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

  1. Know what type of packer you are and lean in to that!

  2. Pack to be kind to tomorrow's you

  3. 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. 

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Episode 92: Systems That Will Save Your Road-trip

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Episode 90: People Don’t Take Trips…Trips Take People