Parenting|

9 Family Road Trip Hacks that Don’t Involve Crafting

by Micaela Birmingham
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to build a high speed jet to fly you to your next destination. NOT. Okay, that was cruel. Seriously, here are a few tricks my road tripping family has used to survive all those miles. (p.s No scrap booking supplies required!)

  1. Win Popsicles

Stop for a pop without the mess. Catch it like a boss in a cupcake cup. Keep a pack of them in the glove compartment because who has time to remember?

  1. Sauce Jar Stash

Avoid having to unpack suitcases if you unexpectedly need a toothbrush, contact lens case or backup underwear on the side of the road, or in the middle of the night.

  1. Play “Are We There Yet?”

The All-New Chrysler Pacifica actually has an interactive app preloaded in the available 10-inch dual seatback mounted touchscreens. Kids can use the map feature to track your family’s trip progress. As one of many built-in games and apps on the available Uconnect Theater, this is a crowd pleaser for the whole family and your best defense against the question: “How much longer?”

  1. Make Annoying Phone Calls

Enough procrastinating on the complaint to dispute your last cell phone bill. On the road, you are immune to long hold times. Pair your phone using Bluetooth and roll with a hands-free call out loud, so the whole family can cheer when you negotiate a free month of service.

  1. Be Ready for the Sick

Do not be taken by surprise by a backseat puker. Roll with a large sealable bag for any trip over 10 miles. A club-sized pack of baby wipes and sanitizer go without saying.

  1. Turn out the Lights on the Kids

Anything to get them to fall asleep faster. While you’re at it, get an eye mask for yourself to because you also deserve to nap in darkness.

  1. Set them Free

Once you are on the road for a long haul, wearing a bra is optional. Really. Learn the side strap shimmy that does not involved taking off your shirt and you are golden until Grandma’s house.

  1. Prepare for the Roadside Pee
  1. Talk

Remember that thing we used to do before texting? It’s so cool. Try it with the other humans in your vehicle. You may even LOL.

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