August 2018 is going down in my mind as the ‘Month of the Road Trip’. It was an exciting time as both my sister and best friend were married in Canmore with the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains as their ceremony backdrops.

Our time away was beyond fabulous, as was watching Elle be a part of my sister’s special day!

And thankfully, with some careful planning, the drives there and back went as smoothly as our vacation.

Looking to take a family road trip of your own soon? Here are some tips for taking a road trip with a toddler that’ll help make it an enjoyable experience, as well as my thoughts on the sleek vehicle we drove this summer: the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe.

10 tips for taking a road trip with a toddler

1) Accept it’s going to be harder and suddenly it’ll seem easier

Ah, life before kids sure was uncomplicated. You could just jump in the car, any time of day, and drive non-stop to your destination if that’s what suited you.

And while taking a road trip with a toddler isn’t as simple as rolling solo, it isn’t impossible… and can actually be a lot of fun! There might be some tears, some whining or a diaper catastrophe but once you accept that it’s going to be harder, it’ll suddenly seem easier.

2) Plan around your routine

Many of my seasoned Mum friends advised me to drive at night during long road trips to take advantage of the tranquility that comes with a sleeping child. Our road trips this summer were only four-hour jaunts, but I still found it helpful to plan around nap times. We stuck to our regular wake-up and breakfast schedule, played in the morning to tire Elle out, and then tucked her into her car seat right around the time she’d be going down for her nap. It was an easy drive while she slept, and the shuteye ensured she was in good spirits when we arrived at our destination.

3) Bring sleep aids

Does your toddler have a favourite stuffed animal, security blanket or music that help her fall asleep? Don’t forget them! They’re helpful (or, in our case, necessary) in the car and hotel.

4) Dress your little cozy

I’m all about that frilly tutu life, but not when it comes to road trips! I always gravitate towards my yoga pants and a comfy sweater before being trapped in the car all day and extend the same cozy courtesy to Elle. I opt to dress her in breezy cotton outfits in the summer and something a little more snuggly in the winter. Plus, I always pack a blanket – AC can get cold!

5) Pack toys and books

I’m sure this is a no-brainer but, yes, pack toys and books. And if they’re new toys, or toys that your toddler hasn’t played with in a while, even better.

6) Pack snacks and drinks

Stock a cooler full of healthy snacks and drinks for the entire family. If possible, avoid foods that are messy or could stain.

7) Plan time to stretch your legs

They say, ‘It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.’ Make the most of your road trip and find a fun place to stop and stretch your legs. While heading to Canmore we found a roadside turn-off by a lake where we explored and skipped some rocks – it was fabulous.

8) Leave room next to the car seat

If possible, leave the seat next to your toddler’s car seat empty. If she gets fussy, it can be so helpful to go and sit in the back to keep her company, give her a cuddle or play some games.

9) Be prepared with diapers, wipes and an extra outfit

Because 10/10 times, a blowout never happens at home and always happens at the most inopportune times, LOL!

10) Drop the Mum guilt and survive

I’ll be honest and let you know that I’m not big into screen time. But when you’re in an enclosed space for hours on end, drop the Mum guilt and embrace The Wiggles and their magical powers to enchant children with song and dance. At the end of the day, a few hours of screen time on the road is helping more than it’s hurting!

My thoughts on the Chevrolet Tahoe

Another aspect that made our road trips this summer SO enjoyable was that we got to travel in style! I partnered with my friends over at Chevrolet Canada to test out their 2018 Tahoe.

To state things simply, the vehicle was beyond impressive. I’ve never driven a vehicle with fold-flat second- and third-row seating before. The extra space made our road trips very comfortable and allowed us to help transport wedding decor. Plus, I had enough seats to drive around the wedding parties and it was a party and a half!

My favourite feature was the conversation mirror in the overhead console that provides a panoramic view of the rear seats, as well as the OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. Aaron, on the other hand, was all about the wireless iPhone charger and drop-down entertainment system for Elle.

If you find yourself admiring this gorgeous SUV too, you can check out all the details over at Chevrolet.ca.

Please note, this is not a sponsored post though Chevrolet Canada did provide my family with a vehicle for test driving purposes.

Thanks for checking out my tips for taking a road trip with a toddler. Happy travels, you guys!

Xo Holly Hunka

Pin me: