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Going on long road trips is something that we do quiet often. Last summer we did a 20 hour road trip with our two-year old and in a couple of weeks we are planning a 17 hour road trip with our now three-year old. Over the past three years I have learned tips on how to survive a road-trip with toddlers and preschoolers.
1. When to leave
I recommend trying to leave early in the morning or later in the day. If you leave before your little one wakes up you have the chance of them sleeping for the first couple hours of your trip.
If you leave after your little ones bed time, they may sleep for most of your trip. This will make it where you have fewer stops to make and the ride will be crying free.
2. Plan to make extra stops
Traveling with a little one your guaranteed that you will have to stop more often. I mean yes of course your going to have to stop for gas, and restrooms but when traveling with a little one you are going to need places to stop just to get out and let your little one run around. Plan on adding some time to your schedule for these types of stops.
3. Clothes, and nap items
Put your child in comfy clothes so that they can sit for a long time with no problems. I also take a blanket and small pillow for when my little one decides to take a nap. Always take extra clothes in case your little one has an accident or makes a mess on their clothes.
4. What to pack for in the car
Packing the car is one of the most important parts of planning for a road trip. You want to make sure that you have everything you will need to have a successful road trip.
Entertainment
I normally pack a backpack full of different items for Avlaynn to use on the trip. If you’re a DIY type of person I found this super cute pattern for a traveling tray This thing is amazing for trips! And makes doing activities so much easier.
Electronics
I’m not one to give my little one electronics all the time but road trips are the one time that I do allow it. We have a portable DVD player that we bring along with some different DVD’s. I like to bring educational DVD’s such as:
Along with a DVD player and DVD’s I take my little ones tablet with us. I absolutely love this table and it is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. This tablet comes with some great learning apps already downloaded but I also like to download ABC mouse and the apps that come with that and Hooked on Phonics app. You can try the ABC mouse apps now free for 30 days!
Books 
Books is a big thing on a road trip. We take many different books and my little one loves flipping through the books and creating her own stories. My favorite books to take are the Usborne lift the flap books.
Activities
Avalynn loves her wipe clean books are they are a simple activity for the car.
Toys
We always bring some of Avalynns favorite toys. A stuffed animal, a doll and a couple other items. Taking toys is a great idea for not only the road trip but also for once you get to your destination.
Snacks
We have learned to pack a cooler of different snack and drink items to minimize our stops for food. We take items such as fruit snacks, chips, sandwiches, crackers, cheese snacks and the squeezable pouches of apple sauce and yogurt. For drinks we take a lot of water, and juice. We like to make sure we have extra baggies for the food, plastic cups to hold the snacks, and spill proof sippys for the drinks.
For Sleep
Avalynn normally takes at least one longer nap during the trip and I am so thankful for that. So if your toddler is anything like mine you will want to pack a couple of things for nap time. Take a blanket, window shades and possibly neck pillow if your toddler uses one.
In the middle of potty training?
No worries! Traveling can always cause a step back in this process so be prepared your little one may have an accident. Take a potty chair for side of the road stops this can really help keeping on track with the potty training. I also recommend putting your little one in some pull-ups just to be on the safe side. Always remember to pack an extra set of clothes just in case there is an accident while driving.
Tips and Tricks
- As mentioned above plan the time you leave around your little ones schedule if possible. We have found that leaving early morning or later at night works best as that way our little one will sleep.
- Be prepared to make more stops than when traveling without kids.
- Prepare for messes from eating and such.
- Just breathe, Don’t get stressed. Try packing the day before so that you know you have everything and your prepared! Its horrible when you are driving and realize you forgot something.
- Take extra baggies and plastic sacks.
- Be organized
- Enjoy the trip!
I hope that my tips help you to have a more well-organized and a more fun trip. Traveling with children can always bring you some unexpected issues and I hope that this will help you to be more prepared to tackle those issues.
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