This holiday season, we decided to leave the day after Christmas to drive to Nashville for a visit with friends. The chaos of the holidays definitely affected my preparations!
I didn’t feel like there was nearly enough time to shop for and prepare food for the car ride. But, thankfully, I have learned some tricks over the years that help make any road trip a little smoother (without much preparation or forethought!)
#1 Don’t Drive on an Empty Stomach
I have a kid who gets carsick, so it’s very important we eat before heading out on any road trip. For this adventure, I made bacon, egg, and cheese bagels for our breakfast to-go. I made them Christmas Eve, and while we were loading the car on the day after Christmas, I tossed them in the oven to heat up.
Plus, having a full stomach prevents impulse purchases along the drive.
#2 Pack Lunchboxes
My kids have to pack their own lunchboxes anytime we leave the house for an extended period of time. Snacks, PBJ, and a drink. They do better when they have control over their snacks and lunch, and I don’t have to attend to constant requests for food.
I did pack muffins and cut vegetables to share as well.
#3 Limited Screen Time
My kids don’t get tablets the whole time when we go on long car rides. We have a rule that screens aren’t allowed while we’re still in our state.
We also don’t have enough tablets for all of our children, so they have to take turns anyway.
They don’t love this, of course, but it forces kids to take a break, look out the windows, and engage in conversation during the trip.
#4 Prepare for the Return Home
Before we headed home from Nashville, I ordered groceries and made breakfast sandwiches for the road again. I also cut up fruit and veggies to share and packed PBJs again.
This food was enough to get us all the way home.
Despite feeling pressed for time, the trip was still a success. I know that these few tips have served me well on this vacation and many others, so I hope they are helpful to you too!