Episode 91: Being Kind to Tomorrow’s You…Road-trip Edition
What You’ll Learn
Prep (00:38)
Clothing Strategies (02:20)
Your Car (15:34)
Food /Accessories (33:05)
Extra Notes (44:25)
The Day Before (46:40)
Takeaways (56:51)
Invitation (57:17)
As we're getting into the heart of summer we wanted to share some of the lessons we've learned and tucked away from roughly 18+ years of traveling with kids. This is not a to do list, but just some thoughts on our list of considerations when we're planning adventures.
We REALLY believe in the importance and value of taking trips with your people (and even without them) so let this be something that helps you feel better prepared...and not overwhelmed, because once we started writing this stuff down it went from one episode to 3...because we have learned SO much and because gosh darn it, we just love to talk...and short and sweet clearly isn't our jam.
Prep (00:38)
Decide what kind of packer you are
Packing is really about being kind to tomorrow's you (consider 3 areas...clothes, car, food/accessories)
Clothing Strategies (02:20)
Britt's
Wash and Dry everything so you have a fresh stack to pack from
*you will only take your child's dirty underwear ONCE
Minimize!
Take photos before
Consider weather
Pack all like weather items in one bin
Shoes
Take a shoe basket
Extra flops for everyone
Family overnight bin
Pool "bin"
Wet / dry bag
Small bottle of alcohol & apple cider vinegar (swimmers ear)
Family items (toothpaste, brushes, etc)
Tiff's
Don't pack for her kids
Pack night before
Your Car (15:34)
Storage
Having a luggage rack
Ensure waterproof
Ensure you can reach it
Don't be afraid to build what you need
Think outside the suitcase...totes, baskets, bins
Seating Assignments (know you'll have to be flexible though)
Seating baskets / kid trays
Socks
Pillow
Kindle / MP3 player
Water bottle
Activity / note book
Pen / pencil
Head lamp / reading lamp
Shoe & blanket basket
Pool basket & rod
Trash bags...EVERYWHERE
Food/Accessories (33:05)
Medical grade vomit bags
Mints
Potty seat
Hidden change of clothing + towels + cleaner
Bibs
Wipes!!
Sharpie
Double bunk cots
Food
Ice chest with pre-prepped meals
Snacks bin
Paper plates
Paper towels
Snack stops
No sodas / special drinks / water from Sam's
Extra Notes (44:25)
Get change for tolls, parking, laundry, animal feed, etc.
Lanyards for hotel keys
The Day Before (46:40)
Super easy meals
Sandwiches, eat what's in the freezer / fridge
Check your spare tire (rotate your spare in if not a donut)
Clean & pack car
Lay out outfits with shoes & socks
Have kids pre-pack their "car baskets"
Oil change, check tires, new wipers, washer fluid
Prep house for weather / seasons -- freezes / hurricane / etc.
Touch base with person watching house
Dog to watcher
All trash out
Place hold on mail (or make sure you have someone collecting it)
Chores done (there's nothing worse than coming home to a messy house)
Kitchen & fridge cleaned out
Laundry done & put away (don't leave anything in the washer!)
Takeaways (56:51)
When it comes to packing for a family trip
Know what type of packer you are and lean in to that!
Pack to be kind to tomorrow's you
Consider your family, your vehicle and your trip when you are packing...what tactics or tips can you take away from this podcast to use to serve you and your family the best?
Invitation (57:17)
Hey! If we didn't lose you yet and you're still considering going on a road trip...before you go, we want to give you something to make it easier! Britt made a guide for Planning the Ultimate Family Road Trip, you'll get a planning check-list, our best tips for thrifty & peaceful travel, and our favorite on the go meals to prep ahead.
