Road Trip Tips & Tricks

This year, we decided to drive to our family’s in Florida—crazy, I know. Hubs had some extra time off, and his company closes for the week between Christmas and New Year’s. We decided it would be the perfect opportunity to get out of the cold weather in Philly and spend the holidays with our families in Florida.

Since we were going to be gone for 3 weeks, I didn’t feel comfortable boarding the dogs for that long. We decided that we would drive to Florida with the 2 dogs, yorkies and Little Dude. It is the first time we are driving to Florida and it very well may be the last time. Who knows!

Hubs and I planned on leaving after he finished work. We had a quick dinner before we left and then hit the road. I put Little Dude in PJ’s and put on a movie for him. He would be fast asleep within a few hours. I planned on napping in the afternoon and figured I would take the first driving shift so hubs could nap while I drove. Then, once I got tired, he would take over. We thought driving through the night would be the best option. That way, Little Dude and the dogs would sleep for most of the trip.

Traveling is hard enough, but adding traveling over the holidays doubles the stress for everyone. Fighting traffic, flightwds is no fun, but being prepared sure helps matters. These 10 tips and tricks helped our 16- delays, and crohour drive.

Top 5 Tips for Holiday Travel:

1. If a long car ride is part of your travel, leave as early as possible, or drive at night so the kids sleep. Plan in extra time to account for unplanned stops or traffic.
2. Eat at home before you leave. Don’t expect your kiddos to sit in a restaurant and then sit in the car. Bring lots of snacks and drinks with you.
3. Map out your route, print out directions, and plan for potty breaks and stretching breaks.
4. Bring a ton of road trip activities and a few “new” items with you. Download some new movies or shows to watch en route or download a few new games.
5. If your child has a special blanket, pacifier, stuffed toy, etc, bring it.