Nearly 9 in 10 people have concerns about travel safety, says one survey. With everything going on these days, it makes more sense than ever to pay close attention to health, safety, weather and other conditions when considering whether to travel.

While travel concerns are 100% valid, being worried doesn’t mean you 100% shouldn’t travel.

I spoke with other busy parents and listened to the family travel problems they were concerned about. This post addresses the most common family travel worries:

• getting sick on vacation
• car trouble
• getting lost
• bad weather
• dirty hotel room or home rental
• delayed and canceled flights
• lost luggage

Read on to learn what to do in the most stressful vacation problems.

Important note: I absolutely support and follow local government’s guidelines on when/how it is safe to travel. I urge you to do the same by respecting stay-at-home guidance when applicable. I also urge you to follow all safety precautions to slow the spread of illness, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and mask wearing. It is up to all of us to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.

So as you read this post, keep in mind that my recommendations apply only when you’re able to safely travel in accordance with governmental guidelines and common sense.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that when you click and buy, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

Someone gets sick

If someone is sick on vacation, it may be tempting to power through. After all, you want to make the most of your trip.

But if you go forward with all your plans, you risk skipping the extra rest your loved one’s body needs to fight the bug.

So take a more toned-down approach if kids get sick on vacation (or you do, for that matter). Have a lazy morning. Watch a movie. Take a short walk instead of the city-wide tour you’d planned. Scale back so everyone feels better sooner rather than later.

Further, you definitely don’t want to risk spreading a bug to others. So skip any indoor activities where you could pass germs.

These days, illness is even more fraught than usual.

Some attractions and lodging also have standard surveys now. They may ask if anyone in your group has been sick recently or is dealing with symptoms such as fever, cough or aches. So if someone in your party is sick, you’ll need to answer honestly—and probably change plans.

Because of the pandemic, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies are more understanding of a change of plans due to illness. So if you feel like you need to cancel or reschedule because someone gets sick, you’re more likely than ever to do so without forfeiting what you’ve already paid.

For even more advice, check out my full post on what to do if your kid gets sick on vacation.

Car trouble

Truth time: This is actually the potential family travel worry that stresses me out.

When I was in high school, I took a basic car maintenance workshop. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten everything I learned in the class. That means I’m just not terribly confident about dealing with car trouble on vacation.

That’s why it’s so important for all of us to get familiar with what to do in case of car trouble.

First consider the potential issues you could encounter: a flat tire, a dead battery, an accident.

Next, talk through what you’d do. Ask a friend or your partner—someone who is more confident with car maintenance—to listen and offer advice if you’re not sure.

Then practice. Do you know how to use jumper cables? Install snow chains? Use a flare? Try these very learnable skills in low-stakes situations—i.e. not an emergency. Your confidence will go from 0 to 60.

Finally, make sure you travel with everything you need to deal with car trouble on vacation. Is your emergency supplies kit stocked and up to date? (If it’s not, make sure you get one right away! They’re important to have in your car at all times, not just on a road trip.)

One more tip: Call your car insurance agent to understand what your policy covers. I recently talked through our car insurance coverage and found out that it covers towing and locksmiths if you lock your keys in the car. (Darn—that last tip would have saved me $200 last summer when I locked the keys in our minivan.)

And if you’ll feel more comfortable with car emergency coverage, consider getting a membership to a company like AAA.

Reservations are lost or canceled

My sister recently drove several hours to an out-of-town home rental—only to discover they had no record of her reservation.

Talk about a vacation disaster!

The best defense for this travel problem is a good offense. Keep meticulous records of every reservation, from lodging to restaurants to activities. Here’s what I do:

Prevent a lost reservation

• Take a screenshot or photo of the confirmation page when you book online. Yes, the company should also email you—but take this extra precaution just in case.
• Keep the email confirmations. You might want to star them or transfer them into a travel folder.
• Forward your reservation to an app like TripIt. It will keep everything organized and at your fingertips.
• Print confirmations. Sometimes having hard copies as evidence makes a big difference.

That said, if you haven’t taken these steps and you’re still faced with a lost reservation, work with the hotel/airline/car rental company.

Behavioral psychology suggests that our default setting is to want to help others. So enlist the company representative in helping you. Try language like, “I’m not sure what happened—but can you help me find a solution?”

You can also try using “we” language, which puts you and the company representative on the same team. “Can we figure out a way to fix this?” feels collaborative, not combative.

If those tactics don’t work, escalate the issue. Managers have more ability to right wrongs like a lost reservation. Respectfully ask to speak with the manager or supervisor, who has more of a stake in making you happy.

And as frustrated as you might get, try to stay civil. Lost reservations are probably not the fault of whoever you’re talking to. When a car rental company lost my reservations and my family and I had to wait ages, I tried really, really hard to be nice to the agent. She was probably having a crummy day, too. And you know what? When she eventually fixed the problem, she gave me a few upgrades and perks right before thanking me for being understanding and patient.

When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.

–Wonder, a YA book that will make you feel so many feels

You get lost

Getting from here to there is easier than it’s ever been, thanks to GPS and apps that give us directions. But it’s still possible to get lost.

Your phone might die. You might not have service. The maps app might be plain wrong (like when Waze misdirected drivers, who got stuck in the sand in the middle of a wildlife preserve).

No matter what the issue is, you still could find yourself in a 20th century situation of being lost!

If this happens, the most important thing is to keep your cool. Your kids are watching: Show them that a) everything is ok and b) a little problem like getting lost can’t ruin your vacation. It’s actually a terrific opportunity to model how you want your kids to react when something unexpectedly goes awry.

Then get your bearings. Can you retrace your steps? Can you tell which way is north—based on the position of the sun, the progression of street names or where the ocean is?

Asking for help is your best bet to find your way again. Find a local who can put you back on track. I always look for someone to ask at a gas station or a hotel desk. They’re used to giving directions so tend to be extra-helpful.

And remember that travel is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Your kids may end up fondly remembering the Time You Got Lost. In fact, my own kids still laugh about how their grandma yelled, “Siri, you’re fired!” when her phone led her astray.

The weather is awful

“Why isn’t it snowing?!” Maxine asked me the other morning. It was winter, she pointed out—so where was the snow?

Alas, I cannot control the weather. I’m guessing you can’t either. And unfortunately that might mean you get bad weather when you’re on vacation.

No one wants rain to ruin plans to hit up the amusement park. But weather isn’t reason to throw in the towel on your wonderful family vacation.

If weather is messing with your plans, adjust. Here are ideas when you have bad weather on vacation.

• Are there indoor alternatives to your outdoor plans?
• Can you dress for the weather and move forward with your intended activities anyway?
• How can you transform the bummer weather into something awesome? (Perhaps it’s raining, but can you grab an umbrella and turn a walking tour into a puddle-stomping sightseeing adventure?)
• Can you switch the timing of some activities? For example, if you planned to visit a museum on Tuesday but Monday’s weather is crummy, can you go to the museum on Monday instead? You might end up with better weather later in your vacation.
• What if you scrapped your plans? Yes, you probably want to get out and about. But if you ask your kids, they’d probably be just as happy swimming in the hotel pool all day!

The hotel or rental is gross

We’ve all heard them: horror stories of disgusting hotel rooms or home rentals. I’m very grateful that we haven’t stayed in super-sketchy lodging as a family. (I wish I could say the same of traveling without kids. I could tell you stories about a certain motel in Detroit when I legitimately texted friends my location in case I went missing, and the hotel in Thailand with the chained monkeys out front. Geez.)

If you ever do find yourself in an unacceptable hotel room or home rental, you have some options to fix the family travel problem.

1. Call the front desk or property management company. Ask them to come and clean your lodging. We once checked into a rented apartment that hadn’t been cleaned between guests (yuck!), but the cleaning staff took care of it lickety split.
   (This was pre-COVID. You’re probably like me and are even more stringent about the cleanliness of lodging. Make sure they’re adhering to safe cleaning protocols.)
2. Ask to be moved. If the lodging is just plain unacceptable, or they can’t fix the problem in a reasonable length of time, relocate. Have them set you up in a different hotel room or request a move to a different property.
3. Leave. If the situation is truly over the top awful, you may need to leave. If that’s the case, document everything. Take notes on the steps you tried to take to make the lodging livable, whom you talked to and when, and details of exactly what was wrong. Take photos. The more information you have, the better.
   If you end up going this route you may not get a refund… immediately. But once you find different lodging, you can escalate the problem with the less-than-satisfactory lodging company. Provide alllll the documentation you collected, then request a refund—and perhaps additional compensation for your trouble.

Yes, there’s always a risk of staying in a hotel room or home rental that isn’t up to your standards. This is actually quite uncommon, though. So if the potential for a dirty room or not-as-advertised rental is keeping you home, consider yourself armed with the info you need to take care of it should this family travel problem arise.

I’ve had great experience with AirBnB. Hosts have always been very responsive and eager to fix any issues that come up. Check out AirBnB properties here.

Your flight is delayed

I know you’re probably not flying much at the time I write this. But I do think that air travel will make a comeback once it’s safer to fly.

As much as I look forward to being able to fly again, though, I *don’t* eagerly await this family travel bummer: delayed and canceled flights.

Here’s how to deal with delayed flights on family vacation.

First of all, do your best to understand what kind of delay you’re dealing with. Is the delay because your plane left its previous destination an hour late? If that’s the case, it’s likely that the airline’s estimate of your new departure time is fairly accurate.

If the delay is because of weather or equipment malfunction, estimates are less reliable. Just knowing how likely the updated departure times are to stay consistent will help you set your own expectations.

Next, find a place to post up. You may need to spend an extra hour—or more—waiting at the airport, so you might as well settle in.

Take turns getting up and moving with the kids. One adult should stay back to listen for announcements and watch your stuff. Don’t expect your kids to sit, though; walk around together so your littles burn off energy.

