This post is sponsored by the FCA US; however all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
When you live away from family like we do but visit often, you eventually become road trip experts. The hours driving add up really quickly but so do your ways for preparing for these trips, even if they are just a 1-2 hour drive.
In addition to our frequent family visits, we’ve done a few 4 hour trips, and most recently an 11 hour road trip with my son in tow ranging from the time he was a baby to now a toddler. I’ve definitely picked up a few tricks along the way and have had my fair share of things that haven’t worked, too. One thing I can say for certain, after trying out the new Chrysler Pacifica I’m totally spoiled with how family friend it is. More so, the safety features and sporty appearance have me thinking about minivans in a whole new way. As someone who never thought they’d drive a minivan I can honestly say to everyone who has one or thinking of purchasing one: I get it now.
With the holidays here, more and more families will be traveling home for the holidays. We were lucky enough to test out the Chrysler Pacifica and I’m sharing my best do’s and don’ts for road tripping!
- Do Pack a Separate Tote Bag in addition to your purse and suitcase. I promise, this small effort makes a huge difference. Instead of throwing everything into your purse (no matter how big it is) pack a tote bag like this one from Sloane Ranger. Include the non essential items that you still need access to. Think: phone chargers, extra diapers, that book you’ve been meaning to start and large electronics. Plus, not having to carry a heavy bag with you for bathroom breaks makes it totally worth it.
- Do Download Movies – This is a no brainer, right? Stock up on some holiday movies and your kid’s favorite shows for when you find yourself in a bind and need some entertainment. The Pacifica already has built in screens in the back seats so your kids are set.
- Don’t Overpack. Think mini capsule wardrobe when packing. Trust me, I know how easy it is to overpack. Especially with the amount of storage room in the Pacifica. I was able to pack more than enough outfits into my Sloane Ranger duffel bag as well as all my essentials. If you stay within a chosen color palette, you can easily create enough outfits for an entire long weekend. A rule of thumb I have is not to bring an item of clothing unless it can be incorporated into more than one outfit.
- Don’t Forget the Snacks, organized into individual bags or things that are easy to eat, like apples. It’s so funny, every time we are on a trip I have snacks for my son, but my husband is always the first one to ask what snacks I packed.
- Do Bring Extra pillows and blankets. It so nice to have these in the car when you want to get a bit more comfortable, or to cover my son up when he falls asleep in his carseat.
- Do Make a Good Playlist and Download Audiobooks. If you’re on a long road trip then the radio is bound to start repeating songs. Having a playlist ready to go makes such a difference. Audiobooks are a great change of pace, too. Especially if your kids love storytime, then they will love listening to these.
- Don’t Skip Stops. On long trips I make sure we plan a stop at a mall or a playground. What I do is google map our route beforehand and check for parks or shopping centers with good food options. These longer stops add to the ETA, but they make such a difference. When you have kids, a change of scenery and blowing off some steam is crucial. Stretching their legs (and lets be honest it’s nice for us adults, too!) and running around can even tire them out enough that they nap on the next leg of the trip.
- Do Use Baskets for Organizing Items like toys, books and snacks. I like to use small baskets to organize small items. This prevents the car from getting too messy and keeps similar items together. Usually I have one basket full of snacks and another one with toys and books near the car seat for easy access.
- Don’t Just Play Games For One. It’s easy for everyone to do their own thing on a road trip, but it’s nice to have everyone interacting with one another. A classic car game that my husband and play is the alphabet game. All you need is a passenger to keep score with a pen and paper. The idea is the person to spot the most words outside starting with the letter that is up, wins. Think billboards, business and road signs. It may sound silly but it’s really fun.
- Do Wear Comfortable Shoes. And they have to be easy to slide on and off. I don’t know about you, but when I’m the passenger in a car for hours and hours I cannot keep my shoes on. I typically wear a pair of sneakers that don’t take up a lot of space and pack my boots and any dressy shoes I may need for the trip separately.
- Do Zone Out. This is actually my favorite thing to do on road trips, nothing. No phone, no emails, no “entertainment” (besides music). Just thinking or not thinking and staring out the window. Sometimes unplugging and enjoying the scenery is all you need to do.
