Thinking About a Road Trip

I have never made that long of a road trip but travel about 400 miles (800 round trip) with my daughter all the time. She is 5 now and its harder than when she was 2. At 2 she slept most of the way especially since I had to give her Dramamine for car sickness. Now she stays awake and complains all the time : )

when my daughter was too we drove 1200 miles because we moved too another state and she was not very happy.drove me nuts all the way.

I too live in the south and my family lives north about 1000 miles away. We often drive the 14 hour trip. Although my duaghter is 8 which is a world of difference than a 2 year old, I would suggest beginning your trip early evening. Your daughter will be excited about the trip and won't want to slepp at first. This will give her several hours to enjoy movies, games, coloring while you drive. We don't like to incurr the added expense of stopping at a hotel half way through either. My daughter usually falls asleep around 10 or 11pm and doesn't wake up till morning. By then, we are usually only an hour or 2 away. She's refreshed from her sleep and not cranky from being trapped in the car for extended hours. Go to the dollar store and stock up on some fun toys your daughter would enjoy. Make a goody bag out of it. Every time she starts to get antsy, make a big deal of getting a new toy out of the bag for her. Avoid giving them to her all at once. Use it as a tool to distract her during the trip when you feel she needs it. A cookie sheet with magnet letters or shapes could keep her entertained for awhile. Magna doodles are also good car trip toys. My best advice is, if you can....try to travel when she will sleep the most. It will make things on you both a lot easier!

I've made lots of raod trips with my energetic 4 yr old and I've found that a few 15 minute stops work wonders. I'll drive for 2-3 hours depending on where I'm driving through...I usually try to find a few places such as decent roadside parks with running room, or a park not to far off my path. It takes a little research time online, but my trips have been a breeze when i let him get his running time in.

I just took a road trip myself not alone but we had to kids with us. We had a 18 month and a 4 years old.My four years old was great, the baby was not happy except for treats and when she was sleeping. I drove for 8hrsof the 900 mile trip you should try to find someone, are stop half way to rest in a room you can't make alone that far without stopping unless you have a second driver.A ticket to fly is the same in gas if you drive. It was just about $200.00 dollars there and back not including food to stop and it. We even packed some food. I would really think this over HARD.If you must keep the child up as long a you can and find someone that will play hard with the child so she will be very sleepy. We drove at night it was the best time. You must get lots of rest and lots of coffie. lol

I took a trip like that with my children. Ages 10, 7, 4. It was a challenge. I took a DVD player with lotsa movies, coloring books, reading books ( or pictures) baby dolls, and things like that. Anything that will occupy the little minds for even a few moments at a time. I also made a point to point out interesting things. I did stop about half way for the night which helped a whole bunch for us all. It is hard to stay alert and destressed for 19 hours straight. at least for me it was. I stopped about every 3 or 4 hours and planned to look around the stores, ( I found truck stops to be the most interesting and a lot more to browse thru) go potty and get a fresh drink for us all when the money allowed. When it didn't I took a cooler with juice and snacks. The car was trashed but the kids were better that I thought they would be for such a long trip. I did this 2 times last year. I live in South Texas and we drove to Colorado at Christmas and then again for Summer break. I was amazed at how they appreciated the changes in scenery. Good luck on your trip and be safe. Remember not to push yourself past the limits. Helpful hint.... Try to avoid the bigger cities during rush hour. Timing is of the essence.... they get the most bored while sitting in stressful traffic as we also do

IF YOU HAVE A DV PLAYER PACK PLENTY OF MOVIES, HAVE HER A BAG OF FAVORITE TOYS EASILY REACHED FROM CAR SEAT. WHEN SHE BEGINS GETTING RESTLESS POP IN A CD OR CASSETTE OF HER FAVORITE MUSICS YOU CAN GET THESE AT WALMART.
I FOUND A MAGNA DOODLE IS WONDERFUL EVEN THOUGH SHE ISN'T ABLE TO DRAW WELL OR WRITE IT IS SOMETHING SHE CAN HOLD IN LAP AND SCRIBBLE WHATEVER ON.
WE TOOK A LONG TRIP WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS ABOUT 2 1/2 AND SHE TRAVELED FAIRLY WELL. I HAD RESERVED A ROOM 1/2 WAY THERE BUT BY THE TIME I GOT THERE SHE WAS STILL IN A GOOD MOOD AND WE CONTINUED ON FURTHER. I CALLED AND CANCELLED IN TIME SO THEY DIDN'T CHARGE ME AND THEN WHEN SHE GOT FED UP I GOT A MOTEL WHERE WE WERE.
THE KEY IS TALK ABOUT HE EXCITEMENT AS FOR WHEN YOU GET TO YOUR DESTINATION. LIKE, "PAPAW WILL BE SOOOO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!" ETC.
YOU WANT TO STOP AND LET HER STRETCH THOSE LIL LEGS AND BRING HER FAVORITE PILLOW & BLANKIE TOO. MAKES SNOOZING FUN.
BUT I WILL WARN YOU GOING WON'T BE SO BAD IT'S RETURNING HOME THAT WILL BE ALITTLE MORE TRYING BUT ALL IN ALL YOU CAN MAKE IT AN ENJOYABLE TRIP.
TAKE PICTURES AND JUST MAKE IT A FUN TIME.
ALSO, IF YOU ARE ABLE TO DO SO, DRIVING AT NIGHT WHILE SHE SLEEPS WILL HELP TOO. JUST YOU BE CAREFUL AND DON'T FALL ASLEEP.
SAFE TRAVELING LET US KNOW HOW IT WENT!

