How to Survive a 3 Day Road Trip Without Really Trying

We recently drove from Austin, Texas to Princeton, New Jersey; a trip that took a little more than three (3) days. People keep asking me, “Why did you take a three day road trip?”  The reason why we drove three days is because we didn’t want to drive four days.  😉

We surprisingly had a really fun time.  Along the way we stopped in Williamsburg, Virginia (to learn about Pocahontas,) and in New Orleans, Louisiana (to eat beignets.)  We were going to visit Washington, D.C., to witness our government not at work, but then thought, “Oh wait, we can witness that any day!” and skipped it.  Actually, it was pouring rain and the traffic was ludicrous, so we just went straight to my mom’s house in New Jersey.

If you ever decide to brave a road trip with your own family (which I recommend both for the cost savings and the great adventures) here are some tips you might find useful:

5 Tips to Survive a Long Road Trip

1. Establish Reward/Punishment System.  Upon the start of the trip, give each child five single dollar bills.  Tell them they may use the money however they wish, but anytime they say, “I’m bored,” or “Are we there yet?” we take away a dollar.  (One of our children still has $5; the other child is broke.)  Thanks to Kim from 24 Hour Fitness for that tip!

   

2. Pack Busy Boxes.  When my daughter was a baby we took her to Gymboree classes.  One of the things they did was hold up a box filled with an odd assortment of things and sing, “Oh what’s in my Busy Box? (Shake the box twice.)  Oh what’s in my Busy Box? (Shake, shake.) Come look and come see, oh what can it be?  Oh what’s in my Busy Box? (Open the lid.)”  I packed about half a dozen of these things, which ended up being Tupperware filled with all the toys I found under the kids’ beds, behind sofa cushions, and in the back of their closets; so for them it was like finding lost treasure.  We opened a new box every six hours or so.
3. Watch DVDs.  Some people lament the use of electronics by children during car rides.  You know what I call those people?  Childless.  DVDs are a life savor!  I tried maintaining a good viewing balance between Tiger Mom educational films and mindless Disney movies.

   

4. Snack Attack.  Here’s the situation:  You’ve been on the road for 5 hours and your husband doesn’t want to stop, but you the kids are starving.  Solution?  Pack a ton of semi-healthy snacks.  Our snack bag included whole wheat crackers, fruit and nut granola bars, raisins, fig newtons, almonds, and apple slices.  I also packed rice cakes and peanut butter for myself.

   

5. McDonald’s Is Your Friend.  (If you are my personal trainer don’t read this.)  This is a fabulous tip I got from friends who drove to California with their four (4) children.  Stop at McDonald’s.  Let the kids run amok on the jungle gym while you and your husband enjoy your McNuggets and fries in peace.  Get the kids Happy Meals after you finish and let them eat in the car.  This extends the amount of time their attention is occupied.

   

Hope you find these tips helpful.  Of course, the most important advice is to be flexible and enjoy yourself.  These are the memories you will laugh about future holidays from now.   How about you?  Do you have any road trip tips?

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Lisa

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