3 Game-Changing Road Trip Hacks For Parents, From Parents
We asked a sample of dads who’ve been there to share the road trip hacks for kids they swear by. Here’s what they said.
Time your trip around naps.
“My number one hack for easy traveling with young children is timing your departure right. We often head to a holiday spot four hours away from our home. Both our children will fall asleep if we drive for over an hour which means that if they fall asleep during the afternoon, we’re in for a late-night. So we always make it our aim to leave for a road trip between 9 and 10 in the morning. That way we know they’ll sleep for a decent portion of the trip, while at the same time not ruin their evening routine. Getting kids to sleep during a road trip cuts down on stress for the parents and allows them to relax more. And it means the children don’t get grumpy and are well-rested when you arrive at your destination.” – Dan, 35
Stop at a Playground Every Day.
“We live in a remote part of the country, so our family often goes on road trips. Once or twice a year, we travel over 1,000 miles one way to visit family, and at least every month, we take a six-plus hour road trip. We play games and listen to kids’ stories while we drive, but the most important thing we do that makes road trips with our five little ones endurable is stopping at a playground every day. Even though it adds time to our travels, the kids are so much happier for the whole day when they’ve had a chance to run around and burn energy.” – Rick, 42, MT
Pack the Right Snacks
“It’s all about the snacks. On a family travel day it’s important to be properly fueled, vehicle and kids included. This is especially true with little ones. Tensions can get high if anyone in the car is hangry. Having the right assortment of snacks is essential, and we’ve found that snacks high in protein and low in sugar for best results. We usually go with string cheese and mixed nuts, and make sure to have plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated.” – Ian, 34, Maryland
Check out the rest of the tips.
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