I wanted to close this with sharing some of my favorite takeaways about the Chrysler Pacifica. Aside from it’s overall appearance there were some really convenient features including a few clever features that solve everyday issues for parents.
For instance, not having to open the doors by hand but instead the click of a button (amazing when your arms are full). The light alerting me on the side mirrors when someone was passing and the automatic stop feature if you are about to back into something. How easy it is to fold the seats away (one handed), lots of USB ports and cup holders and the option to simply tilt the seat forward with a carseat when someone needs to get to the second backseat. And I didn’t realize this until recently, but there is a built in VACUUM. No kidding… Can I keep you?
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Find details for my luggage and other items you see here:
Floral Tote Bag and Floral Duffel Bag: c/o Sloane Ranger (Get 20% off your purchase with code ZOE expires 12/31) | Coat | Fringe Sweater | Sneakers | Snow Boots
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Comments ( 32 )
Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels
Such great tips and nice to have plenty of room in the vehicle. I’ve been wanting to try an audiobook too!
Anna English
What a great post idea! You look darling babe!
Kelsey
I usually follow all you tips when going on a road trip… accept the no over packing part. I am THE worst packer!!
xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com
Kayleigh
Such a cute little road trip! I love that wreath
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Kate
Great tips! So cute!
Lee Anne
An 11 hour trip with a little one sounds exhausting! Love these tips and tricks, thanks for sharing.
XO
Lee Anne
lifebylee.com
Dylan
I’ll definitely be keeping these tips in mind when we do our next big family road trip.
Dylan
http://www.lifebydylan.com
Nicole Leffew
I love your sloane ranger bag and that wreath! Such great tips and SUPER cute coat too!!
Maggie
These are such great tips! I love the tip about bringing pillows and blankets! They are a must!
Maggie
http://www.polishedclosets.com
Life of a Sister
Could not agree more! Road trips can be tough with littles!
Lexi Kritzer
Love how roomy the trunk looks! And those rose travel bags are adorable. <3
Amanda Kruse
Snacks are a must, especially when it’s a long road trip! I love your snowboots!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Angelle Marix
You look gorgeous. Love all of the road trip tips 🙌🏼
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Gentry
These are great tips for trips! I much prefer to fly myself, but if I was to road trip now I know what car to take 🙂 Looks like a fun way to travel!
Ashley Zeal
Loving these tips! And those boots are a holiday must!!
Jessica
This car looks super roomy and perfect for a roadtrip! Looks like you had a blast!
– Jessica
Miss Moore Style
Jenna
Love this post!!! Safe travels!!
Jenna from http://www.visionsofvogue.com
Lacey
These tips are so helpful! Makes me wanna go on a road trip!
xo Lacey
http://www.myboringcloset.com
Shelby Back
These tips are great!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
Melissa
We’re a family of five and always run out of trunk room and this is an impressive amount of trunk room!
http://www.MelissaTakesFashion.com
Nicholle Brainard
These are great tips! PS I live in those snow boots!
Jaime
You’re the cutest!!! I’ve done quite a lot of road trips with my daughter as well… it’s tough when they’re so little and the drive is so long!! Love all your tips!!
Greta
I’m about to head 14 hours North to see my in-laws and these tips are so helpful!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Ashley
How cute are you!? These are great tips for hitting the road for the holidays!
xo Ashley
Ruthie Ridley
I love these tips!! I am guilty of over packing!!
sarah lindner
Seriously some great great tips for roadtrips! I will def be back to this post for ideas!
xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.thehouseofsequins.com
Elise
I’ve never seen a trunk look so cute in my life!! Such a great blog post.
emily
Great tips! I seem to always forget a pillow on long trips and have to improvise!
Rachel
Love all the road-tripping tips! Great post!
xo Rachel – http://tohellinahandbag.net
Emily
love this post! such a fun holiday road trip!
xo Emily
http://www.thehipsuburban.com
Living in Color
I totally need a van now!
xo, L
livingincolorblog.com
@livingincolorblog on IG
Lacey
Obsessed with those bags! So so cute!
xx,
Lacey
http://www.theglittergospelblog.com
@wearetheglittergospel on IG
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