Overnight Car Trips

As school starts up again, the long days of summer are gone, kids have returned to school, and parents are working or spending the day at home with the toddlers. While it's generally harder to take a trip or vacation when kids are in school, that doesn't mean it's impossible. If you want to get away for a day or two, then you have the chance.

Realize that there are opportunities to get away for a short amount of time to help yourself rejuvenate. There’s no reason you have to take a big flight somewhere, or spend days exploring a new country. While that would certainly be nice, those options aren’t always possible whenever you want to.

Local trips are the way to go when you only have a day or two, and they have the added benefit of not requiring a ton of planning to make happen. Make sure you have a few essentials (such as a change of clothing and your cell phone), as well as things for everyone that's coming, but you'll only be gone for a night or two so there is no need to stress.

When looking for local options, there are a few things you should be considering. First off, figure out how much time you’ll be spending in the car. Taking a long car drive with kids can be a bit of work - if you have options closer by, then I’d highly recommend them. Driving an hour to your destination will be easier than driving 5 hours to get somewhere that may seem a little more exotic.

Of course, you should consider the popularity of the places you’re headed as well. If you’re headed to one of the busiest national parks, then expect it to be full. However, if you’re headed to a more remote location - outback camping for example - then you’re probably better off. While you’re probably not taking a baby to go outback camping, there are other options as well. Ultimately, you should be aiming for locations that aren’t expected to have as many people at them.

If you’re not a fan of camping, or don’t want to do it with your kids, then you’re either looking at a hotel, or else just a day trip. If you’re looking at a hotel, choose a place that is kid friendly if possible. We often find that the kids like to swim in the pool, regardless of how nice it is, or to play on a playground when they have one - simple things that go a long way for kids.

A day trip also isn’t a bad option. If you can get to a lake or river in an hour, you can have an excellent time away from home playing in the water, hiking, and eating with your family. It can be a great way to disconnect from the world, get out of cramped quarters, and enjoy the natural beauty of the world. Highly recommended if you can make it happen.

You’re also welcome to just stay at home. There’s nothing wrong with doing that, and many choose to do so. Try to make it unique by all sleeping in the same room, having food you don’t normally eat, and turning off the internet for a period of time. Make it all about being something different and out of the ordinary.

Whatever you do, try to decompress, and enjoy a breath of fresh air. Making a quick overnight trip from your house can be exactly what’s needed to get back to the grind.