Tip 1. Ask yourself... Are you sure you want to go on a road trip with toddlers?
Tip 2. If you answered yes to tip 1, then check your sanity. If deemed sane, great but don't plan to be sane or return sane when on a road trip like vacation with toddlers.
Tip 3. Have scheduled fun time. When they can play in the sand, water, play ground. Whatever or wherever it may be, they need it and the parents do too. Just do it. You'll be sorry if you don't. I was.
Tip 4. Epic meltdowns are inevitable. No if ands or buts about it. Just breath deep and they will pass. Show anxiety or anger or excitement and it's like adding fuel to the fire.
Tip 5. Have snacks. Lots and lots of snacks! When you think you've packed enough, go buy more. Sometimes it's the only thing to keep you sane.
Tip 6. Always remember to pack "X". (Fill in the blank - book, horse, sunglasses, etc). When you don't have whatever it is they wanted, one of those epic meltdowns happens. When that happens, you better have snacks. Or you'll lose your sanity... Again.
Tip 7. Enjoy the good, happy moments. Experience the discoveries through their eyes. Smile with them. Squeal in excitement with them. As the old saying goes, "stop and smell the roses." No matter how many times they stop. And it will be a lot. But I promise it's worth it. And if it's getting a little too slow, snacks work great to get the crew moving.
Tip 8. Boat cruises with kids should be mandatory less than 2 hours. Any more and they get restless. Or puke (luckily not ours).
Tip 9. Pack lots of extra clothes. For all those fun, unplanned moments, you'll need them. Or if you packed pink underwear instead of blue for them, you can quickly switch before a meltdown happens.
Tip 10. Know that everything won't go according to the schedule - like it used to before kids. Take the long way (but only if they're sleeping). Drive the dirt road. Have a moment when you look at your spouse and just bust out laughing at something silly your kid did. These are the best. And despite all the tears and meltdowns, they'll only remember (if your lucky) the best vacation ever.
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