Traveling with kids requires a lot of preparation and planning. This year, you might be aiming to take multiple adventures, many of which could be road trips. You’d think after all the traveling you’ve done, you’d have it all figured out, right? Well, not quite! But along the way, you can pick up some amazing tips and tricks that make you feel a lot more prepared.
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Here’s a list of some of the most favorite and helpful hacks when traveling with kids. So, whether you’re a seasoned road traveler or new to family road trips, these genius hacks can make your journeys more enjoyable!
Keep a Laminated Map
One of the best ways to keep kids engaged on a road trip is with a laminated map. This hack is a game-changer because it takes the guesswork out of the journey for the little ones. To do this, print out a map showing your route from start to finish, and laminate it (or cover it with contact paper).
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You can mark special stops or landmarks with symbols or letters. Give your kids a dry-erase marker to trace the route, cross out stops, and see exactly where you are and how far you have to go. This makes the journey interactive and fun, reducing the constant “Are we there yet?” questions.
Create a Snackle Box
“I’m hungry. Can I have a snack?” is a familiar question on any road trip with kids. But that’s where the snackle box comes in! Just grab a tackle box or any compartmentalized container and fill it with various snacks.
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This way, each child has their own snack station, and you don’t have to constantly rummage through bags. Lastly, customize the snacks to suit each child’s taste, and you’ll have happy, munching travelers!
DIY Road Trip Map
The never-ending “Are we there yet?” can be answered with a DIY road trip map. This trick is as simple and kid-friendly as it gets. Create a map that breaks down each stop and the final destination, making it easy for kids to follow along. You can use stickers, markers, or small toys to mark your progress.
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Kids can see where you are and where you’re headed next, making the trip feel shorter. Doing this keeps them engaged and excited about each part of the journey!
Make a DIY Magnetic Puzzle
Puzzles are a great way to pass the time, but keeping the pieces together on a bumpy road can be a challenge. Enter the DIY magnetic puzzle. All you need are magnetic sheets, a puzzle, and a small metal tray.
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Stick the puzzle pieces onto the magnetic sheets, cut them out, and use the tray as your puzzle base. This way, the pieces stay put, and your kids can enjoy hours of puzzle fun without losing any pieces. Road trip boredom? Solved!
Create a Car Travel Pulley System
Traveling with kids often means someone in the back row needs something, and stopping the car isn’t always an option. The car travel pulley system is a genius way to solve this problem. Take an old plastic jug with a handle, cut off the top, and use kite string or any sturdy string.
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Feed the string through the jug handle and loop it through the car handles by the front passenger and third-row seats. Tie the ends together to form a loop. Now, when your kids need something, place it in the jug and pull the string to send it back. It acts just like a mini cable car in your car!
Try The Mechanical Arm Grabber Hack
Another alternative to reaching things in the back seat without twisting and turning is a mechanical arm grabber. You’ve probably seen these grabbers at toy stores or hardware shops, and they’re usually inexpensive.
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With this tool, you can grab items and hand them to your kids without straining yourself. It’s perfect for passing snacks, toys, or even wiping a spill.
Create a Trash Can
One of the worst parts of a road trip is dealing with the mess afterward. Wrappers, crumbs, and unfinished food can quickly turn your car into a disaster zone. To avoid this, create a trash can in the car. All you need is a plastic cereal container and a plastic grocery bag or small garbage bag.
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Place the bag inside the container and snap the lid on. The small hole at the top allows kids to toss their trash in without spilling. It’s compact, easy to pass around, and makes cleanup a breeze!
Every Hour Surprise Bags
Keeping kids entertained on long road trips can be a challenge, but every-hour surprise bags can make it easier. These bags are super simple to create and can be customized for each child. Just get paper bags, small surprise items, and a marker to label the bags.
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Set a timer, and every hour, give each child a surprise bag. Fill them with activities like coloring books, puzzles, snacks, or small toys. This hack breaks up the trip, keeps kids excited, and gives them something to look forward to.
It Takes Some Learning
Figuring out road trip hacks might not come easily at first. When you’re on the road with kids, finding solutions to unexpected challenges can be quite a struggle. Often, the process of solving these travel problems leads to discovering clever hacks.
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Many of these insights are gained through trial and error, learning from the bumps and hiccups along the way. By incorporating these essentials into your travel routine, you can turn long drives into a fun adventure and stress-free adventure!
Why Go Through All the Trouble?
You might wonder, why go through all the trouble for a road trip? Well, have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”? That’s exactly how you’ll feel. Turning what could be a boring drive into a fun, memorable experience makes all the difference.
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By creating an enjoyable journey, we make lasting memories with our kids. They’ll remember the fun we had on the road, not just the destination. Plus, it teaches them to enjoy the process and find joy in the little moments. So, while it takes some effort, it’s worth every bit to make our trips special.
Your Road Trips Just Got Better!
Road trips with kids don’t have to be stressful. With these genius hacks, you can make your journeys smoother, more enjoyable, and even fun. From laminated maps and snackle boxes to DIY puzzles and surprise bags, these tips are designed to keep everyone happy and entertained.
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So, next time you hit the road, try these hacks and see how much easier and more enjoyable your trips can be!