Hi C.. We took a road trip from Louisiana to Denver, Colorado when my son was 3. Our strategy was (of course) the videos and stuff (we have a van with a TV in it) but also we traveled at night with the hopes that he would fall asleep while we drove. He did sleep alot of the way, so it was easier. But my husband & I took turns driving and we drove straight through. It worked for us and that's my suggestion. We left around 5 pm and got there around 10-ish the next morning. So, if you can travel in the evening and maybe she'll sleep for you some to make the trip easier...

We drove from MO to FL last year with our 2 year old and 4 year old at the time let me tell you it's best to drive at night if any way possible that way she can rest and you can pay attention to the road. Coming home we drove during the day time and my 2 year old cried the whole way home because he was restless and wanted me to hold him and play with him or just do something besides sit and watch t.v. I hope you have a safe trip.

Honestly, driving 1200 miles is going to end up (dolar for dollar) costing just as much as a flight. Consider that driving straight through with no stops at 70mph is a 17 hour trip... You CAN'T do that by yourself much less by yourself with a 2 year old. So inevitably you will need to stop to let her stretch, eat, and sleep comfortably...you will need breaks as well...a sleepy driver is a dangerous driver! It would be dagerous for you to make that trip without staying one night in a hotel. All of those expenses PLUS the ridiculous cost of gas would probably run you in the $600+ dollar range... you can get a flight for that because you only have to pay for yourself (your daughter can sit in your lap). I really encourage you not to take that trip alone; it's just VERY dangerous and exhausting for both of you.... I mean, we're not even taking into consideration if your car were to break down or get a flat! Seriously investigate the cost of a flight; even if you have to postpone your trip a bit to save up or get a cheaper flight option. Go to www.cheapflights.com They have some pretty decent rates there.
Good luck to you!!

Hi C.,

I have had to travel many times with all of my kids for long distances. I can only tell you what has worked for me.....
I will usually travel in the wee hours that first day.(About 3 or 4 am) Let your daughter stay up late the night before so she will fall back to sleep once you get on the road, this will buy you several hours hopefully. Then once she does wake up you can start letting her do all the things you bought for her to do. I let the kids each pick out a new coloring book, then I look for some new toys/stuffed animals, and books (If you don't have the money to buy new things, you can get some toys from the bottom of your daughter's toy box, most of the time the kids forget what they have until you clean out the toy box, then it's like getting a new toy all over again)You can look for travel size toys for her age group. Make some kid friendly CD's that have songs on it so both of you can sing silly songs together. Get a cartoon DVD or movie that she has not seen yet, or for a long time. (If you have home movies you can pop in, GREAT! That will give you something to talk to her about as she watches it)When the day light hits, you can point out all the fun things you see as you drive by. Point out the different colors of the cars, and object (This is good to help her learn her colors too)
Get some fun snacks and drinks, maybe let her pick out a couple of these. Tell her that you are going on this special trip so she can see Grandma, Grandpa, etc. Get her excited about the trip BEFORE you go. I wish you the best of luck, and let us know how it turns out for you!

I have 4 daughters and we drove from Texas to California a few years ago. They were 9, 7, 7, and 2. The trip was great and we didn’t have any problems. We had a TV in the suburban and we brought along a few kid CD’s so they could listen to them in the back. On our stops we gave them lots of fluids and let them run around so stopping at like McDonalds with a playground was good or anywhere to release the pint up energy. You can also get a Magna Doodle for her to play with. I think your hardest challenge is going to be keeping her entertained by yourself. Also our doctor recommended to us.. Stopping every 2 – 3 hours (if they are awake) and let her stretch her legs and move around, this will help with constipation that can happen if sitting for long periods of time such as drives like this one.

