Buckle Up Boo!

The Solo Mom’s Road Trip Survival Guide

Let’s talk road trips! With spring break creeping up and all these airline mishaps making headlines lately, a lot of folks are rethinking their travel plans. And honestly? I don’t blame them. Flights getting delayed or canceled, and the fear of something going wrong mid-air—it’s enough to make you side-eye your suitcase.

But listen, don’t let the airline chaos steal your travel joy. If flying feels too stressful right now, why not hit the road instead? A good ol’ fashioned road trip can be just as fun—sometimes even better—especially when you’ve got your little copilot riding along.

So, if you’re trading TSA lines for scenic routes, let’s get into this Road Trip Survival Guide—because you already know we have to plan ahead when we’ve got kiddos in tow.

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1. 🚙 Plan Your Route (and Your Backup Route)

We don’t do “winging it” when we have kids in the backseat asking, “Are we there yet?” every five minutes. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to plan your main route and a backup just in case. Look for rest stops, gas stations, and kid-friendly spots along the way.

And let me keep it real with you—expect the trip to take longer than what the GPS says. If it estimates a five-hour drive, go ahead and mentally add at least an hour or two. Between bathroom breaks, snack runs, and those spontaneous “Ooh, look at that!” moments when your little one spots a cool roadside attraction, the journey is bound to have a few extra stops. That’s not a bad thing—it’s part of the adventure.

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2. 🚙 Pack Smart, Not Heavy

Packing for a road trip isn’t like packing for a flight, but that doesn’t mean you throw the whole house in the trunk. Keep it light and strategic:

• Essentials bag: Snacks, wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, and a small first-aid kit.

• Entertainment kit: Tablets (preloaded with movies), coloring books, travel games, and headphones.

• Comfort bag: Blankets, neck pillows, and a change of clothes for the little ones (because accidents happen).

Pro tip: Keep the essentials bag within arm’s reach. Trust me, you don’t want to be pulling over every time someone needs a tissue or a juice box.

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3. 🚙 Snack Attack: Be Ready

You know the rule—hungry kids equal grumpy kids. Stock up on snacks that won’t cause a sticky mess. Think:

• Trail mix or dry cereal

• Fruit snacks or apple slices

• Granola bars

• Bottled water or juice boxes

Oh, and don’t forget a little something for yourself. A road trip is way smoother when mama’s not hangry either.

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4. 🚙 Make Pit Stops Fun

Bathroom breaks don’t have to be boring! Turn them into mini-adventures. Look for roadside attractions, cute parks, or ice cream stands along the way. Let your kiddo stretch their legs, snap some pics, and burn off some energy.

It’s not just about getting there—it’s about making memories along the way.

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5. 🚙 Safety First, Always

Before you even pull out of the driveway, make sure your car is road-trip ready:

• Check your tires, brakes, and oil.

• Load up your roadside emergency kit: Jumper cables, flashlight, extra phone charger, and a blanket.

• Share your route: Let a family member or friend know your plans, just in case.

We’re all about adventure, but safety comes first—always.

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6. 🚙 Set Realistic Expectations (for You and Your Kids)

Listen, road trips with kids are fun, but they’re not all rainbows and singalongs. Your toddler might throw a fit because they dropped a cracker. Your pre-teen might roll their eyes when you suggest playing “I Spy” for the 10th time. And quite frankly, you might get tired of being behind the wheel.

And that’s okay.

Give yourself some grace and prepare for the unexpected. If the car ride gets chaotic, take a deep breath, pull over, and take a break if needed. It’s all part of the journey.

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7. 🚙 Create a Vibe with the Perfect Playlist

What’s a road trip without some good music? Curate a playlist that’s a mix of kid-friendly jams and some throwback classics for you.

Think Beyoncé, Afrobeats, and a little 90s R&B to keep the mood light. Throw in a few Kids’ Bop hits for the kiddos, and boom—you’ve got yourself a family-friendly concert on wheels.

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8. 🚙 Budget Wisely

Gas, food, and activities can add up quickly. To keep your budget in check:

• Use gas apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel stops.

• Pack snacks and drinks so you’re not buying overpriced items at every stop.

• Research free activities at your destination—like parks, nature trails, or free museum days.

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🚙 Road Trip Checklist for Solo Moms

I know road tripping can seem overwhelming especially for a solo mom traveling alone with her littles. So here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need:

For the Kiddos:

✅Snacks (healthy options + fun treats)

✅Reusable water bottles

✅Favorite toys, books, and activities

✅Headphones and a tablet or phone with pre-downloaded movies or games

✅Small pillow and blanket for naps

✅Change of clothes (accidents happen!)

For You:

✅Phone charger and portable power bank

✅Your favorite playlist or podcast lineup

✅Comfortable driving shoes

✅Travel mug for coffee or tea

✅A small first-aid kit (because moms are always the nurse)

Safety & Car Prep:

✅Full gas tank and recent oil check

✅Spare tire and car jack

✅Emergency roadside kit (jumper cables, flashlight, etc.)