This is also an excellent time to get creative about entertaining your kids. You can download my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids, for just a few bucks. Even though you’re not driving, you can entertain your kids with dozens of games at the airport. Try some of the 33 ideas in my book!

Finally, don’t stress if you can’t endure the delay with only the things you’ve packed. After all, you probably packed just the right amount of snacks and activities for the time your trip was supposed to take.

So you may need to spend a little extra on food or entertainment for the family while you wait for your delayed flight.

You lose your luggage

You spend all that time deciding what to bring on vacation then packing it just so—and then the airline loses your luggage.

Argh!

As annoying as it is, you’re bound to lose your luggage at some point if you’re traveling. If you do, then how do you recover? Especially if that suitcase had kid stuff in it?

First off, check in with the airline about expectations—and how much they can help. Do they know where the bag is? Can they estimate how long they’ll need to return it to you? Will they give you a budget to buy the essentials until you get your bag?

Most airlines will also give you a toiletries kit so you can at least brush your teeth.

Clarify where you need the airline to send the bag. So if you flew into Los Angeles but are actually staying in Anaheim, the airline should deliver the bag to your lodging—not the airport where you landed.

Then you’ll need to grab the bare essentials: a change of clothes, any must-have toiletries not provided by the airline or your lodging, and anything else to tide you over. I prefer stopping at a place like Target, which has pretty much everything you need. (You can also grab some groceries while you’re there to save money on your food for the vacation.)

Lastly, keep tabs on your lost luggage. You’ll get a claim number and a phone number or website to check on your status.

Lost luggage is a total pain. But the possibility of a lost suitcase is not a good reason to delay a family vacation.

The bottom line: The stuff you packed is, at the end of the day, just stuff. The memories you’ll make as a family when you travel are worth astronomically more than the potential inconvenience and cost of replacing your things.

When travel worries are more than regular stress

I’ve just covered the most common family travel worries—the 8 scenarios most likely to stress you out. I also shared tips to help you prevent these travel problems and what to do if they happen anyway.

Do you feel better? Do you feel more confident that you’ll be able to salvage your trip?

I hope so. If you don’t, and your vacation anxiety is getting in the way of things you want to do, consider talking to your doctor or mental health provider.

Travel anxiety is absolutely a thing. So if your worries feel out of control, or your life is being dictated by your anxiety, reach out and get help.

(If you wonder if your travel anxiety will ever let you take a trip, look at me as proof: I wrote a whole post on how to deal with anxiety at Disneyland.)

So what’s stopping you? Now that you know what you’d do if you hit any of these family travel problems, do you feel more prepared? Are you ready to start planning your next vacation?

The post 8 common family travel worries: What to do when things go wrong appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Expect to see some return to travel in 2021. Things will still look different—you’ll probably still need to wear masks, and some companies or locations may require proof of vaccination or negative test results.

Even still, more than 40% of Americans are planning at least one trip in the next six months.

Are you one of them? Are you hopeful for an upcoming trip? Consider a road trip. Here, I make the argument that driving is the way to go for 2021 travel—and I’m happy to explain why.

Keep reading for the 7 reasons why road trips should be your go-to method of 2021 travel!

Important note: I absolutely support and follow local government’s guidelines on when/how it is safe to travel. I urge you to do the same by respecting stay-at-home guidance when applicable. I also urge you to follow all safety precautions to slow the spread of illness, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and mask wearing. It is up to all of us to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.

So as you read this post, keep in mind that my recommendations apply only when you’re able to safely travel in accordance with governmental guidelines and common sense.

Finally, this post contains affiliate links. That means I earn a small income when you click and buy—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

You can be flexible in your plans (and not go if necessary)

Last year, I ended up canceling a lot of travel plans. And I’m guessing you might be like me in that you spent hours and immeasurable energy in canceling reservations—and trying to get your money back.

The beautiful thing about a road trip is that you haven’t made expensive reservations or booked airfare. So if conditions change before you leave, you can cancel your own plans—no headaches involved.

Yes, I am itching to return to travel and family vacations. But I also urge everyone to keep a close eye on the safety of travel for both yourself and the communities you pass through.

This reason to take a road trip extends beyond health concerns. If there’s a storm in an area you’d planned to travel to, you can easily alter your trip.

So if it doesn’t make sense to travel, cancel or postpone your road trip. The ease of doing so is just one more reason to take a road trip this year.

You can limit interaction with others

Are you like me? The thought of going through TSA—all those people, bins that have been touched by a bajillion people—makes me hyperventilate.

It’s no wonder: Science solidly shows that the more people come into contact with one another, the greater the chance of spreading germs.

But with a well planned road trip, you can skip over a lot of these interactions.

Consider all that’s involved in flying: Checking in at the airline desk, waiting in line, passing through security, sitting alongside folks at your departure gate, walking past people in their seats on the plane, and all the other opportunities to come in close contact with others.

Contrast that to driving for your vacation. Yes, you will need to buy gas so may come in contact with the gas attendant (though most states have you pump the gas yourself). You may need to shop at a store for groceries and ice. But we’re talking contact with a few dozen people at most, compared to hundreds and hundreds.

It’s clear: Road trips put you in touch with way fewer people.

You can alter your route at a moment’s notice

Let’s say that you had planned to drive from one state to another, but before you leave, a state in between the two sees a spike in infections. It’s easy to redirect to take a safer route.

You might need to alter your itinerary for other reasons. Let’s say there’s a freak windstorm in a state you’d planned to pass through. It’s easy to redirect your route. Simply plot a new path with an atlas or alter your GPS route.

With all roads crisscrossing the country, you can tailor your road trip route to be as safe as possible.

Road trips are budget-friendly

Road trips are almost always significantly cheaper than travel by other means. The savings increase when you travel with others.

When you fly, your cost increases with every person you add to the group. So while it may cost $400 for one person to fly, you’re talking $1,600 for a family of four.

Airfare is likely to increase later in 2021, too. If you take a look at advance bookings, prices rise for the months when airlines anticipate higher demand (especially in summer months and around holidays).

In contrast, road trip costs stay pretty much the same. Let’s say it costs $400 for a road trip’s gas, snacks and lodging. You’ll pay pretty much the same amount whether one person is traveling or the whole family. So you’d still end up paying about $400 for four people.

So if you’re looking to save money—and really, who isn’t?!—road trips are the ultimate budget travel.

You can pack supplies to be (mostly) self-sufficient

When you travel by car, you can easily pack what you need to be close to self-sufficient.

To do so, simply consider what you’d normally need to get while traveling:

• food
• directions
• entertainment
• drinks / coffee
• ice
• masks, sanitizer and other supplies to travel safely on a road trip

Think through what you and your crew will need during a trip. Then pack supplies to meet those needs.

For example, you know you’ll need to eat. You can pack snacks and meals so you don’t need to stop at restaurants along the way.

(There’s a right way and a wrong way to pack a cooler. Learn how to store food safely in my tutorial on packing a cooler correctly.)

We even pack a small travel toilet. (There are even potties that can be used with a disposable bag for #2.) This comes in handy when one of my kids suddenly has to pee like right now when we’re miles away from a rest stop. It’s also useful when you don’t feel comfortable using a public rest room.

Of course there are some things you can’t provide yourself, or that will run out along the way. For those needs (gas, ice, etc.), consolidate all your needs in a single stop. So instead of stopping at a gas station, then a grocery store for ice, then a cafe for a fresh coffee, get everything in one place. That will minimize your exposure and risk.

You can be spontaneous with road trips

If you’re thinking about making trips without a ton of advance planning, you’re in good company. 40% of reservations are made less than two weeks from the date of planned travel, according to research.

Spontaneous travel in 2021 is going to increase, in part because people want to wait and see that conditions are safe. Folks don’t feel confident predicting what things will be like months down the road so are waiting to book travel until close to the last minute.

Road trips are much, much easier for last-minute vacations. After all, it can be hard—and expensive—to book a last-minute plane ticket. But road trips cost about the same whether you’re planning far in advance or you decide to take a spur of the moment vacay.

What’s more, you can be flexible in the destination you visit. When you drive, you can wait to pick your vacation location until just a few days before you leave home.

So for 2021 travel, road trips—including last-minute ones—can’t be beat!

If you haven’t planned ahead for how you’ll keep the kids entertained, don’t sweat: Did you know you can download my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids? The ebook will go straight to your phone—so you and your fam can have fun along the way.

You can make up for 2020 canceled plans

2020 was rough in a lot of ways, including all the canceled plans. My kids still talk about the vacations that didn’t happen.

At the same time, I grieve the lost opportunities for my kids—Maxine starting kindergarten in person, Edie going to horse-riding camp. It can feel like last year was one long disappointment.

I’m betting your family could say the same.

So as long as it’s safe, we’re planning to road trip as a family to make up for these disappointments.

Even more, we’re looking forward to traveling as a family to make memories together. I love that when we travel, we eliminate many of the distractions of every day life. That lets us focus on each other and have fun together!

So if you’re excited about getting travel back into your life, I strongly recommend taking a road trip this year. I trust you will plan to do so safely, within health guidelines, and while following precautions like mask wearing and social distancing.

Here’s to a wonderful year of travel, friends!

The post 7 reasons to road trip now: How road trips will save 2021 travel appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Holiday travel looks a lot different this year. (If you want to skip searching for all the latest advice, you’ll want to check out my summary on how to minimize health risks while traveling these days.)

What remains the same: Common holiday travel mistakes can be a major detour on your road to fun, family gatherings or a quick trip out of town.

Read on for the most common holiday travel mistakes—and what to do instead.

Failing to plan stops ahead of time

“We’ll just stop wherever we need to along the way.”

Cue: a kid who has to pee so badly she’s nearly in tears or the child tantrumming because his blood sugar has dropped through the floor.

