Over the river and through the woods, to grandmothers house we go…
How many readers are doing a lot of traveling this holiday season? Are you going on vacation for the holiday? Are you visiting friends or family far away?
We’re fortunate that we’ll only be visiting my father and step-mother this holiday season and they only live 50 minutes away (each way).
In years past we did A LOT of travelling during the holiday season – most especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The last thing you want to have happen is something to go wrong with your car while you are far from home. You also don’t want to find out half way into your trip that you forgot something at home (I’ve done that before – I left a gift at home!).
Autotrader has some great tips for consumers when it comes to travelling this holiday season (or any time of the year).
If you are not familiar with Autotrader, here is a little bit of information about the company.
Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today’s empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car.
Here are some of their great tips for travelling by car.
Prepare your vehicle. Do a quick check on the essentials before you head out. Check the wear and pressure on your tires, and be sure your fluids (oil, coolant and wiper fluid) are topped off.
Make it an adventure. Just because you have an ultimate destination doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fun stuff in between. Check your route for family-friendly stops along the way such as a zoo, park or even toy store to give kids something to look forward to while breaking the trip into manageable pieces.
Keep the little ones engaged. Technology features like built-in screens and DVD players can be saviors on the road, but if your car doesn’t come equipped with these, consider bringing along a handheld device on which little ones can play games or watch videos. And if technology isn’t your thing, remember that magnetized board games and word games can work just as well.
Bring snacks. Greasy food isn’t the best for staying alert — or feeling good — while road tripping. Instead of relying on fast-food, bring along lots of smaller, healthier snacks to keep kids (and adults) content. Fruits and vegetables that are easy to eat and easy on the mess, like carrot sticks, bananas and apples, are great options.
Have patience! Between road congestion, frequent stops and the sometimes-bad weather that plagues many areas this time of year, holiday travel time can take longer than anticipated. Allow—and plan for—extra travel time, and you’ll have a better chance of arriving safely and stress-free.
These are excellent tips. I would also like to add a few of my own.
Map out alternate routes. Just in case you come across road work or a car accident that might cause you to sit in traffic for long periods of time – most especially if you need to be some place by a specific time. Back in 2002 my family and I were going to Florida and needed to get to the airport. Thankfully we took a car service because we encountered a massive traffic pile up on the way which would have caused us to miss our flight. Our driver knew an alternate route and was able to get out of the traffic and get us to the airport in time. If we had drove down we wouldn’t have known about the alternate route and we would have missed out flight.
Know rest stops along the way. Trust me… when you have children you need to have a general idea where rest areas are in case “nature calls.” I remember once coming back fro the Jersey Shore when our daughter had to go to the bathroom really bad. It was bumper-to-bumper traffic and we just made it to the rest stop on the highway, narrowly avoiding an “accident.” Had we planned better we would have known what exits to get off at in case somone needed the facilities.
These days when we are travelling long distances and see a rest area we stop even if no one needs to go. It’s always a good idea to at least try and “go,” plus it gives you a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
Don’t forget water. You should keep yourself hydrated when travelling.
Make sure you have emergency equipment. Make sure you have a first aid kit, extra blankets, non-perishable food, water and other essentials in the event you find yourself stranded. With crazy winter weather you just never know when you might get stuck somewhere. Also, make sure you have a back up charger for your phone in case your car doesn’t have a live battery you can draw from.
Travelling with children is not always easy. My husband and I talk about it all the time how when we traveled as children it seemed to take forever to get to our destination. As an adult it doesn’t seem that way. Even an hour long trip can be boring for a child. That is why it’s important to not only keep them entertained, but also to help keep your sanity.
Check out these great Clever Mom Hacks for Driving with Kids. I like the tip about re-purposing DVD cases for art supplies. I was thinking this could work well with a VHS tape case too. I’m sure we have a few of those lying around.
I also LOVE the tip about using a plastic cereal container as a garbage can. I love having a clean car – both inside and out. I need to make one of these for my car.
Using small muffin cups for change and other small items is a great idea as well. I think it’s also a great way to keep dust, dirt and debris from collecting in the cup holders too. I wonder if they will keep the cup holders clean from coffee cup drips too?
When it comes to travelling with kids I have some other tips to share.
