Sunday, September 1, 2013

Road Trip Survival Pt. 2

Now that our bags are complete we need to fill them. Depending on how long you trip is going to be adjust your level of entertainment. Our trip is going to be a moderate driving trip. We learned the hard way about an 18 month old and super long road trips in Death Valley. Now there are certainly those of you reading this now thinking, why not bring the tablet or turn on a movie. There is a very simple reason, we don't own either and wouldn't do it if we did. If you have teens my only advise would be, take a trailer and lock them inside. No trailer? No problem, a small investment on quality rope won't cost very much and just imagine how much more room you will have with them tied to the roof.

Filler Ideas
  • Build Your Own Coloring Book. There are many online galleries for ready to print coloring pages. Include some connect the dot style pictures too.
  • Tic-Tac-Toe. Print a few pages of simple grids for your kids to play together or with your navigator.
  •  Scavenger Hunts. Make a scavenger hunt for your trip. I made ours with pictures since our daughter cannot read yet. You can also make one with license plates from different states.
  • Color Pencil's. Most of us take vacations when the weather is warm. Crayons melt in the heat so try color pencils for a nice treat.
  • I-Spy. Now I can only handle this little game for a very limited time but for those of you that can handle it kids seem to love it.
  • Binoculars. If you own a cheap pair bring them for the kids to use while driving or better yet let them make their own with empty toilet paper rolls. The optics aren't as good but it's the thought that counts right?
  • Blank Paper. There is really an unlimited amount of things a child can do with blank paper
  • Books. Break out a couple of favorites or hit the dollar store and pick up a new one.
Other Helpful Ideas
  • Take breaks. This one is difficult for me to do but it is certainly worth it. Stop at a rest stop and let the kids run. Play tag or bring a ball to play with when you stop.
  • Pack a lunch. Kids love picnics and for a family on a budget it's a simple way to control costs. Stop at a park if possible. Every town in every state has a playground, find it.
  • Window Shoping. We tent to stop at a large sporting goods store while traveling south and let the kids look at all the cool stuff. There are many places like this that have large fish tanks or animals on display. Not your speed? Most small tourist towns have a main street that survives on tourist traffic. Stop, walk around check out a cool old town.
  • Travel Books. This can range from from a AAA guide book to our family favorites the roadside history variety. Most libraries have a travel section with guides and roadside books are available at any tourist trap or bookstore.You can learn a lot just from driving with mind and eyes open.
 Links and Scavanger Hunt Lists
 
 Coloring Pages
 Family Favorite Travel Books and a few extras
 


 

 
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