Yesterday we made the LONG trek home from Vermont. Being the only driver I wanted to make it home in one day. And that we did! It took us exactly 10.5 hours but we made it back to Toronto with smiles on our faces. This is my first long trip with two kids. We did some trips last year but Little Dude was a sleepy infant 23 hours out of 24 a day so those don’t count! I was SO impressed with my kids. Sure they can be a handful at times but they far exceeded my expectations in the car. We only stopped 3 times driving each way. What troopers!
Here are my top 5 things you must have while traveling with two young kids.
1. Bubbles – These messy things are the biggest lifesaver. You can use them inside if it’s not nice weather and outside on a gorgeous day. It keeps the toddler occupied blowing them and the infant distracted by watching the bubbles. Genius. Bring the biggest bottle of bubbles you can find beforehand if you are diving like we did, so you never run out!
2. Squeeze Pouches – Best. Invention. Ever. Sure, I’ve blogged about them. We love them and use them, but they are a god send while traveling. They are a quick and healthy snack or a healthy addition to unhealthy pit-stop meal.
3. Toys, toys, toys – I packed each kid their own bag of toys from home and a few new to them toys. I included some quiet activities, books, and LOTS of arts and crafts for Princess Peach. Her bag was filled with paints, crayons, paper, and stickers. Melissa & Doug are my favourite brand of sticker activity pads. We had 4 on our trip and it kept her busy. For the car we had some sticker packs from the dollar store and Princess Peach decorated the tissue box! Who knew it could keep her busy for so long!
A fun activity is to collect rocks while out and about during your travels and paint them either at the end of the vacation before you leave or once home. We did this activity on our last day with Princess Peach and she loved it! I’m sure we’ll do it many more times during the summer.
Little Dude’s toy bag included books, a variety of balls, cars, some cause and effect toys, and blocks. Even thought I packed him his own activity bag he usually wanted to do what his sister was doing!
4. Extra Clothes– With two little kids someone is sure to spill something somewhere along the way. Also, if you have a child that gets car sick you are well prepared! I left a bag filled with extra shirts, pants, and socks for each kid. Also put a towel in there to wipe up any spills. I put the bag in the back of the car so it was easily accessible! Luckily, on the way there we didn’t have to use it but on the way back Princess Peach spilled chocolate milk all over her dress and Little Dude dumped a sippy cup of water all of him!
5. Sense of Humor– So maybe I didn’t get a picture of my kids and I on the Notch in Vermont because every time we drove through it both kids were sleeping. Or the time that we got lost, or maybe like 5 times we got lost because the signage wasn’t so great. I just had to laugh about it! I was on vacation (more like transplanting our life elsewhere for 9 days) after all right? Our routines were different, bedtime was non-existent but if I didn’t laugh about our comedy of errors I wouldn’t have been able to fully enjoy myself and have fun!
What would you add to this list? Have you ever traveled with a toddler and baby?
LOL! great list!! I agree with all of them!! A sense of humour is probably the biggest. You have to realize that the kids aren’t happy being confined and if you just roll with the punches it will be a happy trip for everyone!
Great list, I love all of the tips but especially # 5 A sense of humour! So important when travelling with little ones. (PS, I agree, squeeze pouches are one of the best inventions ever!)
I would never have thought to bring bubbles, but it makes so much sense! My little guy loves Bubbles (to the point of when I take him away he has a meltdown) but I think they would be a great reward.
lol yes a sense of humour is key! that is one looonnngg drive you had!
I think “sense of humour” and patience are in my top 3 tips for travelling with kids.. also, a portable DVD player!!!
I needed this list! We are going on a long road trip next month. Thanks!!!
Extra clothes, ALWAYS extra clothes. HAHA.
What a great list, I even took notes down!
Extra clothes is definitely important! I think a sense of humour is key when travelling in general, with our without kids.
We always bring extra clothes after experiencing a dilemma before!
My favorite the last one! I agree with you absolutely.
Great list!!! For the younger children, these 3 wonderful music CDs are a must have!! https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/nancy-kopman/id349444059