I love traveling with my family! With lots of practice planning family road trips I’ve learned a few hacks along the way, and I’m sharing 5 of my favorites with you.
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Hack #1. Have a Fun Music Playlist
Music is such a powerful way to set the tone in any environment. Even a car! Before your trip, create a fun playlist that includes songs everyone in the family loves. Use music as a way to shake up the long hours on the road by:
- playing games like “name that tune”
- singing along to family favorites
- and throwing in some classics from your childhood
Here’s my family friendly Spotify playlist to get you started!
Hack #2. Bring Lots of Snacks
Snacks for everyone! We don’t want anyone being hangry. Adding novel snacks to the mix makes the experience feel special too. Grab my list of 40+ healthy snacks for ideas that are simple and delicious!
Hack #3. Use a Potette Portable Potty
This little gadget is MAGIC and has saved my bacon sooooooo many times! The Potette portable potty is a game-changer! It’s compact, easy to use, and can be set up quickly whenever and wherever nature calls. This handy device can save you from the stress of finding a restroom in unfamiliar places, ensuring that your little ones are comfortable and clean throughout the journey. It’s especially useful during long stretches between rest stops or when you’re stuck in traffic. Use code RALPHIE10 for 10% off!
Hack #4. Bring a Yoto Player
Keeping kids entertained on a long drive can be tough, but the Yoto Player makes it so much easier. This portable listening device is designed specifically for kids and allows them to listen to their favorite audiobooks, music, and even educational content. It’s screen-free, which is a huge plus for parents who want to limit screen time on road trips. Check out my favorite Yoto cards for ideas to keep boredom at bay and make the drive more enjoyable for everyone.
Hack #5. Give the Kids Travel Journals
I have loved encouraging my children to document their road trip adventures with these travel journals by Promptly Journals. These journals:
- keep their hands and minds busy
- help them develop writing and observational skills
- become a keepsake as they look back on their entries from the trip
They can draw pictures, write about the places they visit, and even collect small souvenirs like tickets or postcards to glue in. What a fun way to hold on to memories!
If you want more ideas about how to enhance family together time, check out these resources: