10 Behaviors to Avoid When Prepping for a Road Trip

Recently, we headed out for a weekend #roadtrip. After a bumpy start, our crew recovered and enjoyed the ride. Below are some words of wisdom unfortunately gained through painful experience. #family travels #dontaskmehowiknow

#1.  Do nothing to prepare the night before. Why do I convince myself that it will only take a few minutes to pack the next day before we drive away? I was also a total hypocrite and insisted the kids pack that night while mommy thoroughly enjoyed clearing off the DVR and catching up on social media. #procrastinator #timemangement

#2.   Run errands you could do when you return. There was really no need to stop at the eye doctor because the glasses could wait. Rushing into the house much later  than planned, I was greeted by my spouse who just shook his head in discouraged acceptance. I sighed knowing we were not off to great start.. #priorities

#3.   Pack off the top of your head instead of using a list. Sadder to confess I am a list maker who, in the rush to execute and get out the door, convinced myself since packing for my parents house was a no brainer, the time it would take to print my ever evolving yet thorough list would take more time than randomly throwing items in my overnights bags. Yes bags – I unfortunately am one of THOSE packers. #listersgottalist #dontjudge #bettersafethansorry

#4.   Let your kids sit in the car consuming entertainment instead of helping. Now a couple years ago in the car belted in their seats would have been their most productive placement. These days my elementary school children can actually be useful when directed and at least it would have ended the cries of “when are we leaving.” Hint Hint: A car trip seems much longer when a child spends 30 minutes sitting in the car before it ever leaves the driveway. #parentfail #enabler

#5.  Scowl continuously at your spouse while he impatiently ask, “Are you almost ready?”  We’ve been married well over a decade. I still don’t understand why he has no concept on how long my chaos takes. #marriagestruggles

#6.  Snap at your spouse about how he could help as you continue to scowl. Maybe by our 25th anniversary, I will have convinced him that he could secure the doors, check the dog food and water, and make sure the thermostats are set properly. #keepingitreal

#7.  Forget to remind everyone to go to the bathroom.  Every driver whose finally pulled out of the neighborhood wants to hear those lovely words, “I need to go to the bathroom.” Stopping within the first 15 minutes of leaving the house definitely creates an unappreciated delay. (refer back #4 kids sitting in the car for lengthy periods waiting to leave) #pitstop

#8.  Ignore the gas gauge. The only upside to this occurrence is when a need for a bathroom erupts simultaneously to the discovery that fuel light is on. #runningonempty

#9. Dwell on the rough start instead of shifting into fun mom. I don’t know why it always takes at least until the end of the city limits for me often to shake off that annoyed feeling and if I’m in an insightful and honest place, the person I’m most upset with is myself. When I repeat the same behaviors, I usually get the same results. #someday #shakeitoff

#10. Neglect to pray for peace, safety, and great memories along the way. I often find myself instead asking for hep when the situation has already taken a detour. #praymorestressless

I’d love to hear your road trip tips! Feel free to share below some of your best advice when planning for a weekend getaway or cross country tour. #wisecounsel