We actually just made a similar trip. Nashville, TN to State College(Penn State), PA. First, there are a few things to take into consideration. Do your children like being in the van to begin with? How active is your 2 year old? (That may be a silly question!LOL) Are you (the driver) use to driving long distances? What about at night? I, personally, prefer to drive at night. My main reason is less vehicles = less traffic = less accidents (be very alert between 2-3 when bars let out, depending on where you are) = better timing. My husband prefers to leave early in the morning, between 4 and 6. He does not see as well at night and for him it takes more concentration and puts a strain on his eyes at night. I have found that if children are not use to being in a vehicle for long periods, it helps to start out driving at night, then move into leaving early in the morning, and then if you have to travel during the day, they have had the experience of being in the car for what to them seems like unendless hours if not days.
**The most important advice I can offer is to map out your route and make sure you leave at a time when you will not hit any major cities during rush hour!**
Other advice: travel with a cooler containing drinks (for both adults and children) in case there is an accident and are stopped for a long period. Of course, regulate the intake of beverages to reduce bathroom breaks.
Have "boredom bags". This is the name I made up as we normally use gallon ziplock bags. Very simply, pack some items your child did not see you pack. If given all items to play with at one time, they have already played with everything and are bored.
I am not really sure if these last two are helpful or even if you are looking for this type of advice. We are avid travelers. Actually, the trip mentioned above, started out in State College, PA. We drove to southern Virginia, spent 3 days there, and then drove to Nashville from there in 1 day. Woke up the next day, and drove straight thru, back to State College! But anyhow, have children - do travel, so if you have any other questions or concerns just post and I would be happy to give any advice I may have. ↑ |