You’ve heard that old adage that failing to plan is planning to fail. Well, when it comes to holiday travel, failing to plan is planning to have a car full of meltdowns.

Here’s why you need to plan stops in advance, especially when traveling this holiday.

• Without planning ahead, you might end up on a stretch of road with no rest stops or quick food options right when you need the amenities most.
• Waiting until your crew is melting down—and then deciding to stop—makes travel miserable for everyone. Plan to stop before everyone really really really needs it now!
• You’ll feel confident in having a plan. Being in control of this factor—knowing when and where to stop—takes some of the stress out of holiday travel.
• You’ll avoid potty emergencies if everyone uses the bathroom at regular intervals.

So when you’re figuring out your route, look at rest stops, outdoor parks, waysides and quick food options along the way. When we take road trips, I generally stop at a park or playground to let the kiddos burn off energy!

Plan on stopping at least every two hours (adjusting for your family’s needs / temperament / bladder size).

**Want to travel safely but don’t have the time to scour the internet for the latest advice? Then you’ll love my 20-minute training on the travel tools you need today. Click to get my on-demand training!

Ignoring planning for your return trip

We tend to focus on the thing right in front of our nose: the upcoming holiday and everything we need to do to get there.

But too many people forget about planning the return trip.

This is tricky for a number of reasons. First of all, you and your crew might be stretched thin after days of relative together time and extra helpings of pumpkin pie. (That is to say, you’re not all at your best.)

Secondly, most other people fail to plan for the trip home. That means roads and airports are filled with stressed out people who are in a rush.

What’s more, all those thoughtful touches you planned for the first leg of your trip (like a special new activity for your kids or a holiday-themed movie to watch en route) are absent.

(My recommendation: Why not play Holiday Travel Bingo? You can download my free Holiday Travel Bingo printable, which even pre-readers can use!)

So when you’re planning for your holiday trip, think about the return as well.

Some ideas to consider:

• Can you make the return trip special, too? I like to pack a little surprise for my kids, even something as small as a coloring kit from the dollar store.
• Can you make the drive feel new and exciting? Kids love novelty. They’ll be excited for the trip home if you’ve stashed a new movie to watch or queue up an awesome new playlist.
• Can you pack healthy snacks for the trip? When you leave home, you have easy access to the go-to snacks for you and your family (string cheese, whole grain crackers, sliced apples, the works). But if you’re out of town, you have less control over the snacks on hand. So before you head home, make a quick stop at the grocery store so you have a fresh stock of the healthy snacks that will keep everyone nourished (and not hangry or sugar crashed!).
• Why not play a game that’s new for everyone? Remind yourself of the classics and learn brand-new activities with my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids. Download the e-book or order the paperback ahead of time. (It also makes a great gift!

Packing at the last minute

Ahh, the holidays: A season for admiring twinkling lights and snowflakes, leisurely sipping a cup of cheer—and frantically packing up the minivan at the last minute before rushing out the door.

It doesn’t have to be that way!

I recommend pacing the prep of an upcoming trip for at least a few days before you actually leave. You can pack about 90% of your stuff in advance (you’ll just need to add toiletries, shoes and any last-minute items like glasses).

In fact, I recommend packing the car early, too. When you have your suitcases and other gear ready, put it directly into the car the day before you leave.

Packing up and hitting the road will be a breeze.

Not adjusting your itinerary

Most people wake up the morning of their trip, buckle their jammied kids into the car and hit the road. But a common holiday travel mistake is failing to check current conditions—and adjusting accordingly.

That’s why I recommend that one of the first things you do the morning of your trip is to check the weather, road conditions, and traffic.

Look for your state’s department of transportation online. This site typically has incredibly detailed information about road conditions like ice, any current closures and even live camera feeds.

You should also check a trip planning app or site such as Waze or the maps app on your iPhone. This should give you an idea of the flow of traffic.

Do you need to leave earlier than anticipated? Do you need to take a different route? Once you’re armed with this info, you’ll know exactly how to adjust your itinerary.

Rushing to your destination

You know that song— “Dashing through the snow” . Whether you’re on a one-horse open sleigh or a sensible minivan, rushing to your holiday destination isn’t the way to go.

I 100% get that you want to arrive as fast as possible. But is speed worth the stress of rushing?

No.

So give yourself extra time for transit. As a rule of thumb, I add an extra half-hour of estimated drive time for every 2 hours on the road while traveling during the winter. That way, I don’t stress if there’s traffic, poor road conditions or just the need for an extra potty break.

So instead of rushing this holiday, take a more leisurely pace. You and your family will end up having fun en route.

(If you really want to have fun on the road, get your copy of my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids, before leaving home!)

Depend on food en route

Raise your hand if this has happened to you: You’re so focused on getting out the door and getting to your destination that you forget about that minor detail of eating.

You know, the activity that your very life depends on.

I know I’ve been there! (I once resorted to eating Baby Edie’s fruit squeezie pouch because I had totally forgotten to pack any food for myself.)

I totally get it: You have plenty on your mind, from checking the weather to confirming your lodging reservation. But figuring you’ll just “find something to eat along the way” is a big holiday travel mistake.

Why? Because you don’t want to be at the mercy of whatever food happens to be around.

Returning to reality at the last moment possible

Look, I get it. You want to make the most of your days off, so it’s understandable to return home right before regular life starts back up.

Unfortunately, too many people do this: get home Sunday night and return to work and school Monday morning.

The days following a holiday feel like a letdown already. All the anticipation of the upcoming holiday has disappeared along with the torn-up wrapping paper piles.

This is a time to be extra-gentle with yourself and your family, not launch into the demands of life-as-usual.

So when you’re planning a holiday trip, leave a buffer day in between getting home and starting back at work / distance learning / the daily grind.

Use that day to sleep in (if your kids let you!). Spend all day in your jammies. Watch a movie. Order takeout. Be kind to yourself and your body. (My favorite way: Do a little yoga. Even 10 minutes on the mat makes me feel sooooo much better.)

When you don’t rush back to regular life, you’ll manage the transition more smoothly.

Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful

When you know the common mistakes of holiday travel—and how to avoid them—you’re prepared to make your holiday trip as easy and stress-free as possible.

Do you have more to add? Share your advice in the comments below!

The post Holiday travel mistakes you don’t want to make (+ what to do instead) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

We’ve been going on a lot of road trips lately, so I 100% get the urge for a change of scenery. But just because you’re in your car for days doesn’t mean you have to accept messes, disorganization or even nonstop fast food.

(This road trip list is an excellent foundation. If you want to go way in-depth to take all the stress out of planning a road trip, check out my new online course, Rock Your Road Trip!)

These road trip essentials will help you keep your car clean, organized and safe. This list will recommend the best products to keep your food safe and tasty. And if you’re adventuring with kids, you’ll want to check out the supplies to keep kiddos organized and happy.

Read on for a road trip essentials list: the things you won’t want to drive without.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click and buy, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this free resource for family travel!

Keep your car organized on a road trip 

You can’t control everything about a road trip—construction and weather are out of your hands. But you can control how messy (or not-messy) your car gets.

That’s why I’m sharing these essential road trip supplies to keep the car tidy. 

Car charger splitter

Do you and your road trip companions have to take turns charging your electronics? Not anymore! Simply get a car charger splitter, which turns a single electronic port into multiple USB chargers. (If you only need two chargers, I recommend this compact double car charger.)

If your car has a USB charger built-in, plug in a USB hub like this one to turn one charging spot into four. That way you can power up your phones, tablets, cameras and any other electronics—at the same time.

Level 10 travel tip: Charging multiple devices at once is even more important if you’re camping. Everyone’s devices will need a full charge before you stop driving since your tent doesn’t have a power outlet!

Cord organizers

If you’re charging more than one advice, you’ll want to wrangle all those cords. I like these cord organizers for a few reasons. They’re great for bundling multiple cords together (so the front seat doesn’t look like a nest of snakes from all the cords!). We also use them to wrap up long cords when we’re storing them.

Plus, when you buy pack of multiple cord organizers, you can stash them everywhere you need one: in each car, your home charging station and your work desk. 

Milk crates

You’ll pack your clothes in a suitcase or bag and your perishable food in a cooler, of course. I recommend packing just about everything else in sturdy milk crates. 

Here’s why.

• Milk crates are hard-sided, unlike cardboard boxes, so the contents won’t get smashed.
• You can see through the sides of milk crates so you know what’s inside at a glance.
• Milk crates are stackable.
• They’re sturdy, so you can use them on all your road trips to come.
• They’re big enough to hold road trip supplies and food but small enough that you can use several and organize your gear.

Wet bag

A wet bag is one of my recommended essential road trip products. Why? It has so many uses!

We’ve used a wet bag to store used cutlery and plates until we can wash up when we arrive at our destination. We put wet swimsuits in a wet bag so our car doesn’t get a musty smell. They’re also critical on the off-chance someone in your group gets car sick.

It’s a good idea to have a set of at least two wet bags, like these pretty ones.

Organize the car for a family road trip

No one wants their nicely packed car to devolve into chaotic mess an hour into your road trip. These are the products and gear I recommend to keep your kids and their stuff organized on a road trip.

And remember, if you’re feeling even slightly overwhelmed by the idea of a family road trip, my online course Rock Your Road Trip is made just for you. In it, I teach you everything from how to pick a destination and plan a route with fun trips to how to organize kids’ gear and stop bickering in the back seat. 

Seat back organizer

Seat back organizers keep all your kids’ stuff organized. That means it’s off the floor, less likely to get lost or broken, and more likely to be accessible to your kids. (That all means less whining—WIN!)

I like these sturdy seat back organizers. They even have a clear 10-inch pocket for tablets, letting the kids watch their own movies or shows. They also have lots of pockets for kids’ activities, snacks and gear.

