(Above, the girls bags are from Walker Family Goods. I also got them each a matching backpack to use as their carry on. They’re cute and I’m feeling very color-coded and organized! We got this cargo box.)
Last Casual Friday I mentioned that we are preparing for our 5 day road trip across the country and asked for readers to leave comments on the blog with their road trip tips. You! Delivered! With over 300 clever tips (seriously, make sure you scroll through the comment section next time you’re planning a road trip), I had plenty of solid ideas and creative ideas to boost my confidence and honestly–I’m getting a little excited about it. I want this trip to be fun and memorable for the girls, while keeping in mind that it’s going to be a little hard on everyone, so today I thought it would be fun to share some things that we are planning, plus a round-up of ALL the essentials for a family-fun r0ad trip.
Audiobook Suggestions:
Podcast Suggestions:
We also put together a round-up of all the road trip essentials you might need if you have an upcoming long-drive. Honestly even having some of these things stocked in your car could be a game changer for even those longer drives.
1. Backseat Organizers $25 Essential for keeping the car clutter-free. They also protect the back of your seat from shoe scuffs!
2. Wipes $4 These are THE best smelling wipes in the world. They will almost make you forget your wiping up sticky messes. A necessity.
3. Rubber Neckers Travel Game $13 A hilarious car game of “I Spy.”
4. Mega Maze $10 Dry erase mazes to keep the kids busy.
5. What If Questions for Kids $10 101 thought-provoking questions for kids! So grateful for games like this that help kids hone their decision-making skills and practice making good choices.
6. License Plate Game $19 I mean, is it even a road trip if you don’t play the license plate game? This one flips open so it’s easy to keep track!
7. Car Bingo $10 Hand out the bingo sheets to the kids and maybe they can have a treat when they get a bingo!
8. Handheld Vacuum $40 The spills are inevitable so you might as well be prepared. I love that this one is TINY and powerful.
9. Crayola Mess Free Coloring $9 Mess free coloring on the go.
10. Motion Sickness Lollipops $13 A necessity for our girls.
11. Headphones $17 For everyone’s sanity
12. Wikki Stix $6 These little moldable crafting sticks would keep my girls occupied for hours
13. Disposable Cameras $25 The kids can take their own photos along the way. Don’t forget to develop the film and put the photos in a little memory book.
14. Rush Hour Traffic Logic Jam $22 Have you played this?? This was my favorite game growing up and it’s still as fun today. You arrange the cars in a little traffic jam and have to slide them forward or backward to get the red car free. So entertaining.
15. Motion Sickness Bracelets $13 My sister Andi swears by these and even uses them on planes.
16. Headrest Pillow Support $24 just some added comfort for your little ones.
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We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
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The loaded down Volvo hatchback with the rooftop cargo box and bright canvas duffel bags is the exact vibe I hope for on future family trips!! We just had our first babe, and I can’t wait to pack him and any potential siblings into our Volvo for road trips. Hope you have happy and safe travels <3
Yay! Nashville is on the list. Downtown will be crazy if you are stopping on the weekend. Come on down to Franklin/Leipers Fork/Arrington for less crowds and beautiful scenery. Soundwaves at the Opryland Hotel is super fun! Safe travels.
While Narnia is on your audiobook list, there is a version of it from Radio Theatre. It is basically like a movie in audiobook format. Has different actors and sound effects. We listened to it on a road trip. They have other books (Oliver Twist, Little Women, Secret Garden, etc) as well.
The nurse in me has to suggest that you make sure you stay hydrated and be sure to do exercises to minimise the risk of a DVT from all that sitting. The kind you might do on the plane for long haul flights. Not trying to worry you as you most likely don’t have the other risk factors but the exercises will make you feel better anyway. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html
So many great tips! Thanks for compiling it all. My kids love when I post a sticky note on the window to mark every 100 miles we’ve driven. We counted there and back and went up to 1600 miles that summer.
I’ve recently driven 4000 miles roundtrip to see my son. As a woman driving by myself, I wasn’t always comfortable stopping at roadside rest stops (I had a man follow me into one of the restrooms one time- yikes!). So, I made a list of all the Lowe’s stores on my route and would make my pitstops there. :) They are usually located in better neighborhoods, not too crowded and have clean bathrooms! Plus, I would browse the garden department for a nice walk around before heading back into the car for a few more hours of driving!
While seat back organizers can be helpful, they can interfere with air bag sensors. I would check your car manual to see what it says. Even if the manual doesn’t prohibit them, you don’t want it to be too heavy.
But love a lot of these tips – especially the ones related to snacks!
I know North Carolina is excited to get you… but Idaho will miss you!
These are all great ideas. The bracelets really help for motion sickness. I have also heard that you can use a Costco app that tells you where they are located along your route because they usually are located right off the freeway and are a safe and clean option for potty breaks also.
We looooved listening to audiobooks on road trips when I was growing up! The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke is incredible. The narrator is fantastic and the story is understandable to younger kids but interesting enough for adults. My son listens to it now!
Hey Julia and team!
This is a fantastic list! Thank you for putting it together! I have another suggestion for you.
The Along for the Ride podcast is a family game show designed fir kids and adults to play together. There are 10 episodes with different games and activities specifically for car time adventures!
y Julia and team! This is an excellent list! Ive got another suggestion for you!
Along for the Ride is a family game show podcast! 10 episodes with interactive games for kids and adults specifically designed for car time!
https://www.alongfortheride.info/
Hope you have a safe journey!
Where are the duffles from in the post photo in the back of the car
Walker Family Goods!
Hi Chris and Julia, can you remind us which ones (style names) you went with (duffles and backpacks)? Thanks!
States duffel bags and Arrow packs