Are you traveling this summer? Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way!

Today we are getting ready to go on vacation so we are packing and I thought I would give you tips for saving your sanity, saving money, and saving time when traveling with young children.

Make a detailed packing list

I do this in the notes app on my phone. I like to use the checklist feature and I make a list for each member of our family and a list for the van.

Bags for everything

A bag for swimsuits, a bag for shoes, a bag for snacks. This just makes things faster and easier. I like to use a reusable shopping bag for wet swimsuits.

Pack full days of clothes together

I put a complete outfit with socks and underwear rolled up together in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag.

If traveling to more than one location pack a family bag so that you don’t have to transfer all of your belongings from the car to the hotel.

Stay in places with a kitchen

I will do a Sam’s run before we leave and grab food. We like to stay in places that have kitchen access. And I will bring my Keurig and AirFryer and make simple meals like hotdogs, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and stirfry.

Hit up your library

Before we go on a trip we head to the library for new books, DVDs, and audiobooks. We have brand new content our kids have never seen that keeps them engaged and interested.

Also, apps like Libby and Overdrive help us listen to audiobooks for free with our library membership.

Lap desks

I got my kids some lap desks from Target for $5 but I’ve seen them in other places too. They have a drink

holder and places for books and snacks. We pack Legos and small toys for the car as well as sketch pads, coloring books, and other quiet activities.

Car quiet time

I have a toddler who still naps and we might be driving during her nap time. So I got my older kids Bluetooth headbands so they can listen to audiobooks in the car so we can all have quiet time.

Eating on the road

Hitting up the drive-through with a family of 6 is incredibly expensive. I found some cute sectioned containers on Amazon and make what I like to call “Carcuterie.” I will fill each section with lunch meat, fruit, carrots, crackers, and hummus.

Find rest stops

We like to get out and stretch our legs every few hours. Rest stops help with that. Some apps help you find rest stops based on the interstate you are traveling on.

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