Traveling With Kids

As a family of four we like to take our kids everywhere...let me rephrase that..we take our kids almost everywhere. When we can we take the Fur Babies too! Sometimes a getaway without the kids is needed and makes for an easy vacation. Let's be serious, it's rare. Having kids and traveling can be a bit hectic but it can also be fun. After a few attempts with a lot of trial and error I think we've managed to "figure it out".

The must have's for a easy vacation: (pictures for reference)

DVD player 

We found ours at Walmart. Decently priced and came with 2 screens and a handy remote for the "Mom I can't find the button" or "Dad it's not working" moments. We're not huge fans of kids always having electronic devices but why make road trips harder than they have to be? We have a CD case (I know soooo 90's) filled with DVD's that stays up front with the adults. We usually let Lily pick her movie first unless Onyx is NOT HAVING IT...then it's Moana by default. He's obsessed!  

Snacks & Drinks

Cooler bags are where it's at! Saves room and easier to move around. Freezing capri suns, water bottles, gatorade, etc...make for the best ice/ice packs (If camping, freeze seasoned meat). Easy snacks like popcorn, not-so-messy fruits, and lunchables were a life saver! With onyx being so little we also had pre-made formula. There are large bottles and to-go bottles. Easily stored in cooler or diaper bag. We would use the pre-made stuff while on the go but also brought a large powder can to keep in the room. 

I'm bored, are we there yet?

Lily get's to pack a backpack with Mom approved items for the ride and wind down moments in the hotel room. Usually it consists of coloring books, a small case of crayons or markers (washable), a small white board (we use baby wipes for clean ups), her favorite "stuffy", headphones, Nintendo Switch, and I usually let her pick a small cheap toy before we head out to keep her busy... bling bags, LOL's, etc. Onyx being so easy, we just make sure he has his favorite "thing" with him. He's usually content with the movie, "baba", and taking a nap. 

Kids bags & stuff...

Our kids are messy, I mean who's aren't? More clothes the merrier. Packing things in similar colors has helped a lot. Everything matches so no need to worry about the kids "looking a hot mess". If you're going anywhere with water just bring the swim suits. The kids are going to beg you until you break down anyways. DIAPERS & WIPES!! I over pack, I'd rather have too many than not enough. Nothing is worse than a blow out in the middle of nowhere without a clean diaper in sight! Onyx hates shoes for the time being, I'll bring a pair in case but they're most likely not getting used. Lily on the other hand I'll bring 2 pairs. Usually she finds the 1 and only nasty dirty puddle and despite being told "don't do it" she's going to fall into the puddle and cry about wet shoes. A blanket and pillow for each. These kids are blanket lovers so one that fits them accordingly will work. If you come across a "pillow pet" or some kind of stuffed animal pillow it's a 2-for-1..toy and pillow. Plus, perfect size to fit in the car instead of a normal pillow. Kids ALWAYS seem to be way more thirsty on trips than any other time. Dollar store spill proof cups are awesome...and have neat designs kids go crazy for. 

Adults.....

I think all we really need are clothes, shoes, and bathroom goodies. Don't forget hair ties! (Maybe I'll make another post about adulting...)

Random things I found helpful-

-First aid kit. Something for headaches would probably be beneficial! 

-We don't use suit cases (except for Lily, of course). Suit cases take up more space in the car. Instead a back pack of some sort works nice, all those little pockets help organize. 

-Trash bag, for all the dirty clothes.

-Stroller, ours has a basket below that eventually turns into Lily's seat.

-Phone holder that clips onto air vent. (started using when driving for Lyft, has become a every day thing)

-High chair, ours is small and buckles onto chairs. Feeding Onyx without some type of restraint has become a work-out. 

-Pack & Play, just bring it. (Helped for nap time, play time, beach time, I can't hold you right now time..)

-If we bring the dogs a normal bag of dog food, leashes, bowls (Tupperware works and snaps together) and a few gallons of water. We also have one of those cool water bottles that folds out a "bowl" for dogs to drink out of. 

Plan AHEAD!

-Going to dinner? Call the restaurant, make sure it's kid friendly and if so make sure they have high chair available or ask to be put somewhere your stroller will fit. If the kids are getting a little crazy ask for a bowl of fruit/veggies, they usually have it or the bar will have cherries, oranges, celery, etc. Some restaurants have dough they will give you for kids to keep busy. Never hurts to ask!

-Coupons!! Promo Codes! Online deals! See what you can find before you head out. 

-Always leave extra wipes, diapers, change of clothes, etc... in the trunk. 

Honey, I LOST THE KIDS!!

-Locate lost and found and share with everyone! Make the lost and found the place to meet if split up or lost. If there's not a lost and found, which amazingly happens a lot, find something cool your kids will remember (Statue, Building, Sign). Also write your name, kids name, & phone # on your kids arm. Permanent marker works or covering ink with clear nail polish will do the trick. 

- Look online, there's tons of safety watches. Sync them to your phone and BOOM! Can't find them, there's an app for that!

-If you want to use a kid leash, do it. Who cares what others say. As long as you're not dragging your kid down the road, cool. If it makes you feel safe go for it. I don't use them but have one and my kids always want to play with it.