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What we did with the "nature's call" issue, when our kids were growing up, is call out when we'd see a sign for a rest area, "Does anyone need to go?" We would stop if one of us needed to go, but EVERYONE would visit the facilities. We'd let them know, if you don't try now, don't come crying to us in 10 minutes that you need to go!
Each girl packed her own bag of small toys and games that could be played with in the car. It stayed with her. They also had Cheerios and other small finger snack foods -- yes, they got all over the car, but it cleans. A sweater or jacket was kept nearby if we were traveling at higher elevation or in a cooler climate, otherwise those stayed with the suitcases. We had to "make do" for cupholders, but we always tried to get travel cups with lids.
As the navigator and overnight-finder, the front passenger area had a bag of maps, hotel/RV park books (depending on what we were traveling with), and "The Interstate Exit Authority" (now known as "The Next Exit"). That very handy guide tells us what's at every interstate exit and where the rest areas are, so for that plaintive cry "I gotta go!" I can search for the next truck stop or rest area.
After a few days of travel, you'll get your "travel rhythm" and have your vehicle set up just the way you like it. My husband and I know where each thing goes in the cab of our pickup, after almost 10 years of road trips. We can practically pack it in our sleep.
Donna
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I wanted to add a last post to this question to thank everybody who helped us planning and having an incredible trip: Southwest Dave, Lifemagician, DonnaR57, AZBuck, Rick Quinn, and anybody I may have forgotten; your help and advice was invaluable.
Brief summary: 28 days, 5,500 miles, five kids under 10 years old, two (crazy) adults, and many, oh so many incredible parks.
We left home driving west. Our first important destination was Carlsbad Caverns NP in NM. We then visited Petrified Forest NP after sleeping in Albuquerque, NM. From there to Flagstaff, AZ. While there, we visited Meteor Crater, Montezuma Castle NM, Sunset Crater NM, Coconino NF, and Sedona.
We then drove to the south rim of Grand Canyon NP and then to the north rim. From Grand Canyon we went to Zion NP, then Bryce Canyon NP and Capitol Reef NP. We took the longer route to Moab to visit Natural Bridges NM. Once in Moab we were able to visit Arches NP and Canyonlands NP (Island in the Sky and The Needles).
We then spent a week in Grand Junction, CO visiting Colorado NM, Dinosaur NM, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the Eureka! Science Museum, and other local places.
From GJ we drove south through US550 to Silverton and then to Durango and Cortez, from where we visited Mesa Verde NP. Driving US 550 south was an incredible experience as we got rain, snow, and hail in the middle of the summer and with an incredible view of the mountains. Certainly worth it!
From Mesa Verde NP we went to Palo Duro Canyon SP, TX (via Santa Fe, NM), and then we went home.
Again, thanks for all the advice, the suggestions, ideas, etc. It was an incredible trip. Our fifth road trip but the first one with five kids and certainly the longest. But the hours listening to audio books while driving, or hiking as a family will certainly remain in our memories for a long time (and the thousands of pictures and the journals we kept will also help us remember!).
Thanks again!
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Thank you.
Hi and welcome back to RTA !
Thanks so much for dropping in and updating us on your trip, it's a shot in the arm for us that are not on the road right now !! It's great to know you had such an amazing trip, it sounds wonderful !! We also keep a journal and takes lots (I mean lots!!) of photos that you and the kids will be able to look back on and enjoy for many years to come.
Dave.
