Top Road Trip Tips for an enjoyable Thanksgiving Family Adventure

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family, and that means hitting the road! Whether you're visiting relatives or heading to a beautiful Turkey Day destination, road trips with kids can be both exciting and challenging. With the right preparation—and the right gear—your Thanksgiving road trip can be not only fun but with less hassle and more memories..

Here are some essential tips to help you enjoy a smooth family road trip this Thanksgiving.

1. The Right Travel Gear and Car Seat Make a Big Difference

Safety is always the top priority, especially for long drives with kids. The WAYB Pico travel car seat is a game-changer for parents on the go. Designed to be lightweight and portable, the Pico is easy to install in cars, airplanes, and rideshares like Uber or Lyft. Its compact size makes it perfect for families traveling with a toddler or young child who needs a portable car seat. It's also great for hopping from the plane to the rental car!

If your child is older, be sure to check whether a booster seat is appropriate based on state laws.

2. Create an Easy-to-Access Essentials Pods

One of the best ways to keep things organized is to pack a separate essentials kit for the car. Fill it with everything you’ll need during the drive: wipes, hand sanitizer, snacks, a change of clothes for each child, and any favorite toys. Keeping these items easily accessible will prevent you from digging through bags during the trip.

Use a travel-friendly backpack like the WAYB Mini Pack or Daily Pack to keep things organized. These lightweight, eco-friendly backpacks offer enough space for all your essentials and are designed to fit both adults and kids. The WAYB Pods are another great option for keeping toys, tech, and snacks neatly separated.

3. Interactive Car Games to Keep Kids Engaged

Entertaining the kids is key to a smooth road trip, and classic car games can be a lifesaver. Engage your children with fun activities like “I Spy,” road trip bingo, or license plate spotting. For older kids, trivia or storytelling games can keep them busy for miles.

If you’re traveling with toddlers, consider bringing along quiet toys, books, and puzzles. Keep these items within reach in your WAYB Essentials Kit to reduce clutter and make it easy to hand out new distractions when needed.

4. Use Technology Wisely to Keep the Peace

Technology can be a fantastic tool for keeping kids entertained on long drives. Download their favorite movies, audiobooks, or educational apps before you leave, and make sure you bring along chargers or power banks to keep devices running. Noise-canceling headphones can also help reduce distractions and give everyone some quiet time.

Just remember to balance screen time with other activities to avoid device overload. We love to break up tech use with interactive games, music, or family sing-alongs!

5. Schedule Fun and Frequent Stops

Long stretches of driving can be hard on kids (and adults), so plan to take regular breaks to let everyone stretch their legs and re-energize. Research kid-friendly stops along your route, like parks, scenic rest areas, or interesting roadside attractions.

Try to plan breaks every two to three hours. Letting your kids run around for 10-15 minutes during each stop will make it easier for them to settle back into the car.

6. Pack the Right Snacks for the Journey

Snacks can make or break a road trip! To keep everyone happy, pack a variety of healthy and fun options like fruit slices, cheese sticks, trail mix, crackers, and granola bars. Pack each child their own snack box to minimize mess and avoid the "I'm hungry" complaints every few miles.

Don’t forget to bring spill-proof water bottles to stay hydrated and to keep messes to a minimum. You can store snacks in reusable containers in your WAYB Tote or WAYB Pods for easy access and organization.

7. Keep the Car Clean and Organized

Your car will inevitably get messy on a long road trip with kids, but you can limit the chaos by keeping things tidy from the start. Bring along a small trash bag or container to collect garbage throughout the trip. Encourage your kids to clean up after themselves during stops to keep the car clutter-free.

Use the WAYB Essentials Kit or Pods to organize small items like chargers, cords, toys, and snacks to make them easy to grab without creating a mess.

8. Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Journey

While planning is essential, flexibility is just as important on a family road trip. Give yourself extra time for bathroom breaks, snack stops, and even spontaneous sightseeing detours. This will help reduce stress and make the journey part of the adventure.