Make a talking diary – Traveling with kids tip

by Gadling Staff on

Give your children the task of collecting memories.

A fun way to do this is to set your child up with an audio recorder: the old cassette version can be found in second hand shops for only a few dollars. Bring lots of blank tapes and a set of headphones.

Articulating on tape everything they are noticing keeps them engaged in even the most mundane travel activities. Sightseeing takes an interesting turn when the child is encouraged to capture the moment. Preschoolers through elementary school age children love this — and so do worn out parents.

Bonus: having your child’s young voice on tape is a priceless treasure.

Make the most of rush hour – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Taking a road trip can be loads of fun. However, navigating through unfamiliar places can be daunting. Add rush hour traffic to it, and the road trip can go from a blast to extremely stressful — fast.

Don’t get sucked in and stressed out! Use the time to include some extras in your trip. Don’t just sit in the car, sucking on fumes: Consider sightseeing, stopping for a bite to eat at a restaurant you’ve never been to, visiting a historic landmark, or taking a walk in the park.

Stops are inevitable on a road trip, so rather than get frustrated by them, use them wisely, and find rush hour relief.

Make a staging area – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

The most efficient way to pack all your stuff and not have wasted space (or run out of a very limited space) is to make a staging area.

To make a staging area, simply do this —
1.) Gather ALL the items you wish to take with you on your camping trip (or road trip, or day trip, etc.) and set them next to your vehicle.
2.) Open all the doors, trunk, etc.
3.) Simply eyeball your available space and imagine where the items will fit best.
4.) Load the vehicle.

Having a staging area next to your vehicle allows you to pack items in the best spaces possible, as opposed to packing them randomly and wasting space.

Start at night – Road trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

With any road trip longer than 12 hours, consider beginning the drive at night. This is especially true if you’re traveling with young children.

The driver should, of course, sleep several hours before leaving, then begin the trip at the children’s bedtime. By driving while the children are asleep, you won’t need to take as many potty breaks, and the parents can enjoy a good portion of the ride without having to listen to children’s movies and songs.

Bonus: you’ll arrive at your destination when it’s daytime, so you won’t feel like a whole day has been wasted in the car.

Keep important items accessible – Packing tip

by Gadling Staff on

Before you go on your road trip, make sure to pack your car so the most important items are easily accessible.

Many people make the mistake of packing their essential items first — so as not to forget them — but this means those essential items wind up underneath multiple bags and other supplies. In case of an emergency, you need to be able to find your important items quickly and easily.

If you’re bringing food and water, place them in a position that is accessible by the driver and the front passengers seat. This will help you refrain from having to crawl to the back of the car or take your eyes off the road.