5 Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Kids

[@thejolleys4506]

Yes to the audio books! It keeps the entire car quiet listening, even the littlest toddlers! I don’t know how we would’ve survived without them :) And snacks, a beach ball to play with at rest stops (& deflated in between to save space) and art stuff.

[@OceanSwimmer]

Goodness....this takes me back! I remember Car Trips with my family. Apparently they were popular in the 50s and 60s. Mom and a much loved Auntie took 5 of us on a car trip from California to Wisconsin and back in 1957. Although I was 5, I've never forgotten it. I'm a grandma now; the car trip we took in 1989 from California to Washington state was made easier by doing a couple of things (including ones you mention) with three small children, ages 8, 4, and 3: 1. We did a lot of driving in the wee hours. We put the children to bed the night before in clean playclothes: rising at 4am, we bundled them into the car and made headway while traffic was light and the children slept. Pillows and 2 blankets are a must. We took a cooler with fruits, cheeses, and a couple of cartons of frozen milk, packed in ice. We also had two or three study crates with dry foods (breakfast cereal, crackers, bread, etc.) I always had a gallon jug of water specifically for 'cleanups'. I know today, folks use wet wipes, but packing 2 towels, a few washcloths and some liquid soap made cleaning faces and hands easy, even if stopping on the road (not at a rest stop). Less trash was generated, too. By the time the children were awake, we found a park, ate breakfast & gave the kids time to run around and play. Back on the road, we travelled, listening to recorded stories and took another break for lunch. By 2 or 3 pm our travel for the day was finished. We gassed up the car, & checked into a motel (must have a POOL!) A swim, dinner, baths and bed followed. We repeated this and found we were in good temper throughout the trip. Checking into a motel by 2 or 3pm meant we were not exhausted at the end of the day, and allowed us plenty of time to enjoy those swims together. Early dinners meant less waiting time for the last meal of the day. We relaxed our attitudes a LOT. We stayed with family in the Tri-Cities area and Seattle. 2. we packed plenty of water for drinking. Everyone gets thirsty while driving. The trip took us 3 days going north, 3 days going south in late August, from Southern California to Eastern Washington (Tri-Cities) to Seattle, and then south. We enjoyed the slower pace and the stops. Life is not a race to the finish, lol! ; ) One last hint; remember to pack a simple First Aid kit with bandaids and such. Little scrapes and cuts happen! Hope this helps.

[@SundaywithSarah]

The First Aid Kit is a great idea!

[@OceanSwimmer]

@@SundaywithSarah --- Thank you, Sarah! I am a retired RN, so preparing for minor cuts and scrapes is a must. Nowadays I keep an inexpensive blanket and a clean bath towel in the trunk: I needed them when we witnessed a minor car accident. An elder lady in one of the vehicles started feeling cold. Wrapped her up so she didn't chill while waiting for paramedics. The towel was used as an extra layer around her shoulders.

[@ganirintiniano]

Gracias .Eres un encanto

[@svetlacavaleri7071]

Thank you Sarah, you read my mind! I was about to ask for some good tips for traveling with kids:) Do you also have some recommendations for activities or toys to bring along for toddlers in the 1-2 years old range? Thanks again for your wonderful videos!

[@SundaywithSarah]

I sure do! Stay tuned, I'll be back with more specific travel toy recommendations very soon.

[@svetlacavaleri7071]

Fantastic, thank you Sarah!

[@Sonny0276]

Great Video. Thank you for posting.

[@zoe440]

Thank you Sarah, this is very helpful. Can you recommend any authors who we might find on Audible?

[@hillaryenloe]

Can you link to the audiobooks / stories on cd you offer? Thank you

[@SundaywithSarah]

Of course! Here's the link: www.bellalunatoys.com/collections/audio-books