Books on tape. Purchase books on tape to let your kids (and family) listen to on long trips. You can even records yourself reading your child’s favorite books to listen to. Adults can enjoy books on tape too.
Keep snacks with reach of your children. That way you don’t have to pull over to hand it to them or try and pass it back to them while driving (which is a safety hazard). Use lunchboxes to store snacks and drinks that way everything is together and the kids known which belongs to them.
Take driving breaks. Stop every so often so that everyone can stretch their legs and get some fresh air. I think it helps make everyone less grumpy and it gives the driver a break for a few minutes.
Go “old school.” There is nothing wrong with doing the things we did as kids with our families such as singing songs together (100 Bottles…) and playing classic games like “I Spy” and the License Plate Game.
I hope you found these tips from me and Autotrader helpful.
If you would like to learn more about Autotrader please visit Autotrader.com. You can also check them out on social media – Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Check out the hashtag #MomHacks for more great ideas.
Autotrader would love to give a lucky reader a fun travel “kit.” The kit contains the following;
- Charger
- $25 Visa gift card
- Tote
- Seat Back Organizer
- Selfie Stick
- First Aid Kit
- Single-use Wet Wipes
- Snacks
The retail value is $75.00. Thank you Autotrader!
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on December 12, 2015. The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via email and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on this post and tell me what was your favorite tip – OR – share a travelling tip of your own.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Autotrader to bring you this information. I will be receiving a similar prize package in exchange for my participation. The opinions expressed are my own unless otherwise noted.
LaTanya says
I would get the Asus Essentio Desktop PC 3.2GHz 8Gb 1TB Windows 8 for my husband
Lisa Brown says
I would get the Ryobi ONE+ Hybrid 18V Li-ion Cordless Electric Sweeper/Blower for myself because I really need a new blower.
Mami2jcn says
I’m not sure if the question on the form is the right one. From Blinq.com, I like the Official My Little Pony Apple Jack Soft Plush Toy – 16″.
Janet W. says
I would love to purchase the HMDX Audio JAM Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Blueberry.
This is a great travel kit that would come in handy!
Erin Ellis says
I would love to give the Zippo spade lighter as a gift!
Rosie Areola (Heather) says
I love the MG Collection Dual Texture Bowling Bag Style Quilted Satchel Purse – Black.
Jennifer Rote says
I like the Go Old School tip. We love doing the I Spy game while on a drive.
D Schmidt says
I would love to give Assassin’s Creed Unity – Xbox One as a gift.
Cheryl says
I’d like to purchase the 3-Piece Printed Quilt: Paisley/F-Q from BLINQ.com.
Elena says
I would get the Ella Pinch Pleat 7PC Queen Grey Comforter Set
Natalie says
I would love to get a Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Combination Shredded Style Memory Foam Pillow – Queen.
Elle says
I would like to get something for my Father – maybe the Beats Solo on ear HD headphones.
Jessica To says
I would like to get the FitBit wristband from Blinq.com.
Thomas Murphy says
I would get the Samsung 32″ Widescreen LED-LCD HDTV
Laura ari says
I’d love the get a jam wireless speaker for my teen!
HS says
I would like to get Wireless Residential Gateway for my husband.
Angela says
love knot sculpture
Kristen says
Wrong question? Would like to win this stuff for my car.
DEBIJOT says
I like the Dell 15.6″ laptop from there for me.
melissaandkeith miller says
Apple iPhone 5s 16GB No-Contract for Verizon Wireless – Gold (ME343LL/A)
Sheila K. says
I think perhaps the question is for another giveaway (?) I’m responding to this: “please comment on this post and tell me what was your favorite tip – OR – share a travelling tip of your own.”
I think the most important tip is to make sure that your car is prepared for the trip!
Gina M (Wild Orchid) says
My favorite tip is books on tape! I totally forgot that my mom would get these for me from the library when I was a kid, and I loved it! Thanks for the reminder!!
Entered the Rafflecopter as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Kristie says
I’d like the Cuisinart 8 and 10 inch Classic Skillet Set for myself 🙂
Candice says
I would like the Apple IPad Mini.
Candice says
Also, just in case that was wrong, I like the tip to take breaks when driving.
Lauren says
I like the Sony Smartphone Attachable Lens.
