From Mom’s Checklist to Dad’s Drive-Time Hacks — A Husband & Wife Take on Family Travel
Why We Road Trip
We’ve taken a lot of road trips as a family; visiting family, beach trips, Washington D.C, Columbus Zoo, Lake Erie. Some went smoothly others… well, let’s just say they were learning experiences (like when Graham cried for 2 hours in stand still traffic or when he threw up egg all over his car seat at the beginning of an 8 hour trip!). But over time, we’ve figured out what works best for our family.
This post is a bit different than usual: Eric and I thought it would be fun to share both our perspectives on what it takes to pull off a successful family road trip. I’m the planner and snack master; he’s the master packer, driver and playlist pro. Together, we somehow make it work (and even enjoy the ride!).
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Jocelyn’s Side: “Prepping for the Chaos”
Packing for the Kids (and Me)
Before we even pull out of the driveway, I go into full mom-mode. I make a mini “car kit” with all the essentials: wipes, extra clothes, snacks, small trash bags, motion sickness bands, medicine, and activities, lots of activities!
Each kid gets their own bag with crayons, colored pencils, sticker books, and paper pad. To make drawing easier, each kid also gets a lap desk (which can double as a table for on the go meals). We also have a basket full of toys that is always in the car – great for the car and they can pick things for restaurants – we have things like magnetic paper dolls, peg boards, fidget toys, and travel games.
On road trips we also make sure that each kid has a stuffed animal, and blanket.
We can’t forget their iPads with pre-downloaded shows and movies or else the trip will turn disastrous before we even leave the neighborhood.
The Snack Stash
I don’t play around when it comes to road trip snacks. I prep a mix of healthy-ish options (apple slices, cheese sticks, trail mix, protein bars, mini sandwiches). Let’s be honest though, road trips are my time to eat like a teenager, so a bag of Cheetos is a must, along with an energy drinks for the grown ups and a bag of Nerds Clusters. I let each kid pick out a special treat too, they usually pick Doritos or a candy bar. Everyone also has their own full water bottles.
Managing Meltdowns
With small children, meltdowns happen. I mean being stuck in a car for hours is hard on grown ups too! I’ve learned to stay calm, ride it out, and keep my expectations realistic. Sometimes a little music and a fruit snack can fix everything. Sometimes, nothing works. That’s when we just breathe, pull over, and regroup. Before kids, Eric and I tried to stop as little as possible, now we add on extra time for stops because if the kids are getting cranky we stop and stretch our legs.
Eric’s Side: “Keeping It Rolling”
Planning the Route
I’m big on efficiency, but I’ve learned the value of rest stops and avoiding highways. I always keep a loose ETA but give ourselves grace. Delays are part of it. If I know there are highways with a lot of traffic, we will go the scenic route through smaller towns. I usually like to map out our route via google maps, so I have an idea of where I want to go should we lose service or google maps decides not to reroute.
Also—never wait until the gas tank is low. Nothing adds unnecessary stress like a screaming toddler paired with the fuel light.
Car Setup = Sanity
The night before, I pack everything in the car. I make sure things like snacks, emergency items, and kids activities are within arms reach. Everything else, get stacked together like Tetris in the back. I double-check that all devices are charged and cords are packed – we use our phone to navigate so that has to have a full charge, and, like Jocelyn mentioned above, can you imagine if we left an iPad at home? Once everything is packed, I know which bag everything is in and exactly where it is, should we need something in the luggage mid-trip. While it might not seem like a big deal, making sure everything is organized helps with my sanity.
Entertaining the Troops
I’m the playlist guy. I make a mix for the kids (think Disney and silly songs) and one for us when they finally fall asleep. We do car games like “Guess That Song”, “License Plate” game, and “Rainbow Game” (find a car the color of each band of a rainbow, in order). When all else fails, yes, we hand over the iPad.
Our Road Trip Rules (Team Secen Style)
- Never leave without paper towels, wipes, and a trash bag.
- Wear the motion sickness bands!
- Don’t argue about silly stuff. If Audri wants to wear a princess dress, she wears a princess dress.
- No iPad time before lunch; it’s too early to be bored yet!
- iPad = Headphones always
- “I have to pee” means we stop ASAP
- Celebrate the small wins: a peaceful hour of driving or just making it to the next stop with smiles intact.
Why We’ll Keep Doing It—Together
Sure, road trips can be chaotic and tiring, but they’re also filled with memories we wouldn’t trade for anything. The kids fall asleep mid-laugh. We get to talk about real life (in between snack breaks). And somehow, despite the snacks and bathroom emergencies, we love spending time together.
We’re not experts, but we’ve found what works for our family. And honestly? That’s what makes these trips so special.
Printable Road Trip Checklist
Download our printable PDF here
Also, check out our Must Haves for Traveling with Little Ones