Planning Your Family Road Trip In Under 48 Hours

Lucky for me, I was able to go on two family road trips this past month, one to Vermont and the other to Atlantic Beach in North Carolina. We fully planned and packed for these trips in under 48 hours. Now we have two kids, a 3.5 yr old very active son and a newborn daughter (8 weeks) both presenting very different challenges in how we planned the itineraries and packed for these trips.

So how did we do it you ask?

First, we really had no idea where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. After all, Vermont is a relatively big place with lots of things to do for a family. We didn't know where we should stay and create our home base in Stowe, Burlington, Woodstock, Killington, or Manchester. Then, with only four full days up there what should we do? I posted this question to TripConnect Family Members, things to do with my family in Vermont, and got a wealth of responses... places to stay, farms, pools, events, even restaurants. We pretty much planned our entire trip based on these recommendations.

Our trip to North Carolina was different. We already had a place to stay (thanks allitcat!) and pretty much knew that we would be hitting the beach. Still I knew nothing about the area around Atlantic Beach and New Bern, so I asked a couple of TripConnect members for help. But our biggest worry was whether we could complete a 10+ hr drive with our newborn. Again, one TripConnect member provided excellent advice on long road trips with a newborn.

Some other tips:

1) Have a generic packing list for trips. We don't, but we pretty much know what we need to bring along for each family member. Don't think through every detail, just budget 30 minutes per family member and pack the essentials.

2) In your research, find the closest Walmart, Target, Kmart or similar store near your destination. Plan on picking up whatever you forget.

3) Give your 2-5 year old a small travel bag and have them pack their favorite travel items. Make sure they include some books, games, or even a video. I got this idea from the Shae by Air toolkit, a DVD to help kids understand air travel but it equally applies to road trips.

4) Pack something new items for your 2-5 year olds. This could be CD's books, or small toys. Anything that will give them something new to focus on during the trips. My son's favorite CDs: Putumayo Kids Presents: Folk Playground and Playhouse Disney: Imagine and Learn with Music

5) Our newborn was tricky. Sometimes she would sleep for hours, other times she would wake every hour screaming to be fed or just for some attention. Don't lose your cool - know this going to happen and know that you might have to change your plans. On our trip to NC, we picked up a book of motel coupons just in case we needed to pull off the road and complete our drive in two days.

6) Other important things to pack: First aid kid. Healthy snacks. Bubbles (all kids love them!). Bug Spray. Sun Block.

7) We found that traveling in the late evening and night was most optimal. We braked for dinner. But with any luck, your child(ren) will be asleep for most of the ride. If you drive at night, your more likely to avoid hitting traffic. In the summer months it will be cooler at night. Just make sure you're well rested especially for longer drives.

8) Two important things about meals. First, research meal options that you can do on your own. For breakfast, you can do breakfast bars or cereal. Bring some bread, peanut butter and jelly for lunch. Just examples, but be prepared to do some meals on your own so that you have complete flexibility. Second, know what towns or neighborhoods have several dining options. Before our trips, we knew that Woodstock, VT and Beaufort, NC would be our best dining options.

9) Our newborn was really unpredictable on both trips so you really have to be prepared to adapt your plans based. We had a stroller and a BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Active. We walked out of one restaurant before ordering because we knew she wouldn't cooperate. This also applies to a toddler. One night he fell asleep on the way home from a beach, so we had to modify our evening plans.

10) I really wadnt's aiming for 10 items but here I am... So item #10 is just remember that being with your family is more than half the fun. Enjoy the small things. Take lots of pictures.

You can see my reviews on Burlington, Killington, Woodstock, Atlantic Beach, and Beaufort.

Comments

[Posted on Oct 28, 2010 9:47:33 PM by jordan 12]

Once you turn on the Tv set after having a day's hard working, if the exceptional anchor made an appearance and introduced you sufficient enjoyment and pleasure, I do believe, everybody would have an entertainment.

[Posted on Dec 1, 2010 12:35:26 AM by AirTickets]

Whew! It seems so easy but I do have a hard time when it comes to planning some events or trips.