We decided to take a roadtrip in the Summer of 2022 to attend weddings in Washington and Montana. Our daughter was 2 1/2 at the time and we learned a lot of what worked (and didn’t) while we planned and completed the trip. Road trips are a great way to experience new places on your own timeline, especially with kids in tow. Hopefully, our experience can give you some tips for your next family roadtrip.
Planning-
Once we booked our accommodations, I created an itinerary with all the location details so we could have it in one place while we travelled.
Packing-
Along with the above itinerary, I created packing and meal lists. I kept copies of the lists, along with the hotel/rental confirmations, in a file folder so we were prepared each day.
Staying Organized-
We had a specific plan for packing the car and we stuck to it throughout the trip to ensure everything stayed in its place.
In the back of the car, we folded down the 3rd row so we had the maximum trunk space (Subaru Ascent). Our luggage went in on one side so we still had quick access to it when needed. On the other half, we kept our collapsible tote, a small cooler and our daughters potty (this is the one). We filled the tote with car essentials that we might need including; a few towels, extra baby wipes, first aid kit, roll of toilet paper (you never know), etc. *See “in the car” packing list above.
Add on a roof box, we have a Thule box that we can easily attach for extra storage. We stored golf clubs and the Pack ‘n Play with room to spare.
Within arms reach– We had our in car activities and snacks. Also, I found these storage trays at Target that our daughter could use to contain her food and activities in the car.
In Car Activities-
- Magic marker pens and paper: Mess free coloring!
- A few small books
- Play dough stored in a small ziplock bag with a handful of popsicle sticks and small toy animals.
- Soft Travel Busy Board- This toddler busy board folds up and is perfect for travel. Our daughter loves playing with it.
- Surprise Bags! 10 numbered small paper bags that I packed with small toys and a small treat. My plan was to give our daughter one a day on the trip but, after she got her first bag, she wanted more!! I would let her open and play with the contents of a bag and then refill it before giving her the next one so I had an endless supply of “surprise bags” to hand her.
- Tablet with games and movies downloaded and headphones.
Road trips are a great way to experience new places with kids and, for many, it is less stressful than dealing with flying to your destination. For destination ideas and activities, you can check out my posts for Wenatchee, Washington and Spokane, Washington, as well as, our “off-the-beaten path” adventure.
Whole Health Momma 
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