Surviving Road Trips

Road trips with kids can feel like running a tiny, constant marathon of snacks, sing-alongs, and bathroom stops — all while juggling cranky moods and unexpected spills. Between endless “Are we there yet?” questions and the challenge of keeping small hands busy without Wi-Fi, highway adventures quickly turn into tests of patience and creativity. But hey, those epic moments of chaos? They’re the ones that make the best stories (and car karaoke sessions) later on. Buckle up, mamas and papas — surviving the family road trip is no small feat!

The true essence of a road trip is spontaneity.

Think about you first

Road trips with chronic pain don’t have to be a beast. With a little planning and some smart strategies, you can turn what sounds like a daunting journey into something manageable—even enjoyable.

1. Plan Frequent Breaks:
Set alarms or reminders to stop every hour or so. Getting out of the car to stretch, walk a bit, and change positions helps prevent stiffness and reduces pain flare-ups.

2. Pack a Comfort Kit:
Bring along heat packs, cold packs, your favourite pain relief creams, and any other aids like braces or supports. Having these on hand means you can tackle discomfort as soon as it starts.

3. Prioritise Comfortable Seating:
A supportive car seat cushion or lumbar pillow can make a world of difference. If possible, test different seat arrangements to find what eases pressure on your joints or muscles.

4. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart:
Water keeps your body functioning optimally, and small, nutritious snacks keep energy levels stable. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary treats—they can worsen inflammation.

5. Use Distractions Wisely:
Audiobooks, podcasts, or playlists tailored to your favourite quirkiness can keep your mind engaged, helping to shift focus away from discomfort.

6. Communicate Your Needs:
If you’re not driving solo, make sure travel companions understand your limits. This way, they can support frequent stops or help manage luggage and other tasks.

7. Have a Flexible Itinerary:
Don’t overload your schedule. Leave wiggle room for extra rest or to change plans if pain flares up. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

By respecting your body’s needs and adding a dash of quirky creativity to the trip, you can show chronic pain who’s boss—and maybe even find some fun along the way.

Don’t start the car without some entertainment options!

Next how to keep everyone happy

Here’s a road trip toy survival kit that will have your kiddo happily entertained without turning your car into a chaos central!

Stuffed Animal/Toy
Because everything’s better with a cuddly companion. Bonus points if they’re travel-sized and double as a pillow.

Mess-Free Coloring Pages
Say goodbye to marker explosions and crayon rubble! These magic pages color with water or special pens, keeping your car spotless and your kiddo creatively occupied.

Etch & Sketch
Classic, timeless, and no batteries needed. Perfect for doodling on the go and erasing with ease—hours of scribble fun that won’t clutter your backseat.

Poppers
Those satisfying little pop-it toys that bring instant joy (and maybe a bit of quiet frustration when parents can’t resist joining in).

Magnetic Puzzle
Complete with cute scenes or characters, magnetic puzzles stop those pesky pieces from escaping mid-ride. Compact and brain-boosting!

Board Books About Your Trip
Tailor storytime to your journey! Whether it’s wild animals, city sights, or quirky landmarks, these pages set the imagination in motion and build excitement.

One or Two Electronic Toys
I’m a fan of LeapFrog — educational, engaging, and kid-friendly. Just keep the volume friendly for your ears and theirs.

Small to Medium Plastic Figurines (No Accessories)
Think princesses, Paw Patrol pups, Ninja Turtles, Avengers—the heroes your kids love without the tiny parts that get lost under car seats forever.

Buckle Pillows
A neck saver and nap enhancer all in one. Bonus: they snap right onto their seatbelt to stay put during those winding mountain stretches.

Sensory Toys
From squishy balls to textured fidget gadgets, these little treasures provide tactile soothing. Dollar stores often have a treasure trove of these, but Amazon has you covered if you want to stock up early.

Snacks!

Have a variety of mess-free snacks for those little critters in the back. Fruit gummies or fruit bars are great to get some nutrients in. I love crackers that dissolve quickly or granola bars too- always have to be mindful of choking hazards, especially when driving. This GoBe wheel is fabulous too- your kid gets to explore different snacks and gives them independence with munching whenever they want to. Fill it up like a deconstructed trail mix, add blueberries or raisins, cookies, or even sandwich squares or a muffin!

Bonus: Souvenir Collecting
Make space in the bag for postcards, brochures, or pamphlets from places you stop at. Kids love flipping through these, reliving moments, and showing off their travel scrapbook in the car. It’s a memory maker and a fun conversation starter.

Pack these gems, and you’re golden for those miles ahead. Trust me, a well-prepared backseat equals a happier, saner road trip for everyone.

Don’t forget a pit-stop adventure bag!

Then get ready for Adventure

Stopping at scenic views, hikes, parks, tourist attractions, or picnic spots? Don’t forget these adventure essentials to make your exploration moments cozy and memorable:

• Comfy blanket or mat with water resistant backing (for picnics or just sitting)

• Selfie stick or tripod for capturing those “pinch me” moments

• Weather-appropriate layers (those morning breezes can sneak up!). Whenever we go in the mountains I bring thin mitts, toque, hat, sweater and thicker socks. You never know what can happen! I also put together a rain gear bag and keep it within reach.

• Small first aid kit (because booboos happen)

• Hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes

• A little bag to collect stuff like rocks, sticks, flowers, etc. (As long as you’re not in an area with rules that prohibit that).

• Binoculars or magnifying glass

• Toy camera to let little take their own photos

• Journal or sketchbook to jot down or doodle your favourite memories.

• Ribbon to decorate a “walking stick”

• Bug home to fill with ladybugs or other critters (just maybe pack some tape so that they stay sealed in their little home and don’t roam the car).

• Collapsable beach bucket and mini-shovel

• Animal Caller Noise Horn: this was such a fun find on amazon!

Being prepared for road trips as a parent with chronic pain means more than just packing snacks and diapers—it’s about tuning into your body’s needs and planning for flexibility. Embrace the unpredictability with a quirky sense of humor, and don’t hesitate to make pit stops when needed. Equip your car with comfort essentials like supportive cushions, easy-to-reach medications, and entertainment that keeps your little one happy without adding to your stress. Remember, every mile traveled is a win—a testament to your resilience and love. So fuel up, roll the windows down, and hit the road with confidence. You’re not just surviving the trip; you’re mastering it!