Cup holder organizer

If your kids’ car seats have cup holders, did you know you can use a cup holder organizer? Kids (or adults!) can store pens, markers, electronic devices, headphones and more.

Activity organizer

If your car has a seat between kids’ car seats, a back seat organizer like this one is beyond helpful. It fits in the middle seat and has compartments for books, magnetic games, tablets, art supplies and more.

I like this style of activity organizer because it gives kids access to their own stuff. Road trip hacks are meant to make the journey easier, after all. And when you don’t have to constantly reach back to give your kiddos different activities, everyone is happier!

My kids’ seats are actually pilot seats, so they don’t have a spot to put a back seat organizer. Instead, we use a bin on the ground in between where their feet go. Ours is filled with books. You should hear them read stories to each other—so adorable!

Tablet headrest mounts

If you don’t opt for the seat back organizers I linked to above, you should consider a headrest mount for your kids’ tablets. These tablet mounts attach to the head rest of the front seat. That way your kids can watch a movie or show without craning their necks down at their laps. That just gets them a sore neck.

Kids travel pillow

I cringe when kids fall asleep on a road trip and doze with their heads at seriously uncomfortable angles. That’s why I recommend a kids’ travel pillow like this one, which wraps gently around their neck. It won’t slide off (like the horseshoe-shaped ones), and it supports their little heads. 

Kids headphones

If your kids are doing any screentime that you don’t want to hear, get them some headphones. (Personally, I hope to never listen to another episode of Paw Patrol ever. ever. again.)

My kids love these cute headphones. They stay on their heads and don’t hurt their ears. 

Suction cup organizer

If you’re driving a minivan on your road trip, this handy road trip hack only works for kids in the third row. (You need to keep windows in the middle row clear so doors can open and close.) Simply stick a suction cup organizer on a window. It becomes an incredibly helpful way for kids to organize and store things like markers, headphones, small toys or their other activities. 

**Bonus** Suction cup organizers mean kids will have what they need within reach. They’ll rely on you less to pass back what they need!

Supplies to eat well on a road trip

I love road trip junk food as much as the next person. (Cheddar Ruffles are my jam!) That doesn’t mean I want to eat gas station food nonstop.

These are the products, supplies and gear I recommend for organizing meals, keeping food safe and eating well on a road trip.

Reliable cooler

A cooler keeps all your food cold—and safe—so it’s important to buy one that’s reliable. After all, you don’t want to spend a ton of time (and money) buying ice multiple times a day!

If you want to invest the least amount possible while still getting a cooler that works, I recommend this budget cooler. It definitely does the job!

If you really need to make your ice last, I recommend this terrific mid-price cooler. Ice remains solid longer than in a cheaper cooler, and I like that it has cup holders on the lid.

Snack caddy

Road trip snacks are one of the best parts of hitting the road. Keep all your munchies organized with a snack caddy. We keep ours on the floor between the front seats.

(To be completely honest, I don’t recommend buying a snack caddy online. Most come in multiple packs but you likely need only one or two. You can buy one at the dollar store for a fraction of the price.)

Reusable baggies

Plastic baggies are convenient, but they create so much trash. Invest in a set of reusable silicone baggies instead. Since we bought these, we use so much less plastic.

I recommend storing individual portions of snacks in these so you don’t end up with a bunch of family size chip bags in the front seat. At the start of the drive, simply dole out the amount you’ll want in one of these reusable baggies. Keep the full sized bag in the back. Then refill as needed!

Reliable ice packs

You’ll want to pack your cooler to maximize the ice. (Read my insanely detailed post on the right way to pack your cooler for more tips!) That includes creating a base layer of solid ice at the bottom of your cooler.

You can fill and freeze plastic ziplocks or use ice packs, which last longer. 

Reusable cutlery

There’s nothing worse than getting ready to eat your road trip lunch than realizing you don’t have a spoon to eat it with! We avoid this problem by keeping sets of reusable cutlery in the glove box at all time.

You can use silverware from home or buy cute, sustainable reusable cutlery. (I love this pretty pink cutlery set, which comes with its own case.) We wrap the cutlery in cloth napkins and secure the whole shebang with a rubber band.

Waterproof picnic blanket

There’s something charming and nostalgic about picnics, don’t you think? Take advantage of a road trip to eat al fresco!

You don’t want your bum getting wet or dirty, though, so make sure you pack a waterproof picnic blanket. (This checkered one is adorable and it rolls into an easily packable tote.) We always keep one in the car so we’re ready for spontaneous picnics.

Road trip safety supplies

Chances are, the worst accident you’ll have on a road trip is when you spill the Goldfish crackers. Just in case you experience car trouble or some other unexpected issue, ensure you have safety supplies.

In fact, you should keep most of these car safety supplies in your vehicle at all times (not only on road trips). Does your car have all this safety gear?

First aid kit

Hopefully you have a first aid kit in your car already. If you do, check it thoroughly before a road trip. Make sure nothing is expired or missing, and replenish any supplies, like band aids or wipes. 

If you don’t have one yet, it’s easiest to get a pre-stocked first aid kit. (It’s more budget-friendly to buy one like this than purchase all the supplies individually.)

Reflectors

If you have car trouble, you need to stay safe while you fix it. That’s why you should have reflective triangles in your road trip safety kit. 

I like these reflective triangles because they’re sturdy (i.e. they won’t blow over on a windy day). They’re also approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Reflective vest

You’re not going to win any fashion awards wearing a reflective vest like this one, but it will keep you safe on the side of the road. You want to make sure all traffic can see you.

Emergency go bag

We have an emergency go bag in each car, plus one next to the door in our house. (I bought them shortly after I read that article about an overdue mega-earthquake in the Pacific Northwest.)

I like a pre-stocked emergency go bag like this one. It includes emergency supplies like food and water, plus things like a flashlight and dust masks, for a family of four. 

It’s extremely unlikely you’d need to use an emergency go bag during a road trip. That said, I prefer to be safe than sorry. And it’s good preparation to have one just in case, as they could be used in any type of disaster.

Jumper cables

Most people keep a standard set of jumper cables in their car at all times—crucial if you find yourself with a dead battery. Double-check that yours haven’t wandered off!

Essential Road Trip Supplies

When you go on a road trip, you want to focus on what really matters: having fun, taking in the scenery and enjoying the adventure. You don’t want to worry about having to track down your stuff, re-organize after every stop or find yourself stranded with car trouble.

I recommend evaluating what additional supplies you need well before your road trip begins. That way you have plenty of time to buy gear to fill the gaps. No last-minute stress for you!

I’d love to hear what road trip hacks or car organizing tips work best for you. Do you have any to add? Let me know in the comments!

The post Ultimate List of Essential Road Trip Supplies + Gear to Organize your Car appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

My own kiddos love playing while we travel. If we’re in an airport, chances are we’re playing I Spy or even Hide and Seek, if the terminal isn’t too full. But when I break out the physical games and printables, that’s when Max and Edie get truly excited.

I have a feeling your kids might be the same. So simply download and print out these Holiday Travel Bingo games before your next trip. If you’re sitting, you can use anything to mark the squares—coins work well. Or if you’re en route, kids can X the squares off with a crayon or pencil. Either way, this free holiday Bingo game will help pass the time for the whole family!

I’m crossing my fingers for you and smooth travels, zero delays and friendly seat mates. But don’t leave your kids’ travel entertainment to chance. Use these Holiday Travel Bingo games to keep your whole family feeling merry and bright this holiday season.

It’s not just you—holiday travel IS busy

On average, travel is about a quarter busier than average around Christmas. And last year, an estimated third of Americans traveled during the holidays. That’s 112.5 million people on the roads, rails, runways—maybe even sleigh trails—according to AAA.

I’m not sharing those stats to scare you into staying home! I’m just validating your sneaking suspicion that holiday travel really is busier than normal.

The potential of winter weather delays also makes holiday travel feel busier than normal. (After all, when people aren’t moving when expected, that means roads and airports are more congested.)

One study researched a year’s worth of data on weather delays and found these to be the most delayed airports in the US:

Worst U.S. Airports for Weather Delays

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
2. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
3. Chicago O’Hare international Airport (ORD)

Now you can’t always choose which airport to fly out of, and you can’t miraculously change the weather in your region. But if you are flying out of one of these hubs, keep in mind winter weather delays are more likely than not. Then make sure you’re prepared—including having things on hand to keep kids entertained, like this Holiday Travel Bingo game!

Holiday Travel Bingo game to keep kids entertained

So much of parenthood is recognizing the difference between what you can control and what you can’t, then moving on from there.

Family travel is the same. You can’t control snow and ice, nor can you control how many other people hit the road when you do. But you can control what you plan to keep your kids entertained during holiday travel.

So why wouldn’t you want these free Holiday Travel Bingo cards? They’re easily portable, so you can bring them along wherever you go. They have a good mix of festive and regular travel squares. They’re usable for air travel as well as road trips. (If you’re driving, make sure to be on the lookout during rest stops and potty breaks!)

How to use this holiday Bingo printable

Travel can be complicated. You have to book your trip, get to the airport on time or pack up the minivan for a road trip, deal with traffic and other delays, and keep track of everything from boarding passes to your actual children.

Luckily, using my holiday Bingo printable is easy peasy lemon squeezy (or “easy peasy yemon deezy,” as Maxine says, with her adorable pronunciation).

Here’s how to make the most of this free travel Bingo printable:

1. Sign up to get the free holiday Bingo printable delivered to your email inbox—right away!
2. Print the holiday Bingo cards. I think color is more fun and festive, but black and white is fine, too. Print the right number of cards for the people in your family. The PDF you’ll get includes 4 different cards!
3. [optional step] Laminate the Bingo cards. This is a great option if your trip is long, or if you want to play holiday travel Bingo on the way to and from your destination. Bonus tip: If you laminate, bring along dry erase markers, which you can erase from laminated pages and then reuse!
4. Hand out the holiday Bingo cards to everyone in your family who wants to play. They can mark off squares with crayons or use coins or pompoms as markers.
5. Decide if there will be a prize. You might want to stash some Hershey’s Kisses for winners, or dole out little toys. Or you can just play for funsies!

