thriving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Intentionally Well: Thriving in this Neurodivergent Homeschooling Life<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Going on a vacation with kids doesn’t always conjure feelings of rainbows and sunshine. I get it. Just packing the car makes you sweaty and cranking. And having the whole family crammed in the car for an extended time feels overwhelming. But trust me, these amazing tried and true road trip hacks for families make the journey as exciting as the destination. Number five is my favorite!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We embark on long family road trips several times a year to visit family. And because we are used to them, we typically travel far on family vacations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, we are relentless in our search for anything to make the car enjoyable on these trips. I’ve honed in on several hacks that make all the difference! <\/p>\n\n\n

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That time I drove all three kids to Michigan by myself!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hack #1: Prep Family Expectations in Advance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are familiar with Intentionally Well<\/a>, you’re not going to be surprised to see preparation at the top of my list. Ha! I like to plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, I talk to my kids about the upcoming vacation. I mark the dates on my children’s monthly calendar<\/a> which is always posted on our refrigerator. They love counting down the days until we leave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, I remind them the travel days<\/a> will be spent in the car. I tell them over and over again that we will be driving all day.<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>This helps manage their expectations. I also tell them they cannot ask me, “Howwww much longerrrr?”. That keeps my own sanity. I give them an estimate of what time we expect to arrive. So, all I have to say is, “Look at the clock.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes about eight hours from our house to my parents’ house without stopping. But, stopping is a given when traveling with kids. Last time, it took eleven hours to make that drive. Eleven<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hack #2: Pack Everyone’s Most Favorite Snacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We usually keep pretty basic snacks in our house\u2014fruit, Larabars, raisins, etc. But one of the more fun road trip hacks for families going all out<\/strong> with snacks. Gummies…you got it. Chips…you got it. Whatever the kids want, I will pack it. I have quieted many a toddler with a KitKat Bar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having everyone’s favorite snacks on the trip is worth it. And don’t forget the adults! <\/strong>Enjoy your favorites too. I love strawberry Sour Straws, a Milky Way, and a Coke on a road trip. Those are my must-haves! Treat yourself and your kids, mama.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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