✅Car registration and insurance info

✅Physical map (just in case tech fails you!)

Pit Stop Essentials:

✅Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes

✅Tissues and paper towels

✅Small trash bags for car clean-up

✅Refillable water bottles for everyone

✅Cooler with drinks and perishable snacks )if you have the room for it)

Extras for the Journey:

✅Journal or notebook for jotting down fun memories

✅Travel games or activity cards for kids

✅Cash for tolls (unless you have an EZPass) or unexpected stops

✅A surprise toy or snack for when the “Are we there yet?” questions start rolling in

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🚙 Road Trip Hacks

Whether your trip is three hours or ten, you’re going to need to keep your babies occupied. So here’s some hacks to keep the ride as stress-free as possible:

For Younger Kids

1. The Snack Necklace Hack:

Turn snack time into a fun activity by making snack necklaces with Cheerios, pretzels, or candy. Your kiddo can wear it and munch as they go—less mess, more fun!

2. Surprise Bag System:

Pack a few small “surprise bags” with toys, puzzles, or snacks. Hand one out every hour (or when boredom strikes) to keep the excitement going.

3. Rest Stop Races:

Got a fidgety little one like mine? Use rest stops to have a quick “race”—a run from the car to a tree and back. It burns off energy and makes the next stretch of driving calmer. It might even incite a nap.

4. DIY Activity Tray:

Use a cheap cookie sheet as a lap tray for your child—perfect for coloring, playing with magnetic toys, or even as a mini table for snacks. Bonus: the raised edges help contain messes!

5. Audio Book Adventures:

Download kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts. It keeps the whole car entertained without everyone staring at screens the entire time.

6. Car Organization Hack:

Use a shower caddy or over-the-seat organizer to keep essentials—like tissues, snacks, toys, and wipes—within easy reach for both you and your little one.

7. The “Are We There Yet?” Map:

Print out a simple map of your route and mark big cities or rest stops along the way. Let your child put a sticker on each spot you pass—it gives them a sense of progress and cuts down on constant questions.

8. Emergency Fun Stash:

Hide a couple of small toys or new coloring books in your bag. If a meltdown starts brewing, whip out a surprise to shift the mood.

For Older Kids

1. The Playlist Challenge:

Let your kid take the wheel—musically, of course. Have them create a “Mom & Me” road trip playlist. Sprinkle in your 90s R&B jams (because Jill Scott has to ride with us) while they sneak in their current favorites. Bonus: make it a game—play a few seconds of a song and see who can guess the title first!

2. Scavenger Hunt Bingo:

Before hitting the road, create a bingo card together with things like “red truck,” “road sign with an animal,” or “license plate from another state.” The winner gets to pick the next snack stop or DJ the playlist for an hour. It keeps their eyes off their phone—for at least a little while.

3. Travel Journal or Vlog:

Encourage your child to document the trip their way—whether it’s writing down funny moments in a travel journal or creating mini vlogs for their close friends (or just for the memories). It’s a creative outlet that keeps them busy while you focus on the road.

4. Road Trip Debate Club:

Bring the laughs with lighthearted debate topics like “Is a hot dog a sandwich?” or “What’s the best pizza topping?” It keeps the convo flowing and lets you bond over silly questions—a win-win!

5. “Would You Rather” Jar:

Before the trip, grab some sticky notes or index cards and let your kid write down fun “Would you rather” questions. Toss them in a jar or bag, and anytime boredom strikes, pull one out. It’s a great way to spark a little laughter and avoid those “How much longer” questions.

6. Audiobook or Podcast Picks:

If your kid loves a good story, grab a family-friendly audiobook or queue up a fun podcast. Or, if they’re a bit older, pick something you both can enjoy—like a mystery series or motivational podcast. Again, it’s screen-free entertainment!

7. DIY Snack Bar:

Give them a small organizer (like a tackle box) and let them build their own “snack bar” before you leave. Fill it with their favorite road trip goodies—a little sweet, a little salty—so they have full control of their munchies. Less “Mom, I’m hungry!” moments, more peaceful miles.

8. Social Media Challenge:

For older kids on social media, create a “Road Trip Photo Challenge” together—like snapping pics of the weirdest roadside attraction, the best sunset, or the funniest rest stop sign. It’s a fun way to get them looking out the window instead of just scrolling aimlessly.

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🚙 Let the Adventure Begin

So, if the idea of hopping on a plane feels too risky right now, don’t stress. Spring break road trips are a vibe—filled with freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable moments with your little one.

With a little planning, a lot of snacks, and a playlist that never gets skipped, you can turn your car into a rolling adventure zone.

Buckle up, mama—memories are waiting down the road.

Where are you planning to road trip this spring? Drop your destination in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Love, light, and safe travels,

Tiera Nicole