It's that time again for my Family Summer Vacation. Last year we went to New Orleans and I'm still daydreaming about how much fun we had, how good the food was and how beautiful the French Quarters were- we'll definitely be returning. However, this year we are collecting another stamp in our passports and venturing over the border to Canada, Toronto to be exact. When I say I am over the moon, it's truly an understatement, I cannot wait to see all that I can as well as introduce my kids to another culture, life and environment- We want to give our children as many traveling experiences as possible so that they can see all the possibilities (literally). Last Summer we hopped on a plane because the drive to New Orleans was never ending, but this year we're driving to Canada, a road trip to remember! We live in Ohio so the drive is only 7 hours max, dope right!? Well, yes if you're prepared! Keep reading on how I got 5 people: Me + 2 kids + my husband + my Mother in-law, to sit comfortably on a 7 hour car ride.
My Road Trip Top 5 Items
1. Prep. Oh, so you just going to read this blog and say, "She has it so easy, she just ups and jumps in the car with her family- just like that!?" The lies you tell (yourself) this was a journey in the making, so much so that I planned this trip immediately following our last trip. Take your time and plan ahead so that you can get the best hotel and traveling deals. For my family of 5 it was just way cheaper to drive however if we choose to travel farther it will definitely be by plane which means lots of salad dinners over the next year.
2. #MONEYMatters. Make sure that you have extra cash on hand for mishaps. When traveling with so many people something is bound to happen, have an "Oh Shit" couple of dollars that won't effect the trip in any way. Believe me, it will happen- I warned you.
3. Technology. Electronics are a parents best friend on long road trips. No, I am not a fan of kids playing video games for hours on hand but they better shut up on this 7 hour drive (Disclaimer: I LOVE my kids). It's a lot going on in such a tight space, they'll be ok and their brains will recover once we get in the hotel.
4. Great snacks= snacks without so much sugar and sodium. I've learned a thing or two and what you don't want is grouchy/hyper family members on a 7 hour car ride. I chose the Simply Balanced brand at Target i.e. cookies, fruit snack and POP chips. I also brought a gallon of water, if they are really thirsty they'll drink it- cut costs wherever possible.
5. Adult entertainment....get your mind out the gutter!! LOL. No, seriously GooglePlay has a music app that allows you to type in the artists name, a station is created and it plays for as long as you want it to (similar to Pandora Radio). I also got magazines, a laptop, books and journal- We/I may or may not use it all but better safe than sorry!
So- there's my TOP 5 Road Trip essentials, what do you think? What's one of your "Must Haves?" Lastly, check out my YouTube page: Normal Black Chic where you'll catch me Vlog our entire trip over the next couple of days...As always thanks for starting and ending your workweek with me!
Normal Black Chic