Mary W says
I would buy several Chromecast for gifts.
janetfaye says
I would like Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband – Black for my son.
Jessica Miller says
I would like a digital camera!
Yona Williams says
The Derwent 3.4mm Core Watercolor Pencils in a Metal Tin is something that I wouldn’t mind for myself.
Tara says
Converse M7652 Men’s All Star Chuck Taylor – Red – Size: 10 D(M) for myself!!
Christina Foley says
We actually did the cereal container as a trash can on our last big road trip, make things so much easier.. we had one up front and one in the back of the van. We also always go old school with road trip games…. my kids love I Spy and Road Trip Bingo!
Donna L says
My favorite tip is to bring bottled water and snacks with you.
Amanda Sakovitz says
id get the Motorola Bluetooth Portable Speakerphone T505
Robin says
I’m not sure what I would get, but I would probably give as a gift.
Tabathia B says
I like the Nikon 24.2MP DSLR Camera DX Nikkor Zoom – Black
Karen R says
I would get the KitchenAid 4.5 quart stand mixer for myself.
Holly Thomas says
Animal Planet Electronic Pet Feeder is what I would like to get for my cat.
lissa crane says
I would love to purchase the Nintendo DSi Handheld Video Game System for my kiddos so they can stay engaged as you suggested and make my car trips a little easier!
Andrea Williams says
I would like to get an Under Armour hoodie for my son.
Trisha Burgess says
I would love the little tikes easy storage large picnic table for my son!
Natalie S says
I like the ToysOpoly Heavy Duty Eco-Friendly Rubber Inflatable Hopper – Blue for my kids.
Ellie Wright says
I would get the Beats Solo headphones for my son.
Lauren H says
I like Sony 32GB Full HD Handycam
Audra O'Hara says
My favorite tip from the post is to keep the snacks within reach of the kids. Oh that is so true. It is dangerous passing stuff behind you while trying to drive.
natasha lamoreux says
I would purchase Marvel heroes bed sheets for my son.
Bryan E. says
Thank You for the giveaway… when we go on long family road-trips I like to bring along an old fashioned paper map, just in case the Sat Nav goes down, or my iPhone has an unforeseen malfunction and can no longer access Google Maps !
Stacey b says
I’d like to get the Chrome Cast for my brother.
Vicki Wurgler says
the Samsung 32″ Widescreen LED-LCD HDTV (H32B) for my Mother
sarah s says
I would like to get my sister a Lenovo Miix 2 11.6″ Touchscreen Convertible Laptop i5 8GB 256GB or something other kind of tablet/laptop and I would be interested in Toshiba Canvio Slim II 1TB Portable External Hard Drive or some other system to back up my laptop.
Lacey says
I like the Safavieh Mercer Collection Bennet Club Chair
steve weber says
I would get the Fitibit wristband in slate.
Will G says
I would like to purchase a fitbit.
Eileen Richter says
From Blinq I’d like to have the Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 SP XR Di II VC Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras
thank you!
Shefali says
I like the trash can idea. I think I need one in my car all the time!
Thuy Vu says
I think that the question is wrong on the rafflecopter so I will just leave a travel tip. Before long trips make sure that you have everything that you need for an emergency dry foods, water, first aid, blankets. Also I would thoroughly check the car fluid levels, air pressure on tires.
Mary Jacobowitz says
I would get the Pinzon Egyptian Cotton 6 piece towel set.
manda says
Wireless speaker
Sadie B. says
I would give the Chicco Neuvo Travel System – Glacial as a gift.
suzanne says
I would like a Dell Inspiron laptop for my husband.
Kelly D says
I would like to buy the ProntoTec Tablet for my kids.
Cynthia R says
I really like the Samsung 11.6″ Chromebook 2GB 16GB Chrome OS (XE303C12-A01US)
Michelle C says
I like the BUBM Portable Universal Electronics Accessories Travel Organizer.
laurie murley says
I would proabaly buy something for myself, it christmas
Terra Heck says
I’d like to have the Hotel New York 800tc 6pc Cotton Blend Sheet Set- Platinum – Size: Queen from Blinq.com. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Amy Z. says
I like the LG G Pad 8.3″ Tablet – 16GB.
Jennifer Marie says
I would like to get a FitBit for my husband.