Good Luck and have fun on your trip.
R.

I have taken so many road trips. Best advice, travel at night. See if you can find someone to watch her during the day and you sleep. You can get a lot more distance behind you at night, there is less traffic and the kids generally tend to sleep most of the trip. I traveled from Texas to Florida that way and it was so much easier. We tend to take quite a few road trips, and that is the only way to go about it.

I drove about half that amount with a two year old when I was a single mother a few years younger.
I was so excited to be going up to visit my dad that I don't remember it being anything but fun.
We didn't have video players in cars back then, so that's a good thing. We stopped every few hours to go pee, and to stretch. I had plenty of toys for her to play with. I think she slept a lot because the car drives made her sleepy then. But mostly I would just recommend giving yourself plenty of time to get there, plan your stops on a map the best you can, have snacks for her, and plenty to do and just enjoy the time alone you're going to have on your drive. I think it can be done. I also drove with two small children under five years old, later, and it was actually about the same mileage you're going now. So it can be done!

C.~
My family lives 4 states away from me and I travel often to go visit. I have made the trip with a 6 year old, 3 year old, 18 month old, and a 2 week old. It can get stressful, let me tell you! But, you have to pace yourself. I know that you don't want to stop often but you really need to - for your own sanity as well as your daughter's. One thing that I did is go to the dollar store and get some little toys. They only cost a dollar and if they get lost/broken it is not such a big deal. Put them in a gift bag and every once in a while, when she seems to be getting bored again, let her pull a new toy out of the bag (take them out of the packages before you put them in the bag). And, I agree with the other Mom's - SNACKS!! VERY IMPORTANT! And, make sure that you both are drinking enough fluids. You will have to stop for potty breaks - I suggest stopping at a rest stop as they usually have a grassy area that your daughter can run around in for 10-15 minutes.

But, do you think that maybe your family could pay for your flight? They could make it a Christmas/Birthday gift even? With your daughter being only 2 you don't have to pay for a ticket for her. OR, have you considered a Greyhound bus? My mother-in-law took my niece, who was 5 at the time, from California to Kentucky on a Greyhound. It was really cheap too! Maybe you could pay for your way there and then have someone loan you the money for your return trip?

Driving it IS possible, but I would really research other possibilities too. As expensive as gas is, it might actually be cheaper to use a form of public transportation.

Good luck!
R.

a good rule of thumb is to stop every 2 hrs. thats a ot of time off road I know but you cant really expect a 2 yr old to sit for more than 3 hrs max. I would recommend Cd's or cassette tapes with silly songs. I purchases Little People tapes for my son they are great. also look for colors shapes and if he knows them letters and numbers in the surroundings. Like this... Okay now can you find a circle on that big sign up there? My son also has magnetic dress up kids. They stick to the board and you layer the clothes. It comes it a metal tin that holds every thing even if accidentally opened. You could get color wonder paper and markers so you dont have to worry about stains. And I would suggest renting a car if within the budget. I drive a mini van (3 kids myself) and it offers plenty of room for all of us and our stuff plus Im able to sit in the back with the kids and assist them while eating on the go, activities and soothing my young baby. plus just me being back there with them is a pleasure to them. Oh glow sticks! surprise him after dark with 2 different colors.if they are the necklaces he can put them together and pull them apart. the more colors the more fun. also bring along a small LED reading light and surprise him with that after dark as well. let him read or color by it or even just play wit the light itself. I got a small one that folds up and slips onto the book for like 5 bucks. I hope this helps. You are very brave. We wont even attempt to go to Arkansas with our brood.its a 9-12 hr trip minimum if just me and hubby but with kids... ughhh..shudderRT$

Have you considered taking a bus or train? That way you can spend a lot of precious time playing with your daughter. It is cheaper than flying, and no more than the gas money you would spend flying. You can take toys and color books, and if you have a portable DVD player, take that with headphones. Just an idea. . . .

Hello C.,

Have you ever thought about driving through the night?? How long does it take to get where you are going?? You could leave like at 6pm in the evening, she watches her DVD for a few hours, then you can stop and get fresh air and change her into her P.J.'s and you are good to go!!! She should fall asleep and you can keep driving for hours!!!! The only thing is that you MIGHT not want to drive by yourself at night??

My husband and I have done that MANY times and it works like a charm!!! I hope this helps??