Make holiday travel easier with fun and games

No matter if you’re visiting loved ones this holiday or going on a getaway that doesn’t involve family and friends, I know you’ll agree you could use all the help you can get making holiday travel a tad bit easier.

I’ve definitely been there, after all. I know firsthand that smoother winter travel makes for a better family trip overall. So I am sure you’ll have as much fun playing this free holiday Bingo game as I did creating it!

Let me know when you use it and tag me on Instagram. I can’t wait to hear all about your holiday travels!

In the meantime, tell me: Are you heading out of town this holiday or staying put at home??

The post Holiday Travel Bingo: Free printables for family travel this holiday appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

I feel for kids on the plane—after all, their super-active bodies are forced to sit for hours, and they’re not allowed to do anything. But you can keep kids happy on a plane. And while I’m a big fan of tablets and movies while traveling, these are no screentime suggestions!

So whether this is your child’s first flight or her hundredth, I’m confident my ideas below have something new for her to do on the plane. Flying with kids doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your child; make it fun with these boredom busters!

So next time your kids say “I’m bored” on the plane, use one of these responses. I guarantee your family trip will go more smoothly!

This post contains affiliate links. By clicking and buying, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you, which allows me to continue offering free family travel advice!

Keep your children entertained while flying with kids

So you’re 30,000 feet in the air and your child says “I’m bored.” Here are TK ways to respond that inspire creativity, curiosity and of course fun!

If your child says “I’m bored,” say…

1. “Let’s problem solve together.”

When your kids are bored on the plane, I bet you $100 they are waiting for you to figure out how to entertain them. By offering this response instead, you’re disrupting their expectations, which science says actually wakes up the brain and makes it pay more attention.

Childhood education experts call this approach collaborative problem-solving approach. My husband teaches special education, and we’ve been using this technique. We’ve found it empowers our kids to help themselves—and you can use it when you’re trying to entertain kids on a plane, too! When you respond to “I’m bored” like this, their ideas might surprise you! They might come up with a wacky idea you’d never think of.

2. “What haven’t we played with yet?”

Chances are, you packed a ton of toys, activities and games for the kids to play with on the plane. (Because when you’re flying with kids, better to be uber prepared, right?) I noticed that my kids hardly played with all these goodies when we fly, and I bet your kids are the same.

By drawing their attention to the great plane activities they already have, they’ll see there’s still plenty to play with.

(I wrote about what to pack in a plane activity kit over on my other blog, Ten Thousand Hour Mama. Check it out if you want ideas!)

3. “Do you want to close your eyes?”

Boredom might be crankiness. Family travel often disrupts kids’ sleep schedules, so they might simply be tired. My older daughter, who is 5 1/2, will almost never nap—unless I point out that it’s totally ok if she closes her eyes.

4. “Let’s take a walk to the bathroom.”

Taking a walk to the bathroom isn’t really about peeing; it’s about moving. Your kids aren’t used to sitting for such long stretches, and it’ll do them (and you) good to walk to the lavatory. If they use it, bonus!

5. “Let’s ask the flight attendant a question.”

We adults are jaded, but kids see the world in a fresh light: We’re flying! In the air! Even though we’re not birds!!! The technology that powers this feat is incredible. So why not take advantage of this amazing opportunity to indulge kids’ curiosity?

When flying with kids, have them come up with a question to ask a flight attendant. You might learn something too!

6. “Is there something we can do to fill up another passenger’s bucket?”

Research consistently shows that the best way to boost your own happiness is by doing something kind for someone else. Help your kids shift their focus from their own boredom to generosity.

If your kids can’t think of a way to make someone else smile, here are some ideas:

• Draw a picture
• Tell a joke
• Give a compliment
• Ask if someone wants a beverage, then bring it to them
• Start a conversation (ask about their life)

(By the way, the phrase “fill up someone’s bucket” comes from a children’s book we absolutely love called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? This book was a total game-changer in my house, teaching my young kids about empathy in a way that totally made sense to them. I absolutely recommend it!)

7. “What could we make out of this magazine?”

In-flight magazines are in just about every airline’s seat pockets. Why not make use of them?

When your kids are bored on a plane, see all the things you can do with a magazine together. Can you rip out a page and make a fan? Turn it into a tent for your child’s toy to go “camping” in? Stretch your imagination!

8. “Let’s get something to drink.”

This response is a two-fer: It gives you and your kids an excuse to get up and stretch your legs. It also encourages your kids to drink fluids. After all, kids get just as dehydrated while flying as adults do, but they sometimes don’t recognize thirst (or act on it by drinking up).

9. “Can we tell a make-believe story—together?”

Flying with kids gives you an excellent opportunity to engage with your kids without distractions. After all, there are no emails to answer or dishes to wash, so your kids have your undivided attention.

Why not make up a story together? Take turns telling parts of a story, building on each other’s additions until you come up with the silliest story you’ve ever told! My kids are still giggling about the story we made up together about the princess pony who got a toothache and met a shark that sprayed glitter out of its mouth.

10. “What would Batman do if he were bored?”

This response is so unexpected that I guarantee it’ll jolt your kids out of their boredom. Use their favorite character, from Pinkie Pie to Moana to Thomas the Engine, to spark their imagination. This boredom buster for the plane will lead to some hilarious conversations!

11. “What do you think is happening on the ground beneath us right now?”

The world looks so different from up in the air. Why not take a new perspective in another way by imagining what’s happening below you?

Encourage your kids to peek out the window, if you can see the ground (or water!). Look for clues. Is it farmland? City? Mountains?

Even if it’s dark or cloudy, you can play this imagination game.

Your kids might not have a lot of ideas at first, but that’s ok. Come up with your own ideas—the wackier, the better! Maybe narwhals are having a birthday party, or someone is digging a tunnel to search for his lost pet earthworm. Your goofy responses will show your kids there isn’t a right answer and that they can let their imaginations run wild.

12. “Let’s make a puppet show!”

I hope you never have to make use of plane barf bags for their actual purpose. Instead, use them to make puppets!

That’s right: Barf bags are the perfect size and shape to make hand puppets. Decorate the barf bags to make faces or creatures, then put on a show. You might even turn around in your seats and put on a show for the folks behind you!

Plane barf bags puppet show from Catherine Ryan Gregory on Vimeo.

13. Pass a note

Use a scrap of paper (or even the back of your boarding pass) to write a note to another passenger. It could just say “hi” or ask them a question. Going old-school, like you did when you passed notes when you were a kid in school, will surprise and delight other folks on the plane.

Plus, everyone will be so impressed by how well behaved your kids are on a plane. That doesn’t hurt!

I know these tips will help you entertain your kids on a plane. Best of all, these boredom busters can be used anytime—an require no screen time!

Do you have any suggestions? How do you keep children entertained on a plane?

PS – If you’re flying solo with kids, don’t miss my post on solo travel with kids. The post is full of tips to make one-parent travel approximately a million times easier.

The post 13 genius boredom busters when flying with kids (no screentime!) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

I turned to the internet, of course, and what I didn’t find was an article outlining the pros and cons of whether to rent a car in Vancouver, BC. So I decided to write it.

I’m confident this guide will help you figure out if you should rent a car in Vancouver. Read on for the factors that will influence your plans the next time you visit Vancouver, BC—and read to the end to see what we ended up choosing!

Is it worth it to rent a car in Vancouver?

I’d never been to Vancouver, BC before my siblings trip so I didn’t know exactly what to expect. If you haven’t been to this beautiful Canadian city, either, here are things to consider before deciding to rent a car in Vancouver.

1. Cost of a rental car vs taxis and public transportation

A taxi ride from the Vancouver Airport (YVR) to downtown is $35 Canadian, plus tip. Fares are likely more expensive if you are traveling farther out than downtown, as well as returning to the airport. If you add it up, you’ll likely pay at least $80 Canadian in taxis to and from the airport.

On the other hand, you can also depend on public transportation. The Canada Line, Vancouver’s rapid transit train, leaves from both the domestic and international terminals. You can get downtown in about 30 minutes—roughly the same amount of time as a taxi.

The Canada Line fare from the airport to downtown costs between $8-10, depending on if you’re using cash or a metro card. Fare to the airport is between $3-4. Here are details on where to catch the Canada Line from YVR.

Compare those costs to renting a car from YVR. For a weekend trip with a compact car, you’ll pay around $50 US, which is about $66 Canadian, including fees.

2. Weekend vs weekday

The cost of renting a car might vary from weekends to weekdays; in addition, traffic is a lot different! Much like other cities, weekday traffic is significantly worse than on weekends. If you’re uncomfortable driving in an unfamiliar city in dense traffic, you should consider not renting a car in Vancouver during weekdays.

3. Day trips outside Vancouver, BC

When you visit Vancouver, will you be staying within the city, or are you planning day trips? There are gorgeous parks and hikes within an easy drive of Vancouver, and Whistler is only an hour and a half away.

Shuttles can get you between Downtown Vancouver or YVR and Whistler; here is a list of shuttles to the mountain. Know, though, that going on a shuttle will take longer than driving directly, and you’ll be limited to when you can go and leave. What’s more, you need to consider the time (and effort) it takes to get yourself (and your ski gear) to the shuttle stop.

If you’re planning a lot of day trips from Vancouver, you should consider renting a car at YVR.

4. Are you staying downtown?

When you visit Vancouver, you’ll see a wide selection of high-end hotels downtown. If you’re staying downtown, renting a car in Vancouver doesn’t make a lot of sense for several reasons.

