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When in Rome... New Orleans is America’s most ha When in Rome... New Orleans is America’s most haunted city so on our road trip last year, hubby and I went on a NOLA ghost tour. That tour sparked our interest in other haunted locations so we checked out the ‘Ghost Adventures’ Series on @discoveryplus. And since we spend a lot of time in hotels and have visited the haunted Read House Hotel in Chattanooga, we decided why not watch the special ‘Ghost Adventures: #CecilHotel’ too. Have you heard about this LA hotel? Subscribe to #discoveryplus to stream with a loved one and #NeverStreamAlone. #ad #GhostAdventures
🎶 Happy Birthday to ya, Happy Birthday to ya, H 🎶 Happy Birthday to ya, Happy Birthday to ya, Happy Birthhhhdayyyy! 🎶 I cannot believe my youngest child is 5, insert all the tears. Kennedy my love you are the most morningist morning person I’ve ever met.  You are smart, full of energy, kind and a natural comedian. Wishing you the best in this next year around the sun.

P.S. thank you @lovelydarlingspicnic for the most perfect Princess picnic for my baby girl.
New York, New York, the place of all of our births New York, New York, the place of all of our births, we usually visit multiple times a year. When @bookingcom asked us to write a love letter to a destination we want YOU to travel to one day, I could think of no greater city. Whether we’re stuffing our faces at our favorite soul food restaurants in Harlem, enjoying the millions of activities the city has to offer, or screaming at the top of our lungs on all the rides at Coney Island in Brooklyn we always enjoy our visits. There is truly no place on Earth like NYC and we cannot wait to be reunited. What city in the US holds a special place in your heart? #LoveLetterstoAmerica #LoveLetterstoNewYork
Individual time with each of the girls is so impor Individual time with each of the girls is so important to me. While I usually take each of them on a trip alone with me every year, these days I'm settling for any small win I can get. Today that was making a simple meal with Jordyn, thanks in part to @campbellswellyes. What wins have you had this week? [AD] #LiveBright
Today my friend gave me a compliment and my first Today my friend gave me a compliment and my first instinct was to downplay it. To tell her I really wasn’t that good, that what I am doing isn’t that special. I stopped myself, because I have a horrible habit of pushing peoples compliments away. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t want to come off as not being humble or what, but it’s something I’m working on.

So today I sat in the compliment and appreciated it. What she said actually meant a lot to me and I told her it took me everything to just say thank you, admittance is the first step to recovery right? Am I the only one who struggles with just accepting a compliment? I also struggle with sharing my wins, even though I will celebrate others without a second thought. Two things I’m working on in 2021. Anyone joining me?
Sometimes we only have a moment to get outside and Sometimes we only have a moment to get outside and play so being able to easily take a snack to go is important to us. @campbellswellyes Sipping Soups are ready in one minute allowing us to maximize our short breaks and get outside for some fresh air. How are maximizing your family time these days? [AD] #LiveBright
Solo pics because she was really serving looks, as Solo pics because she was really serving looks, ashy knees and all. Why do kids insist on sliding all over the floor on their knees? I wish I could find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z but I digress. #essencestyle

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How to Prepare for a Road Trip with a Toddler

November 15, 2016      Tips on Traveling with Kids, Travel Tips

After mostly flying with babies and toddlers we finally caught the road trip bug. This bug led us to going on a road trip with a toddler to Disney, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, and exploring the National Parks of Utah and Arizona. Whether you’re heading on an RV road trip or regular road trip here’s how to prepare for a road trip with a toddler.

girl coloring in the car

Mentally Prepare for Your Road Trip with a Toddler To Be Longer Than What Google Maps Says

If you have a child under 1 they are probably still nursing or on formula which means they eat every 3-4 hours. You definitely can’t nurse while driving and I really don’t recommend giving a bottle while driving as if you are not sitting by them they could choke and you might not even notice or it could take you too long to safely pull over and get them out of the car seat. If you are early in potty training you will also have to make a lot of pit stops for bathroom breaks.

Time Your Departure Wisely for Your Road Trip with a Toddler

If you can, start your journey around nap time or bed time. This way your baby or toddler will be asleep for most if not all of your drive (very peaceful car ride).

Seating Arrangements are Important On Road Trips with Toddlers

If there are two adults taking the trip, have one sit in the back so you can easily assist the kids in anything you need. My friend and I drove to Tampa for a wedding (4hr drive) and we both sat in the front. I swear Jordyn asked for something every 30 seconds and it would have been so much easier if one of us was just sitting by her versus having to turn around, stretch and reach to get what she needed. When my husband and I drove to Orlando I learned my lesson and I sat in the back with both kids. I was able to easily entertain them and help them with whatever they needed, especially if Jordyn dropped something.

Have Lots of Entertainment Prepared for a Road Trip with a Toddler

Have all of your electronics charged and apps for the kids downloaded before getting on the road. Pack coloring books, flash cards, books, movies, small toys. Have their favorite music already downloaded on your phone for when you go through areas with poor reception of radio stations playing music your not interested in.

There Is No Such Thing As Enough Food on a Road Trip with a Toddler

Pack plenty of sandwiches, snacks, and water. You don’t want to waste time having to get off the highway constantly for these things. If you are breastfeeding you especially need a lot of water and snacks for yourself. Pack a small cooler with freezer packs and bring a gallon sized zip-loc bag so if they are no longer cold you can fill the bag with ice at a rest stop.

Get An Activity Tray for Your Road Trip with a Toddler

This will allow your child to color easily and keep all of their stuff contained. A good activity tray should include a cup holder, places to store books, crayons, and be a bit deep so everything doesn’t slide off when you make a turn. I’ve used the ZoomKIT, Snack & Play Travel Tray, and Kenley Kids Snack and Pack Travel Tray. I much prefer the Kenley Kids as the sturdiness and price point are the most appealing.


Make a Park Stop on Road Trips with a Toddler

Of course you are trying to get on and off the road as soon as possible but if you are on a long drive, expecting a young child to sit still for 8 hours is unrealistic. Instead of stopping to eat at restaurant, pack your lunch and stop at a park. Your little one can play for 30 minutes, wear off some of that energy and then hopefully be ready for a nap :-).

Be Prepared for Accidents on Road Trips with Toddlers

Unless you’re taking an RV road trip where you have a bathroom on call you’ll want to prepare for accidents. Be sure to have a change of clothes in the car with you, not just in the trunk. Have it separated in a plastic bag that way if they throw up, wet themselves, etc. it is very easy to pull over change them and store the soiled clothes without having to dig through your luggage to find something. Be sure to have a change of clothes for the adults as well and have hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels, etc. handy.

You may be interested in reading: 7 Ways to Potty Train When Traveling

​A Road Trip with a Toddler is the Perfect Learning Time

As one mama told me, this is a great time to have them learn. Go over their ABCs, numbers, colors, days of the week, etc.

Taking a road trip with a toddler is often a great way to plan an affordable family vacation. We’ve really enjoy our road trips and hope these tips make your road trip with a toddler seamless. Found this tips helpful? Please share this article!

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Hey, I’m Monet!

Hey, I’m Monet!

A full time working woman, wife and mama of two. I use every last one of my vacation days traveling with my kids, hubby, friends or solo. Join me as I share my travel experiences and tips to make travel affordable and easier with the little ones. You can read more about me here.

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