Take a Trip: How to Plan Mini-Getaways

Today is a great day to get away! Wouldn’t you say?

We’re so excited about this blog post that we’ve begun to rhyme. Now it’s time (ok, we promise we’re done) to talk about a popular New Year’s resolution: taking a trip! In this post we’re going to talk about planning mini-getaways for you and your family. These are small vacations that won’t cut too much into work & your busy schedules, but that give you a change of scenery and a healthy dose of refueling fun!

The first step is to get out your calendar and circle a free weekend you have coming up. Now, make sure that within the time it takes for you to read this blog post that you don’t get any calls, texts or emails that take away those glorious couple of days you’ve reserved to get away. Deal? Awesome.

Before we get into the good stuff, some of you may be wondering why we’re talking about mini-getaways and not big ole’ week-long vacations. First, there’s the timing. The start of a new year is not the typical time to take a vacation. People are just getting back into the swing of things after a nice holiday break and it probably isn’t possible or preferred for most of us to up and leave. It’s kind of like going to bed after waking up from a nap; it just doesn’t make much sense. 

Secondly, it’s actually been observed that a few days of relaxation is better to help your mind de-stress and your body unwind than taking long trips that require a lot of planning/packing/traveling/etc. So, for those reasons, this blog post is all about those baby vacations that you can fit into 24-72 hours! 

Packing Tips You Won't Forget

We know packing can be the most burdensome part of the trip. You have your husband's Hawaaian shirt he refuses to go away without, the kids' electronic devices all with different chargers and one bag for you, which is probably stuffed with everyone else's things. Here are a few ways to make packing a breeze, so you have more time to enjoy your mini-vacay:

• Organize outfits by day and pack them in gallon-sized freezer bags. Not only do you have a neatly arranged suitcase that makes choosing an outfit easy, but once you let the air out of the bags you will have more room for little Timmy's floaties.
• Assign each kid a backpack, allow them to bring any gadgets, toys and books they want as long as it fits. It will save you space and let each kid have their favorite things wherever you decide to go. 
• While you're packing, place a shoebox inside your suitcase and pack around it. Before you venture off remove the shoebox and you'll have plenty of space in your bag for souvenirs and any other goodies you may want to bring back from your trip.

"How Many More Minutes???"...How to Keep the Kids Content

No phrase strikes fear into the hearts of parents like, "Are we there yet!?" Before you succumb to the urge to pull your hair out or turn the car around, check out our tips for keeping your kids entertained on those long drives. 

• Create goody bags for each chid that is particular to their interests (puzzles, games, snacks, etc.) and give them to the kids once you've set out on your trip. It's guaranteed to keep them amused and silence any questions of when they can get out of the car. 
• Before leaving the house, have each kid create a personal playlist full of their favorite songs and play them during the drive. The kids will have a great time choosing the songs and be excited to sing along.
• Don't be afraid of the classics! Kids still love games like I Spy and Roadtrip Bingo, so don't forget to use them!

Eating Out While on the Road

Fast food may be quick and easy, but it is not the only way to eat out while traveling and it's certainly not the most healthy! So back away from that drive-thru window and hear us out:

• Utilize rest stops. Find a rest area off the highway to pull over and enjoy a picnic lunch you've packed with the family. The kids can stretch their legs and you won't have to worry about paying for food.
• While you're planning your trip find some fun places to eat along your route. It'll mix up the routine of fast food and give you some quality time as a family to experience restaurants off the beaten path.
• It is healthier to sit down and eat a meal than to try to eat while still on the move. So pack some healthy snacks for the road and treat yourselves to a nice meal once you arrive at your destination!