Firstly, you’ll have to deal with downtown Vancouver traffic, which is more congested than elsewhere in the city. Next, you’ll have to pay to park, which is quite expensive if you’re parking overnight or at the hotel valet service. Finally, if you’re downtown, you’re central to public transportation and many of the things you’ll want to do in Vancouver.

If you stay outside the city (e.g. in one of Vancouver’s short-term rentals like AirBnB), it might make more sense to rent a car in Vancouver. Take into account how far away you’re staying from public transportation lines.

5. How many people are you traveling with?

If you’re traveling with more than four people, remember that if you take a taxi, you’ll need two. After all, only five people can squish into one cab, and one of them has to be the driver! If you rent a car in Vancouver, though, you can pick a car or crossover that will fit your entire group. That might make it more economical to rent a car instead of relying on taxis or public transportation.

6. No rideshares

When I first asked, Should I rent a car in Vancouver?, I just figured we could Uber or Lyft when we needed. Then I realized that Vancouver doesn’t have ridesharing services.

7. Are you traveling with kids?

If you’re going to Vancouver with kids, that will affect your decision to rent a car or not. Dealing with car seats on your flight is a real pain, but once you install them in a rental car, you don’t have to worry about it anymore. Usually, driving yourself is quicker than dealing with public transportation—a real consideration for parents, since you don’t want to squander valuable meltdown-free time in shuttling your kids between bus lines.

If you take taxis, your kids won’t be riding in car seats, which isn’t the safest option. But a taxi will drop you directly at your destination and you won’t have to deal with parking.

On the other hand, taking public transportation with kids can be great. My children love riding buses and trains. Most public transportation also allows strollers. On the downside, you may have to transfer between lines (and potentially wait out in bad weather). And once you reach your stop, you may have to walk to your actual destination, which can take a lot of time and effort for little ones.

8. Dealing with parking in Vancouver

When I asked a travel Facebook group Should I rent a car in Vancouver? just about everyone mentioned how awful parking is. That said, I didn’t find it to be that bad, at least over a weekend!

Street parking is available in just about all of Vancouver’s neighborhoods. Some is even free if you leave within a few hours! For paid parking, make sure you have coins to fill a parking meter. You can pay with your phone, but honestly I didn’t know how to deal with that using an international number.

Did I rent a car in Vancouver?

I know you guys have been held in suspense (ha!), so here is the big reveal: I did rent a car in Vancouver, BC. And I’m so glad I did! Here’s why:

• There were 5 of us who met up in Vancouver, and most of us arrived at different times. That meant we would have spent $160 Canadian on taxis to and from the airport alone.
• If we wanted to take a taxi within the city, we would have needed two, since our group couldn’t fit in one car.
• We stayed outside of downtown in a lovely 4-bedroom AirBnB. I loved the neighborhood feel of our place, but it was a bit of a trek to public transportation.
• I wanted things to be easy. My sister is 7 months pregnant, and I didn’t want us to spend a bunch of time figuring out routes on public transportation.

The real cost of renting a car in Vancouver, BC

Here’s what I spent on our rental, all in Canadian:

• $112 on a rental for a crossover, including basic insurance and fees
• $22 in gas
• $16 in parking

That’s a total of $150 Canadian, which is $113 USD. To me, spending that money wasn’t significantly more than what we’d all pay, collectively, on public transportation. And the savings of time and hassle certainly outweighed a few extra dollars on our Vancouver vacation.

If you do rent a car from YVR, pay attention to where the pick-up is located. The pick-up will say either shuttle to car or car on airport. If convenience and saving time are major factors in your decision to rent a car, make sure the rental car company you use offers car on airport—without having to take a shuttle.

I rented our car through Alamo, which had a pick-up and drop-off location about a 2-minute walk from the terminal. It was so nice to not have to ride a shuttle off-site!

I’d love to hear your experiences of renting a car in Canada or in other places you’ve gone. When you travel, do you typically rely on public transportation, or do you rent a car? Let me know in the comments!

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I’ve done plenty of solo travel with kids when Hubs isn’t able to join us. His work schedule isn’t quite as flexible as mine, and I’m not content to stay at home just because traveling with kids without my husband is a little more challenging.

You can solo travel with kids, too. Whether you’re a single parent or want to explore when your partner isn’t able to, these tips are a must-read. Below, you’ll read how to fly alone with kids, keep kids entertained en route, avoid meltdowns and take care of yourself when you travel solo with kids.

I’ve used all these recommendations with my own family. My girls and I take day trips (“Girls road trip!” we all shout in my mommy minivan), flown cross-country and even traveled internationally. You can master solo travel with kids, too.

Become a master of solo travel with kids

Before you leave on a solo trip with kids

Planning a family trip soon? With a little advance thought, you can make your solo travel with kids much smoother. Here’s how.

Mail your luggage

You know that sweaty, overwhelmed feeling of trying to pull several suitcases through the airport while keeping track of your children? Yeah, me too, which is why I now mail clothes, diapers, snacks and everything I’ll need on a family vacation directly to my destination.

The postage fees are about the same as a checked bag, and you’ll save TONS of hassle.

With a little advance planning and a trip to the post office, you can avoid checking a bag and hauling luggage through the airport. Just let the hotel know you’re sending a package their way, or if you’re staying with family, give your loved ones a heads-up.

Pack for yourself, too

If you’re like me, you consider every possible need your children might have while traveling. But you totally neglect yourself!

Case in point: When I flew to Detroit alone with my older daughter when she was 1, I brought snacks galore for her but nothing for myself. Then when the snack cart came by, they were all out of vegetarian food. I ended up eating one of her squeezie pouches—which I don’t recommend, btw.

Now I make sure to pack for myself, too. I include healthy snacks, lip balm and something to keep me entertained for the off-chance my kids nap and leave me with free time. Do yourself a huge solid and keep your own needs in mind, too.

How to fly alone with kids

Avoid short layovers

I’m a budget traveler, so I totally get searching for the cheapest flight. After all, buying less expensive flights is even more important when you have kids who are over the 2-year lap infant cutoff!

Before you click confirm, though, double-check your layovers. You will not have time to deplane then hustle your kids across the airport in 40 minutes. So make sure your itinerary has long enough layovers to safely get from one gate to another.

Book aisle seats

If you have kids in the squirmy wormy age range, sit in the aisle. You’ll be up and down with them, and it’s easier to get up if you don’t constantly have to bug your seat neighbors.

Splurge on extra leg room

Yeah, it’s totally obnoxious how much airlines charge for the luxury of a few extra inches of legroom. But that cost is totally worth it if you have a toddler. You won’t worry about your kids kicking the seat in front of you, and they’ll be able to stand/wiggle/do the hokey pokey in the extra legroom.

Check bags at curbside

If you do have checked luggage, paying a few extra bucks for curbside check-in is worth it when you travel solo with kids. You can just get dropped off right there, get rid of your suitcases and then focus on your littles—not your luggage—as you maneuver through the airport.

Find a family restroom

Ever tried to cram a roll-aboard suitcase, a diaper bag and 3 humans inside a bathroom stall? I have. It’s not fun.

Luckily, airports have family bathrooms (though they can be hard to find). Keep an eye out for signs for a family bathroom. It’s a big room that includes a diaper changing station, a toilet, a sink and lots of room for kids to wait while you finally empty your bladder. Plus, the family bathroom is big enough that they can stand in the middle of it and not. touch. anything. (I know I’m not the only parent who repeats that a million times in a public bathroom!)

Use the pre-boarding option

You know the announcement when it’s time for passengers who “require a little extra time” to get on the plane? When you have kids, that’s you.

Take advantage of pre-boarding if your airline offers it. You can use the time to board the plane at your kids’ pace, get your carry-ons in the overhead compartment and get settled without a huge audience.

Introduce yourself to your seatmates

Sitting next to strangers can be awkward, but break the ice by introducing yourself and your kids. Seatmates are much more likely to be friendly if they know your name. You’ll also stress less about your kids bothering them if they’ve already gushed about their own grandkids.

Ask your seatmate to watch your kids while you pee

If your partner isn’t there to hold your baby or watch your kids while you use the restroom on the plane, ask your seatmate. Even if you’re nervous about leaving your littles with a stranger, know they can’t get far. They’re just as trapped on the plane as you are!

Also, there is literally no room in those teeny tiny lavatories for you both. So trust in humanity and pee solo.

Find the lavatory with the changing table

I learned—the hard way, aka with a child and a poopy diaper—that not all plane lavatories have changing tables. So ID it before you sit down (or ask a flight attendant which one has the changing table). That way you won’t be unpleasantly surprised when you have to change your child mid-flight!

How to rock a family road trip by yourself

Create a passenger seat staging area

When you don’t have another parent with you on a road trip, it’s up to you to manage your tiny (and demanding!) passengers. If you’ve magically trained your kids to be self-sufficient on road trips, congratulations. For the rest of us, turn the passenger seat into a staging area to entertain your kids on a road trip.

When I set out on a road trip by myself, I set up everything I’ll need on the passenger seat: snacks, toys and books. That way I can grab whatever I need without taking my eyes off the road and pass it back to my children in the back seat.

Plan your route first

When you have another parent in the passenger seat, you can rely on him or her to give you directions. But if you don’t have a navigator, make sure you know where you’re going before you even turn on the car.

Enter the addresses of all your destinations, and look at the overview so you have an idea of where you’re headed.

Tips for all solo travel with kids

No matter how you’re getting from Point A to Point B, these ideas for solo travel with kids will help make it a smooth trip.

Ask for help

It’s easy to forget that sometimes humans need a hand. Jostle yourself out of your self-reliance zone when you travel solo with kids—chances are, you’ll need some help, and that’s ok.

Whether it’s figuring out how to pump your own gas if you’re used to full-service gas stations or finding a water fountain in an endless airport terminal, ask for help. Strangers are almost always happy to assist.

