Road trip anybody? There are plenty of things in life that I’ve always wanted to do. But when the kids came along, my traveling life got put on the back burner. Over the last couple of years, I’ve come to recognize that wasn’t necessary. In fact, sharing those dreams with my whole family makes them even more special. Even if the kids aren’t that keen at first, I’ve got some great tips to help keep them inspired when you travel cross country!
I’ve always wanted to see those places in America that you see on the TV or in movies. And I love the idea of a road trip in a big RV. After looking at websites like http://www.stlrv.net/rentals (such cool RVS!!), I realized that the kids would love spending a week in a vehicle like that. And if you wanted to extend your trip, you can always break it up with stays in a motel or camp park.
ORGANIZING THE TRAVEL CROSS COUNTRY
When you’re planning your trip, it can be a good idea to organize your itinerary quite thoroughly. Print out or bookmark some Internet pages about the places you are going to see. Creating a road map with those details on can help inspire the children. It gives them things to look forward to. Hours at a time sat in the RV can become boring for the kids. If they’re looking forward to reaching a destination, it helps them maintain a more positive mood!
TIPS FOR WHILE YOU ARE EN ROUTE TO THE NEXT STOP
Stopping regularly to stretch your legs is important. For the kids, it’s essential. They need to burn off all that youthful energy! Plan stops every 90 minutes or so. If you can find play parks or play centers on the way, then that would be ideal. If not, pack a ball or a skateboard so your children can get out and play. Being in the same environment for long periods of time is difficult for children. Staying in a motel every other night could provide just the change you all need.
While you are driving along, the kids might want to watch TV or browse the play online. This is quite easy to set up, even on the move. Use a hotspot on your cell phone. This can then be used as a wifi hub for the kids to use with their mobile devices. With no data limits, you can download or stream films and music to while away the time.
FOOD
Food on the move can be a little hard to stomach after a while. Make full use of your onboard kitchenette to provide healthy meals and snacks. Constant takeaways and fast food can play havoc with children’s digestion. Some parents avoid it because they feel it can make the kids’ moods erratic. For the most part, a treat each day is what makes a holiday. But there needs to be plenty of the good stuff too. Be sure to pack fresh fruits and veggies and snacks you know the kids would like.
I would love to take a week traveling across the country. I know things will be slower going when you have the little ones about. But the idea of sharing that lifelong dream with them is very appealing.
Have you ever traveled cross country? I’d love to hear about your trip!
Mamma says
That thought never entered my mind and you and your sister were super kids. It would be great to see all those places but not in an rv
Dana says
The RVs today are really decked out though Mama!
GiGi Eats says
I shall send my sister, who is a new mom, this blog post! She needs all the help she can get. LOL!
Dana says
LOLOLOL, I hope it helps 🙂 You’re a good sister to send this over!
Callie says
I’d love to take a long road trip like this with my kids someday! We took a trip to SD with our littles this summer and camped, but an RV would be so fun!
Dana says
SD is on our list of places I want to travel to Callie! Do you have any recommendations for places to see/stay/etc.?
Taylor says
I’ve never really gone on a big road trip, although I would love to one day!! I have to agree – I get sick of fast food after a while!!
Dana says
Yeah, fast food is a treat every once in a while – I totally agree!!
Alex says
My parents love renting RVs! We always take tons of snacks with us, too. My husband and I don’t have kids yet, but I’m sure potty breaks could be an issue too!!
Dana says
Alex, I’d love to know of any tips you have for traveling via RVs!
Anali Martinez says
YES, YES, YES! When we were young, my parents would travel with us across Mexico so that we could stop in all the historical locations my dad wanted to show us. I don’t remember it ever being a big pain or hassle for us, but I am sure my parents had A LOT to deal with. Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Dana says
What wonderful memories you must have Anali!
Maria says
It’d be super fun to travel across the country in an RV, making stops along the way. I’d say it’s the best way to see a country.
Dana says
I agree Maria – I can’t wait to try vacationing this way!
Kelly says
Perfect! I love traveling and had cut back when my son was younger, but now that he’s almost 6, it’s a perfect age where he can enjoy most travels! I’ve never traveled in an RV before, that sounds really fun!
Dana says
We are so excited to try out traveling in an RV…should be an interesting, fun trip!
Tiffany says
Great tips! We’re planning a west coast trip next summer! I’ll definitely keep this in mind – especially the stretching every 90 minutes
Dana says
Thanks Tiffany! It’s a pain sometimes to stop because you want to get to the next vacation spot, but stretching really helps!!
Ashley says
These are great tips. I love travelling with our small kids and, since we have always travelled with them, they are amazing travelers with us. The memories that are made while in the car are priceless.
Dana says
Thanks Ashley! I can’t wait to make memories traveling with our kids too! 🙂