Whether we plan it or not, many of us find ourselves traveling during the holiday season. Seeing loved ones is just too hard to pass up. I know my family loves visiting. We have relatives on both coasts and in the Midwest! The 8 of us have done a lot! Now that we’re settled in Mississippi, though, people can come visit us! After multiple journeys, I could write a book about Thanksgiving travel tips.
A Bit About My Travel Experience.
Up until 2018, our longest trip was about 14 hours. That year, we drove from Phoenix to Indianapolis in a minivan rental. This past summer we moved everything from desert and landed in Olive Branch, Mississippi. We went back to Indy this past year and it wasn’t such a long trip – but still around 7 hours. Riding with 4 kids under 8 can be a little tense – but we do pretty well (until someone poops or farts).
Anyways, the length of a trip is usually determined by traffic, rules and the type of vehicle you’re driving. We’ve found that a good plan makes a big difference. Our minivan trip worked out great since we flew back. Just remember, not every plan works out. If passengers are chugging Big Gulps at the beginning of the trip, a fuel efficient car isn’t going to eliminate stops. The tight space also has its disadvantages.
What Have I Learned Most About Traveling?
Aside from my Thanksgiving travel tips below, I always recommend experiencing at least one road trip! They’re so much fun – as long as the route is less than 12 hours long and I don’t have to drive. 🙂 You may laugh but I now know my limitations.
Sometimes, you have to just experiment a little. For me, a car ride is not as stressful as putting kids on a plane. There’s a lot more freedom involved. My point is, you’ll never know what works for you unless you get a little uncomfortable.
Family Thanksgiving Road Trip or Na?
As a mom, sometimes you have to decide if the trip is even worth it. I know, right? Any method of travel with littles is never easy. It makes me anxious just thinking about keeping everyone entertained (and at peace) in confinement. However, a lot of family growth usually occurs in tight spaces. So be open minded. A little spontaneity never hurt anyone. There may be tantrums, but you’ll eventually arrive.
My Thanksgiving Travel Tips From MS.
If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s to write things down. What needs to be done before you leave and what are you taking? Creating a checklist a week before you leave is crucial. If you’re not crossing things off, something will get left behind. Scrambling at the last minute also throws the entire trip off. Unless you take this seriously, these Thanksgiving travel tips won’t make a difference!
1. Dress and Pack Everything Accordingly.
Set aside the types of outfits everyone would like to bring and correlate wardrobes with upcoming activities. Check weather forecasts and make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected. If the destination is cold, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate attire as you travel (hoodies and pants). You can remove or add clothing when needed and avoid digging through luggage.
Even if you’re traveling to a warmer climate, it doesn’t mean you won’t covet long sleeves and pants. The last thing you’ll want to do is buy overpriced clothing from a truck stop. You also might want to make sure the heater is working in your vehicle.
2. Stash Snacks That Everyone Likes.
Avoiding arguments or complaints while on the road is invaluable. Since everyone has their own tastes and preferences, take requests for snacks a week beforehand. Don’t forget to set boundaries if you want to keep the interior clean. If nobody tells you what they want, then they have to deal with it.
When grocery shopping, look for brain food and avoid snacks with high sugar levels. Selecting an alternative to a request is never out of the question when you’re buying. It’s always a good idea to remove snacks that can be sticky, greasy, or cheesy. Explaining your reasoning helps. Avoiding cans and purchasing bottles that reseal (and can be refilled) also helps with messes.
You can always stop for food, but large meals usually cause additional bathroom stops – even if you limit drinks. If you happen to dine in, find time to walk it off afterwards. Trust me..
3. Choreograph the Entertainment.
It can be a long trip if no one is able to entertain themselves. But if you have a lot of children like me, it can be hard to find something that appeals to everyone. Sing-a-long songs and the alphabet game only buys you a few hours. So, we like to let each of our kids bring 3 things to help them remain at ease. We challenge them to think really hard about it – and of course chime in when needed.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is letting everyone have their own gameplan. It’s an opportunity to set boundaries and work together as a family to help each other make their selections. Discuss unnecessary items like extra pillows, large blankets, stuffed animals and toys that are worthless inside a tight space. Things like Play-doh or paints should be pretty obvious.
If you’re going to bring electronics, make sure everything is working and that there are enough power outlets for everyone. Avoid arguments by determining who will be running the controls or where a DVD monitor will be placed. Crossword puzzles, coloring books, brain teasers, or games like Trouble work well. You can connect by telling stories or tune out with headphones and a podcast.
4. Map Your Travel Route Beforehand.
I’m not opposed to exploring a little, but if you struggle with a map, I wouldn’t recommend a spontaneous journey. Many of us rely on GPS and wouldn’t know what to do without it. So it’s always best to prepare and have a general route on paper.
You’ll also want to locate additional routes that might be necessary due to bad weather, road construction, or other delays. One time, we couldn’t get through Boulder, Colorado because of the snow. This forced us to stay in the expensive town of Glenwood Springs. It was beautiful, but we didn’t exactly budget for the stay.
Circling interesting stops, landmarks, national parks, or scenic routes is also a good idea. Researching them beforehand helps you decide which are worth your while. Waiting to see can be disappointing. Looking ahead for rest areas, clean towns and food is also recommended. Guessing wastes time and increases travel frustrations.
5. Make Sure You Can Capture the Trip!
Last but not least, DON’T FORGET THE CAMERA! This will allow you to capture all the memories along the way! Missing all of the little things is a real bummer! So make sure it’s not tucked away and ready to use!
In what ways are you traveling?
A road trip may take longer than an airplane ride, but it can be well worth it in the end. Before making a decision, think of all of the pros and cons of your travel options. Cruising on the ground is a much better financial option for my family of 8. Holiday airfare can cost us around $3000! You also have to consider food and drink, or a rental car, or even hotel fares.
How can you budget for your trip?
I prefer to spend money on more exciting things – such as trying new things, site seeing, and other family orientated activities. It really comes down to what works best for you and your family. How much time do you have? What is your budget? What is it that you want to do during your Thanksgiving travel? Choosing the best option for you is a lot easier when you plan ahead, together!
I hope you found my blog on Thanksgiving Travel Tips useful! Should you be taking a road trip this year, stay safe and enjoy your holiday!