Pull the mom card

Yeah yeah, you don’t always want or need special treatment. But if you’re traveling alone with kids, you deserve it.

So if you’re in a desperate situation—your kid’s about to wet himself or you’re pregnant and about to faint from hunger—ask to skip to the front of the line. Other people are usually decent human beings and are more than willing to make exceptions, especially for supermoms like you.

Pack surprise goodies

I always get a few special toys and treats when I travel solo with kids. A brand-new activity or usually off-limits snack can keep kids entertained on the plane or head off a back seat revolt.

I wrote about DIY travel activity kit ideas on my other blog—take a look for ideas to keep entertained on the go!

Prioritize self-care

If you’re traveling alone with kids, you’re focused on them—are they too hot or too cold? hungry? bored? about to pee their pants? It’s easy to forget yourself.

So make sure to take care of yourself. Go to bed early before you leave on your solo trip with kids. Drink tons of water. Eat well. Text your best friend about how you will never travel with kids again. Whatever it is you need to stay sane, do it. That way you’ll be there for your kids.

Baby wear

Even if your kid is 35 pounds, baby wearing can be a life-saver when you travel alone with kids. (I still wear my 3.5-year-old, especially on solo travel trips!) Babywearing leaves your hands free to pull luggage, hold the hand of another child, give boarding passes to flight attendants or the million other things you’ll need to do when you’re traveling with kids.

Stretch it out

If you’re carrying all the bags and all the kids, you will get sore. Avoid a tweaked muscle by stretching before and during your solo travel with kids.

Pack light

Edit your bags so you’re not lugging around 47 pounds of just-in-case gear.

Do I need a parental consent form?

Maybe. When you travel solo with kids, a parental consent form documents that you have your partner’s approval to travel with your children. You do not need this document while traveling within the US or to most countries. (Double-check if you need one if you’re traveling internationally; rules vary by country.)

That said, having a parental consent form isn’t a bad idea, just in case. There isn’t an official form here within the US, so you can just write one yourself. It should include:

• your and your partner’s name and contact information
• your children’s names and birth dates
• your destinations
• a statement saying that your at-home partner is aware and approves of the travel

For good measure, you can have the form notarized.

How about you? Do you have any tips to make solo travel with kids easier? Don’t forget to pin this for later and share with a friend who’s traveling alone with kids!

The post Solo travel with kids: You can do it! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

As a matter of fact, when I booked my flight from Paris to Bari, Italy, I had no idea the Beauvais-Tille airport was so far from the Paris city center. It’s a very good thing I looked into it before the morning of my flight!

So if you’re considering flying Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille, read this post first. You’ll learn the pros, the cons and all the logistics details you need to decide to fly Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille.

The pros and cons of flying Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille

Pros of flying Beauvais-Tille:

Tickets are cheaper. Ryan Air is known as Europe’s cheap airline for a reason: You save beaucoup euros.

The airport is tiny. Beauvais-Tille is itty bitty, which means short security lines and zero confusion. It took me about 5 minutes to get through security there.

Most Ryan Air flights are short. Personally, I don’t need luxury when my flight is less than 2 hours long. I can get by just fine with the basic airline amenities. I’d rather save some money.

Buses don’t need reservations. The shuttle bus leaves 25 minutes after each arriving flight, and there are multiple buses, so you don’t have to worry about being left behind.

It’s easy to find the shuttle. If you’re flying back through Beauvais-Tille, it’s super-easy to find the shuttle back to Paris. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the baggage claim to the bus.

Level 10 travel tip: There’s a Starbucks where the bus picks you up at Beauvais-Tille. I was thrilled to see it and order a 20-ounce hot tea. (Why is it so hard to get decent tea in Paris?)

Cons of flying Beauvais-Tille:

There’s no direct public transportation to Beauvais-Tille. You can take the metro directly to Orly, but not so for Beauvais-Tille. You’ll have to take the metro (or a taxi/Uber) to the Beauvais-Tille shuttle bus stop, then ride the bus the rest of the way.

Beauvais-Tille is far from the Paris city center. It’ll take you about two hours to get to Beauvais-Tille, as opposed to about 30 minutes to Orly. (Make sure to look up directions and time estimates early, as trip times will vary depending on where you’re staying in Paris.)

Ryan Air charges for everything. There’s a reason Ryan Air is cheap: they’re cheap! You won’t get snacks, drinks or water on the flight, and you’ll have to pay for any carry-on bigger than a day backpack.

If you’re late, you’ll pay a fortune. If you miscalculate and end up having to take a taxi, expect to pay between 150-200 euros for a cab ride. It’s far!

Beauvais-Tille is bare bones. As I mentioned before, this Paris airport is small, so don’t expect a ton of services, shops and amenities. There was one cafe and one duty-free shop next to my Ryan Air gate and that was it.

How to make the most of flying Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille

Now that you’ve researched if it’s worth it to fly Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille, you might have decided to do what I did and click “buy” on those cheap flights! If that’s the case, follow these tips to make the most of flying Ryan Airport from Beauvais-Tille.

Watch out for upcharges on Ryan Air

When you check in, Ryan Air wants to charge you for all sorts of extras: picking your seat, walking through priority lines, an extra carry-on, etc etc etc. If you choose all these add-ons, your flight will be just as expensive as other airlines.

Be mindful of your carry-on

Ryan Air has strict rules about carry-ons: You can bring only one carry-on bag for free. And these are not American-sized carry-ons; they’re talking about a backpack or purse. If you want to bring two bags on, you have to pay extra.

Know where you’re going to catch the airport bus

I didn’t know exactly where the pickup spot for the Beauvais-Tille bus was, so I ended up wandering around with my roll-aboard for a while. Use this address in your google maps on your phone: 22-24 Boulevard Pershing, Paris. Or download this image onto your phone and navigate from there. The bus stop is within easy walking distance from the Porte Maillot stop on the metro and the RER.

Budget time to arrive to Beauvais-Tille

Plan ahead to figure out when you should leave for Paris Beauvais-Tille. Start at the time you want to arrive at the Paris airport and work backwards from there. Build in a time cushion for any hiccups (like the metro stop that stopped service without warning when I was headed to my Ryan Air flight).

Buy your shuttle bus ticket

There’s no need to buy your shuttle ticket ahead of time; you can buy your ticket from the automatic kiosk at the bus stop. When I arrived at the shuttle stop, there was quite a long line to buy a ticket from the cashier, who accepted cash, so pay with a card instead at the automatic kiosk. You’ll save a ton of time.

Level 10 travel tip: You can buy a round-trip ticket if you like, though you won’t save any money. (It’s the same price as two one-ways.) If you don’t buy a round-trip (which I didn’t—I was afraid of losing the paper ticket by accident), you can buy your return bus ticket in the baggage claim at Beauvais-Tille when you land.

Use free public wifi

The Beauvais-Tille shuttle bus doesn’t have wifi, but the airport does. I was able to log on to the free public wifi and work for a bit before flying Ryan Air from Beauvais-Tille.

Bottom line: Beauvais-Tille saves money but not time

The beginning of this blog post was a spoiler alert: I did end up flying Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille. I was traveling solo, and Ryan Air had a cheap direct flight to Bari, where I was meeting my friend. That doesn’t mean I’d recommend this route for everyone.

Go ahead and fly Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille if:

• you’re on a tight budget
• you’re flying alone or with a small group of other adventurous travelers
• Ryan Air offers a better, more direct route to your destination
• you have time to kill or can use the transportation time well, e.g. by working

But don’t fly Ryan Air from Paris Beauvais-Tille if:

• you’re on a tight timeline
• you’re traveling with young children
• you can get a similarly priced flight from Charles de Gaulle or Orly
• you have a lot of luggage

Regardless of how you fly, travel safely, and bon voyage!

Have you ever flown Ryan Air? What did you think about the European discount airline?

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PDX is consistently voted the country’s best airport, and it’s not just because of the carpet. The Portland airport is great for adults (breweries! whiskey flights! wine bars! mimosas at the Country Cat!), but it’s also wonderful for kids. Between the kid-friendly restaurants, family entertainment and smart design, PDX is my favorite kid-friendly airport. If you’re flying through the Portland airport with kids, take advantage of the airport’s kid-friendly features.

Getting to your destination can make anyone cranky—and little kids have even less patience than us wise, calm, serene adults. (HA!) So a kid-friendly airport like PDX makes life a little easier on us parents. In fact, my kids now actually like hanging out at the airport!

Next time you’re flying through the Portland airport with kids, then, seek out these family-friendly perks.

Why flying through the Portland airport with kids WON’T make you swear off family travel

1. Log on to free wifi

If your kids are approaching a post-TSA meltdown (and I can’t say I blame them), save your data and log on to the PDX free wifi. The wifi in the Portland airport is famously fast—and good enough to stream Puffin Rock, Paw Patrol or whatever uber annoying show your kid is obsessed with this week. 

2. See part of a movie at the Hollywood Theater

A free movie theater is just one more reason why flying through the Portland airport with kids is the best. Not all films there are family-friendly, but check the current showing schedule for kid-friendly flicks. On a recent day, short films included overhead drone footage of Oregon, a stop-motion animation about a frog and a documentary about crows.

3. Wear your Timbers jersey

If you fly Alaska, wear your Portland Timbers jersey and you get to pre-board with all the fancy first class folks!

4. Buy kid-friendly (and healthy!) snacks

Skip the sugar crash and pick healthy, kid-friendly snacks for your pre-boarding wait—and the flight ahead. Fruit bars, squeezie pouches, popcorn, cheese and protein plates and more are great options. Stock up because flying through the Portland airport with kids who are hangry is never fun!

5. Look out the window

There’s something magical about seeing gigantic planes close up. Kids also love to watch aircraft taking off and landing.

