It’s fall and the kids are back at school – phew – that’s a relief! But, as we all know, time flies and before you know it, it is going to be spring and the kids are going to be let out for around 10 (long and strenuous!) days. It’s a tough time of year for parents because it’s not like in summer when there are a multitude of camps from which to choose. So, the question remains, what do you do with your kids? If you are able to plan it so that you can take some time off of work, then I strongly suggest planning a road trip. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to take the whole family away in a (somewhat) comfortable environment. Sure, we’d all love to be able to afford first class tickets for the whole crew to Disneyland or Hawaii, but seriously, who’s got the cash flow for that? So, take the time now to reserve a minivan rental and start planning a fantastic getaway for the spring.
Where to Stay & What to Eat
Where to Stay
There are many ways to plan the trip so that you are able to stay on a relatively low budget. If the weather is somewhat nice, pack your tent and sleeping bags and spend each night at a different campground. If the weather isn’t so fantastic (or you are a wimp like me who needs a real bed), book nights at cheap inns or motels. You won’t need more than one room – just cram everybody into one room and threaten your kids that if they don’t “behave” they will be the one to sleep on the floor without a pillow (works like a charm!).
What to Eat
First of all, make sure to pack as much food as you can from home. You know all those cans of beans, tuna, soup and tomato sauce that have been sitting in your pantry since the inception of the Internet? Well, now’s the time to pull it out of the cupboard, blow away the dust and pack it all up in the car (just don’t forget your can opener). You will be amazed at what you have lying around the kitchen that needs to be eaten.
Of course, you can’t pack all of your food for 10 days so make sure to pass by a supermarket every other day on the trip. Pick up fruits, veggies, bread and milk – at least enough to last you a few days. To avoid the pending “Mom, I’m hungry” whines, be sure to have lots of snacks at your disposal in the car. Nuts, granola bars, crackers and dried fruit are perfect healthy snacks to keep on hand.
Entertainment on the Road
Sure, the scenery through which you are driving may be unbelievable but try telling that to a 5-year old after the first hour of driving. It’s a good idea to play games while driving: “I spy with my little eye,” “Punch Buggy,” and the naming of countries starting with the last letter of the country named by the person before you.
Portable DVDs are handy – just make sure to bring headphones. The last thing you want is to be listening to Dora the Explorer while trying to enjoy the scenery. Somehow the two just don’t go together. iPods and CD players are also lifesavers.
As Maya Kruchankova suggests, get creative: bring along interactive games, flash cards, and new books. On one road trip she brought a pack of colorful pipe cleaners – the result was hours of designing glasses, monsters, and a garden “planted” in the back seat pockets.
The Potty Problem
Yeah, we’ve all heard it before: “Dad, can you stop NOW, I HAVE TO PEE!!” My sister-in-law has 3 boys ages 4, 9 and 10. When diapers were no longer part of the picture they introduced the empty water bottle. Every time one of the boys has the urge to tinkle, the bottle comes up, pants go down and PRESTO! Problem solved. Of course, don’t think that bottles of apple juice magically appeared by the end of the day – that would be a rude awakening!
It’s a bit more difficult for girls – for more than obvious reasons. Bringing a portable potty seat to pull out and use at the side of the road is helpful. But if you can’t stop the car... well... here’s to hoping...
This just about sums it up. If you have any other useful tips, let us parents unite – the more suggestions the better!
Pack food from home, bring entertainment for the kids, and always have snacks within reach. A little preparation turns a stressful drive into an adventure.
Compare rates on minivans, SUVs, and more on Car Rental Express. Book early for the best spring break deals.