How to Take a 5,000+ mile road trip with 3 kids

Tips from our 2020 Summer Road-Trip Extravaganza

We are over halfway through a 5,000+ mile journey that has thus far included 7+ states (TX, NM, CO, UT, SD, ND, WY) and 5+ National Parks/Monuments (Rocky Mountain, Arches, Canyonlands, Mount Rushmore, Theodore Roosevelt, etc.). Many friends have asked me for tips and tricks for organizing and executing a multi-week journey with 3 kids (aged 8, 6, and 4) and thus, my sole purpose in this article is to provide 10 simple tips that have worked for me.

1. Get your vehicle in order. Before leaving (approximately a week prior to leaving), make sure you have your brakes and tires inspected and top-off all fluids. Get an oil change if necessary and personally, I like washing and vacuuming my car because it will get destroyed during the long journey ahead.

2. Invest in a roof rack or hitch with carrier. Trust me, you’ll need the extra space and it will be worth it. This will be used to haul anything from camping chairs, sleeping bags, fishing rods and all of the above. Invest in a higher end version (e.g. Thule, Yakima, etc.) rather than the cheaper alternatives.

3. Add windshield protection with zero deductible onto your car policy. If you’re planning a cross-country drive, you will most likely encounter large 18 wheel trucks on the road and you will…