Level 10 travel tip: An enormous window at the end of terminal C gives an unobstructed view of the runways. If you are flying out of terminal C or have extra time, walk down this way for primo views. Bonus: The window is right next to a playground!

6. Take a foot selfie

PDX tore up a bunch of its legendary carpet, which oddly enough developed a cult following, but you can still take a foot selfie along with thousands of other travelers! #pdxcarpet

7. Pick a kid-friendly restaurant at PDX

If you’re looking for something fast, Cafe Yumm is my go-to. It serves kid-friendly (and customizable) bowls with a base of beans and rice. If you have more time, Portland favorite Country Cat is a fairly recent addition to PDX, and their homemade biscuits with jam are a huge hit with little ones.

Level 10 travel tip: Country Cat also serves cocktails. The 5 o’clock rule guidelines totally don’t apply when you’re flying with kids. Mimosas away!

8. Stop by an airport play place

My kids find airport moving walkways more fun than just about anything else, but when I get tired of apologizing to passengers for my girls, I steer them to an airport play place at PDX.

PDX has several play places, including one on each side of the airport. TK SPECIFICS

Level 10 travel tip: Make sure your kids wash their hands right after using the airport play places. You don’t want to start a family vacation by catching a bug!

9. Listen (or dance!) to live music

Unless you’re flying super-early or super-late, musicians perform across the airport throughout the day. I’ve seen not only people playing the piano and saxophone but also the marimba and even the African kora. A little live music is a great inspiration for your kids to dance out their energy when flying through PDX.

10. Look up at the Clock Tower

The beautiful, weathervane-like art at the Clock Tower in terminal C is a great place for kiddos to explore for a few minutes. Invite them to find the different animals and scenes atop the towers.

This light-filled atrium is also the best place to eat a meal in the Portland airport, IMHO. Kid-friendly restaurants here include Cafe Yumm, MOD Pizza (which also serves a gluten-free crust) and Mo’s Chowder (get the kid-friendly fish and chips, yum!). There are plenty of tables in this atrium to sit and have a pre-flight meal.

11. Run sprints on an out-of-the-way moving walkway

If your kids are anything like mine, they love getting on and off the moving walkway. Unfortunately, other travelers are trying to use it for its actual purpose: getting to where they’re going faster. Great news for your kiddos: The long hallway that connects the two ends of the airport has several extra-long stretches of moving walkways, perfect for letting kids sprint to their heart’s content.

12. Take a break at a nursing room

There are roughly a dozen nursing rooms throughout the Portland airport, great for breastfeeding moms or moms who exclusively pump. They’re first-come, first-served, so if the one you go to is locked, ask a PDX staff for help. They should be able to help you find someplace private and close to breastfeed or pump, like the conference center.

If you’re pumping at the airport, take a look at my post on my other blog, Ten Thousand Hour Mama, for tons of tips on pumping at the airport.

13. Watch the dogs

Also in the connector highway between the two ends of PDX, an animal relief center offers an unexpected way to entertain kids. Your littles can watch through the room’s window as dogs dart around the room. The combination of finally getting to run off-leash and all the intense smells makes dogs particularly hilarious!

Flying through the Portland airport with kids definitely isn’t at the top of my favorite family activities, but it’s not on the worst-ever list, either. So when you’re flying in or out of Portland, take advantage of PDX’s family-friendly airport perks. You, your kids, and the rest of the travelers on your plane will be glad you did!

If you’re planning a family trip, you’ll definitely want to check out my $3 hack to make packing all your kids’ stuff totally simple. After all, I swear by this trick and it has helped so much by eliminating the hassle of packing suitcases.

Do you have any tips for flying with kids through the Portland airport or anywhere else? Please share in the comments!

The post 13 must-know tips for flying through the Portland airport with kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

We don’t make the road trip to Spokane all that often, and every time we go my niece is enormous! I know babies grow (duh), but holy smokes even a little distance makes time fast forward like crazy.

We’ll be driving to Spokane again this spring, so for our road trip to Washington, I’m prepping by investigating what to do between Portland and Spokane with kids. Because when you’re in the car for 6 hours with two very active children, you need to plan your road trip itinerary as if your life depends on it. (Sometimes it does—or at least it feels like it does—like when you want to jump into traffic after your 4-year-old asks “Are we there yet?” three minutes after getting into the car.)

*meditative breathing*

So if you happen to tackle an Oregon-Washington road trip, here’s what to do between Portland and Spokane, especially if you have kids.

Where to eat between Portland and Spokane

You’ve packed a bucketload of snacks because you’re an uber prepared mom, but there comes a point when all the squeezies and fun-sized packages of fish crackers won’t satisfy your kid’s appetite. And let’s be honest: Sometimes your family needs a break from the car even more than they need food.

When looking for where to eat between Portland and Spokane, look for a casual, quick, family-friendly restaurant. Bonus points if it has a play area or a park nearby!

Between Portland and Spokane, eat at:

pFriem Family Brewery in Hood River, OR

pFriem Family Brewery and restaurant is just minutes off I-84. Its kids menu is standard but good quality; parents will appreciate the delicious sandwiches and salads. Check out the brewery store next to the restaurant, where you can buy bottles—or even a pFriem growler, which they’ll fill from a tap—of their varied beers. Just make sure to pack those beers in the cooler; if they get warm, they’ll get skunky. No thanks!

Big Jim’s Drive In in The Dalles, OR

Big Jim’s Drive In is a fast option offers kid-friendly fare like burgers and fries. It also has an outdoor patio so kids can move (instead of sitting!). Even better: You won’t feel as guilty when they drip melted ice cream from the restaurant’s handmade cones.

Farmer’s Markets

Depending on the day, you can stop at farmer’s markets—and eat really locally—in the Tri Cities, Hood River and The Dalles. Farmers markets often have food trucks or independent booths that sell prepared food.

What to do between Portland and Spokane

My two kids are, ah, spirited on the best of days. Sticking them in a car seat for hours is like shaking up a bottle of champagne: When you pop the cork—BOOM! FIZZZ!—they are ready to go.

So when it came to planning what to do between Portland and Spokane, I knew they’d need to get out of the car and have a chance to play. After all, I don’t want them using all their little kid energy kicking the back of my seat!

What’s more, Kiwi—who hasn’t napped consistently since before her second birthday—is much more likely to fall asleep in the car if she takes an outdoor break from the road trip.

Here are some great places for kids and families to get out and move in a Portland to Spokane road trip.

The Children’s Park in Hood River, Oregon

The Children’s Park is an outdoor wonderland offers chances for kids to climb, jump and play. The enormous wooden fort is sure to inspire imaginative play—just be prepared to talk in old-timey king and queen accents to get your prince and princesses back in the car.

Earl Snell Memorial Park in Arlington, Oregon

I hadn’t planned on stopping at Earl Snell Memorial Park, which is just off the I-84 exit, but we discovered it on an earlier road trip to Spokane when Kiwi was throwing a giant fit in the backseat. The park has a playground and a sandy beach with a super-calm spot of the Columbia River. If you’re traveling with your pup, note that the southern part of the park is off-limits to dogs (head to the northern side for pooch-friendly spots). You can also visit the caboose just outside the park, off the road, during summer hours. Choo-choo!

The Playground of Dreams in Richland, Washington

The Playground of Dreams had me at its name. As part of a long park that runs along the Columbia River, one section includes a giant turreted play structure that is a dead ringer for a medieval castle. (FYI, the structure makes it hard to keep track of itty bitty kids, so stick close!) If you make the road trip between Portland and Spokane with kids in the summer, The Playground of Dreams also has a splash pad—though it gets packed.

What to plan between Portland and Spokane

Before your kids get overly stir-crazy, tip them off on something super-fun you’ve planned. Looking forward to something will help them hold on for a few more minutes—or maybe even a half-hour. So if you already ate and you already played, mentioning another destination can keep kids occupied. Try these kid-friendly stops between Portland and Spokane.

Photo by Don Graham, creative commons

Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery in Oregon

Your kids might not understand hydroelectricity (heck, you might not either!), but you don’t have to be a PhD to marvel at the power of this giant hydropower dam on the Columbia River, where energy we use to power toasters and charge phones is actually produced. Kids will love Bonneville Dam‘s underwater windows to watch fish make their way up the fish ladders. (The best times to spot various fish are June, August and September.) Meanwhile, kids can see other fish and even feed trout at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, and it has viewing spots to watch spawning salmon in October and November.

Country Mercantile in Pasco, Washington

This produce/knickknack/ohmygoshthechocolate stand just off Highway 395 is impossible to miss, thanks to its gigantic sign. But be warned: You’re not going to get out of the Country Mercantile without buying a lot of sugary goodies. To head off your kids’ begging for every.single.treat they see, give them each $1 that they can spend how they see fit—it’s a lesson in budgeting and it saves you from saying “no” ten thousand times. Don’t forget to buy a bunch of locally grown peaches (or whatever else is in season when you pass through). They’ll totally make up for all the fudge you eat.

Mike’s Ice Cream in Hood River, Oregon

This tiny shop is adored by locals and tourists alike. The line may look long, but the scoopers are efficient, and you and the kids will be eating your cones in the plentiful outdoor seating in no time. Mike’s Ice Cream is not open in the winter, and it only accepts cash. If you’re craving ice cream during other months, stop at Hood River’s Gorge Ice Cream—it has great vegan and gluten-free options, too.

Rocking a Portland to Spokane road trip

The drive between Portland and Spokane isn’t the most scenic or action-packed stretch of highway in the US. But with lunch stops, parks to play in, special destinations and of course a whole lot of car games, you can make this family road trip one to remember—for all the right reasons.

Do you have tips on what to do between Portland and Spokane? Or do you have a favorite road trip travel hack? Please share!

The post Rock your road trip between Portland and Spokane—with kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.