Driving alone with Kids-Need Suggestions

[happily single]

I've decided to take the plunge and drive from RI to Orlando for April vacation. I'll be travelling with 3 kids (dd12, ds11 and ds5). We plan on leaving about 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, stopping in Raliegh, NC for the night and then continue on to the Nick Hotel!!!

Can anyone give me reassurance I'm not nuts, pointers, tips, cost of tolls, safe places to stop and rest?

Thanks!

 

[gritzel4]

When we drive, we usually schedule or meals at off times (breakfast 10, lunch 2 pm and dinner 7 pm) faster service and less crowded. We tend to stop at fast food places that have children activities McD's play places or BK internet cafes.

Bring headphones for each of the kids to be used with their electronic devices (psp, ds, ipod). One rule we follow is that mom controls the radio in the car.

Stop every few hours to stretch your legs and let the young ones blow off steam.

Bring snacks (let each kid choose one of their fav's as a treat).

Good luck.

 

[happily single]

great idea about the headphones! Thanks

 

[Oglet]

Before we moved to Orlando we would make the trip from WV by car with 2 children. For the most part of it they seemed to do really well probably because we never really would fly anywhere and they spent a lot of time in the car so it was familiar to them.

As far as tolls go we never had any tolls period. So without checking online I know you'll be fine once you get into Southern VA all the way down into Florida unless you detour onto a toll road for a overnight hotel stay or something.

coming in on I4 to the Nick hotel you will be fine without any tolls as well, there are all kinds of toll roads around Orlando however for where your staying you shouldn't come across any.

 

[PinkRhombus]

I'll be travelling with 3 kids (dd12, ds11 and ds5).

You'll be needing a LOT of snacks.


I use Microsoft Streets to plan out our long-distance driving trips. You put in your start time and place...your end point...adjust your driving speeds (average, faster than average, etc).

You can schedule in breaks at rest areas...or just stop every, say, 3 hours.

This is GREAT for planning where your stop over hotel is going to be. Maybe help if you need to adjust your departure from home time.


One of the online ones may do it.

 

[mickeymousepuppy]

Last year before we drove to GA I googled road trip ideas and got some good scavenger hunts and other game ideas. Also if you have a DVD player you can get videos from the library or books on tape. These are only good for one week, but you can renew them online. I also had each kid pack a seperate back pack with their own activities to avoid fighting (although my kids were much younger, I have a feeling they may still argue when they are older). Our supply of bend a roohs (sp) kept them entertained for quite a while. Good Luck and have a great vacation!