C.
www.workathomeunited.com/C.
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Hi C.!

I have traveled several times with a little one, and it can be fun if you plan it right. My dd and I traveled from Lafayette, LA, to Searcy, AR, six times the year she was two. It was a little nervewracking, but we made it! I agree with several other posters, SNACKS, SNACKS, SNACKS! I always took goldfish, fruit snacks, several sippy cups full of milk or juice (in a small cooler), even some of her favorite candy. If you take several cups already filled it will save you from having to pour liquids while you're trying to drive or having to stop just to fill a sippy cup. We had a DVD player, and that helped a lot. My daughter was a movie junkie, so I was lucky. She also loved to color. I usually brought a blank pad of paper and a coloring book or two. The magnadoodle was great, too, especially since the pen is attached and she didn't drop it.

It's rough to go that far in one stretch. Stopping to spend the night might be a good idea. My dd loved it when we stopped at a hotel with a pool. It was a nice break for her.

If you do decide that it's cost effective to fly, you might check out this website:

http://matrix.itasoftware.com/cvg/dispatch/

This will show you most of the flights that are available and what airline they're on. You will have to go to the airline's website to book, but I have found some fabulous fares on this place. If you need some help looking for airfares or booking just send me a PM. I do it all the time and might be able to help you find something that's within your budget.

Good luck!

S.

My husband took my 1 year old and 4 year old to Georgia (10 hour drive). He did it during the day and did just fine. Pleanty of toys, music she likes, snacks and drinks, pleanty of diaper changes/potty breaks (bad diaper rash for son first trip, carseat heat + even a little wet diaper = bad rash), stop at a fast food place with an indoor play ground and you are good to go!

I make a road trip of about 1000 miles with my two kids. My older one is a big help, but still I've learned that stopping is inevitable. I make sure I stop at well-lit, secure places. I especially like the rest stops just across any state line. They keep these always clean and beautiful to try to welcome travelers to their state.

Unless your little one is sleeping and you don't want to wake her, try to stop often. This is good for both of you. It will help prevent blood clots if you stop regularly and walk around. I didn't know what a serious threat this is, especially to women on birth control until I GOT one after my last long trip.

It helps me to accept beforehand the fact that I'm not going to make good time with the kids with me. I let go of the need to hurry, and try to enjoy the trip with my kids. Otherwise, there's a lot of whining from all of us!!

I also have favorite places along my route. (I make this trip often to see family) I've found a lot of unique places along the way, and it's fun time with my kids.

My family lives 1500 miles away up north also. When my daughter was 2 I drove up there by myself with her. The movies occupied her for a while. I also got color wonder markers for her to color with, brought some books, lots of snacks. The best advice I can give is to take your time getting there. For each meal we stopped and ate, preferrably someplace with a playground so she could get out for a while. We also just drove in the daylight hours, we stopped at a hotel half way through the trip. She got to play in the pool, etc... Plus I was well rested for the rest of the drive. I found the halfway point mileage wise before we left and made the hotel reservations online, making it cheaper. She did sleep a lot in the car, which was interesting because she had already given up her nap when we went. Just take your time....

I do have experience traveling long distances with a 2 year old, My best advice is to set aside an extra 1/2 day or day. Pick an interesting town that is inbetween your home and your destination. Stay the night in the town, get up have breakfast(maybe a little coffee) and finish the journey.

hello I have 3 children and we take long trips with them all the time they are 5 months 5 and 8. we are military and my two step sons do not live with us but we drive to pick them up regularly. they have been doing this since they were younger.We also drive to visit family. They do really well but you have to add stops to give them a break. Our shortest trip was 8hrs. Also try to play games like who can spot 20 red cars first, this keeps them distracted.They also have lots of stories on cds for traveling that always kept them busy for awhile. I also used to take trips home alone to see my family just make sure you have a cell phone( even if it is a prepaid one)for emergencies. and try to stick to the main roads if you can. Good luck!!

Take her on the road. Kids adapt to the situtation. Take plenty of different things to do/play with that will not interfere with your driving. My kids have always traveled the long haul with us and they enjoy the scenery. A portable TV, books, toys always help the "adventure".

It may be hard, but I'm sure you can do it. You know your daughter best so just follow your instincts! If you decide to make the trip, I sugget you take a dvd player with movies, also take plenty of snacks and drinks. Also bring things like books she can look at, an aquadoodle or magnadoodle (they make travel size ones) - maybe even get a few new toys that you can give her in the car at different intervals. You could even wrap them up like a present - it would give her something fun to do. Also be sure to bring some kids music. If she is potty training or already potty trained I suggest bringing along a portable potty too in case you are on a long stretch of road and can't easily find a place with a potty. Also don't forget to bring medications like the basic tylenol and motrin or anything else you think she could possibly need. You can never be over prepared! Good luck!