Episode 92: Systems That Will Save Your Road-trip
What You’ll Learn
The Day of (01:46)
Right Before You Leave (02:09)
The First Stop (04:38)
Systems That Serve You (05:31)
Travel (13:10)
Road-time Entertainment (20:36)
Passes / Discounts (27:14)
Meals / Food (28:42)
Break Stops (34:31)
Packing (37:46)
Takeaways (40:30)
Invitation (42:00)
Your family is still going to be your family no matter where you are.
“A road-trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new places.” – Tom Lichtenheld
This is day 3 of our Road-tripping with family series...we’re no strangers to little or big adventures with kiddos and we started sharing some of the lessons we've learned and tucked away from roughly 18+ years of traveling with kids. Today is all about what we do and consider ON the actual trip.
Listen…trips are worth it. That's it. They just are. There are things that happen on trips with your people that you just can't create any other way. We are huge supporters of taking family trips (note: we did NOT call them vacations) and we have GOT the tips and tricks to encourage and prepare you to make really good memories with your people (and not lose your mind along the way).
The Day of (01:46)
When do you want to leave?
Add two to five hours...
Right Before You Leave (02:09)
Go for easy breakfast/lunch
Close all bedroom & bathroom doors / Stair gate
Make everyone go to the bathroom!
Even though they will have to go 5 minutes after leaving no matter what
Set a/c for being away
Put everyone in the car and COUNT
Lock the doors
Set lights to away mode
Take valuables out of vehicles that are staying
The First Stop (04:38)
Let there be food there & get out of the car
On day 1 you can get away with a longer first leg
Systems That Serve You (05:31)
Safety:
Child
Arms-length
Eye-sight
Ear-shot
IF they get lost
Adult phone number & full name
What adults should they approach?
Checkouts
Find a mom with kids
Security/rangers/etc.
Go back to the last place you were together
Touch the car / On the white line
Buddy system
Take a picture each ‘morning of’ just incase someone gets lost
Travel (13:10)
Battery Jumper + compressor
Rope/chain/multitool shovel/pocket knife
Conceal & Carry *check laws*
Dead bolt hotel room doors
AAA
Driving at night
Watch local weather & look ahead for weather
Road-time Entertainment (20:36)
Get a killer road trip soundtrack going – have music for everyone
AUDIO BOOKS!
Kindle readers
Podcasts
Magnetic games
Cards / Dice
Coloring books
DVD player
Watch out for little toes
Strap cords with command hooks
Great for when it's getting dark or babies are sleeping
Passes / Discounts (27:14)
ASTC
National Parks Pass (free family pass for 4th graders)
Veteran / Military / Disabled Discounts
Base Travel Office
Meals / Food (28:42)
Invested Co-pilot (checking orders, feeding the driver)
Aligning kids in positions to help
Food from out:
Check before you drive away (co-pilot or hand out to kids)
Handing things out
Get the driver food
Reheating / eating where you stay
Ready meals
Sandwich fixings
Easy variety
Great at stops
Snacks from Sams
Pork rinds, Boom Chicka Pop, dried fruits, nuts
Break Stops (34:31)
Don't rush
Let kids explore the quirky places
Playgrounds
Bathroom
Let older kids help
2 go in, 2 come out
Move your body for 5-10 minutes
Active items: jump ropes, frisbee, bubbles, hacki sack, yoga
Last 20 minutes of ANY trip...energy that converts angels to demons...
Packing (37:46)
Have a picture or a list when leaving somewhere (and remember lovies)
Bins / Baskets
Regular laundry (AirBnBs or hotels)
Every kid needs their own suitcase
Takeaways (40:30)
The Day of:
1.Decide when you want to leave. Take advantage of our ‘day of’ checklist to make sure you can leave the house with peace of mind, and then get excited with your people for your first stop.
Travel Systems that Serve:
Safety first…create travel boundaries for the family, ensure the car is maintained and ready for the trip, and keep an eye on the route…be ready for weather, construction, and seasonal challenges.
When it comes to on-the-road entertainment, less is more. Look for things that engage and encourage connection.
Look for passes to stay thrifty on your trip and make entrances quicker and easier by purchasing them ahead.
Food is a big deal. Maybe even especially on a trip. Put your co-pilot and your kids to work, create a standard order for your favorite spots and have it on hand, don't be afraid to pack ready meals, sandwich fixings, and especially great snacks! But nothing sticky y'all.
Breaks are a NECESSITY! Give them the time they deserve, let your people have space and time to explore and move their body, and make sure there are bathrooms available.
Packing can be the best way to be kind to tomorrow's you on a trip. Learn what systems serve you best and pivot as often as needed until you find what works for you.
Invitation (42:00)
Go on a trip! The memories are SO worth it!...and before you go, we made you something to make your trip even easier. Get your guide for Planning the Ultimate Family Road Trip here, you'll get checklists, our best tips for thrifty & peaceful travel, and our favorite on-the-go meals to prep ahead.
And share this series with any momma friends you know who are traveling this summer!
You are doing beautiful work momma!
