June 7, 2024

Miles of Smiles: Games and activities to drive away backseat boredom.

June 07, 2024

Summer’s here, and that means one thing—adventure time! Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip, a beach getaway, or just a visit to Grandma's, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to keep your little ones entertained (and your sanity intact 😉).

Oh, also, 🗳️Tuesday’s poll results are in! A whopping 85% of you voted "no" to a glass backsplash. It looks like the classic tile remains our kitchen MVP. Now, let’s pack up those snacks, buckle in, and dive into our travel hacks, fun games, and must-have essentials for a fabulous family trip.

  • Miles of Smiles: Games and activities to drive away backseat boredom.

  • Suite Dreams: Airbnb vs. Hotels — the ultimate stay showdown!

  • Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Insider packing hacks revealed.

PARENTING

“Are we there yet?”

Road trips can be exciting, but keeping kids entertained during long drives can be challenging. Luckily, there are plenty of games and activities to make the journey enjoyable for everyone. From interactive travel games to creative activities and engaging conversation starters, here’s how to transform your car rides into memorable adventures.

Top Travel Games for Kids

  • Puzzle Perfection. Kanoodle is an engaging 2D and 3D puzzle game that’s great for developing spatial reasoning and geometry skills. Perfect for solo play, it’s ideal for an only child or kids with a significant age gap.

  • Imagination on the Go. Rory’s Story Cubes inspire creativity. Roll the picture dice and create a story based on the images. This portable game is fantastic for keeping kids entertained in the backseat.

  • Classic Fun with a Twist. Transform the classic I Spy game with this card-based version. Draw a card and find the object in your surroundings. It's simple and enjoyable for all ages, making it perfect for road trips.

  • Memory Challenge. Simon is a timeless pattern-recognition game. Follow and repeat the sequence of flashing lights. Great for backseat competitions or solo play, it’s a fun test of memory skills.

Road Trip Games

  • One-Sentence Story. Create a collaborative story, one sentence at a time, with each person adding a sentence in turn. This game sparks creativity and ensures unique stories every time.

  • The Name Game. Choose a category and take turns naming items that fit. If someone hesitates or names something incorrectly, they’re out. This game is perfect for any age group.

  • Animal Name Game. Start with an animal, and the next player names another animal that begins with the last letter of the previous one. For older kids, switch to categories like TV shows or cities.

  • Restaurant Race. Each player picks a fast-food restaurant and earns points by spotting it along the journey. Set a time limit, and tally points to find the winner.

  • Name the Artist. Identify the artist or group when a song plays on the radio. The first to guess correctly earns a point. Keep score until you reach your destination.

  • Top 10 Game. Choose a subject and have everyone contribute until you reach a top 10 list. This game can be adapted to any interest, from cars to favorite songs.

👉🏼TRY THIS: Provide your kids with a travel journal and art supplies like markers, crayons, and stickers. They can document their journey with drawings and mementos, creating a cherished keepsake.

🗣️Road Trip Conversation Starters. Engage your family with thought-provoking questions and topics from 150 Riveting and Relatable Road Trip Conversation Starters. These prompts are perfect for sparking interesting discussions and making the journey fly by.

🎧Audiobooks and Podcasts for Kids. Enhance your trip with engaging audio content from audiobooks for kids and podcasts. They offer entertainment and education, keeping young minds occupied and happy.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Suite dreams.

Planning your next family escapade? Let's talk accommodations: Airbnb or hotels? This week, we've gathered insights, stories, and tips to help you make the best choice for your adventure. Get ready to travel smarter and smoother!

Unpacking the Pros and Cons

  • Airbnb's Charms: Discover the allure of cost-effectiveness, memorable stays, and homey comforts, perfect for group getaways and longer stays. But beware of potential risks and inconveniences, including last-minute cancellations, safety concerns, and cleaning responsibilities.

  • Hotel Havens: Explore the perks of hassle-free check-ins, predictable stays, and luxurious amenities like plush beds and expansive common areas. But consider drawbacks such as higher costs, limited space, and potential noise and crowds. Check out Business Insider's seven compelling reasons why hotels might win your heart over Airbnb!

Let’s break this down a bit more. 👇🏼

Airbnb

Pros

Cons

Space: Offers multiple bedrooms and full kitchens for ample room and cost-saving opportunities.


Privacy: Enjoy a secluded home environment, away from crowded hotel spaces.


Unique Amenities: Often provides distinct features like fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.


Flexibility: Allows for more flexible check-in/out times compared to hotels.


Pet-Friendly: Many properties accommodate furry companions, catering to pet owners.

Parking: Frequently offers free parking options for added convenience.


Local Immersion: Provides an authentic experience within the neighborhood, fostering a sense of local living.

Limited Amenities: Lacks hotel services such as pools or fitness centers.


Self-Catering: Guests are responsible for cooking and cleaning, which can be time-consuming.


Cleaning Responsibilities: May require guests to clean the property before departure.

Security Deposit: Some properties mandate a security deposit, potentially increasing the overall cost.


Location Variability: Properties may not always be centrally located or close to desired attractions.


Cleanliness Concerns: Standards may vary, impacting guest satisfaction.


Hotels

Pros

Cons

Amenities: Offers various facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants.


Concierge Services: Access to hotel staff for assistance with activities, recommendations, and bookings.


Convenient Locations: Typically situated near tourist attractions and shopping areas for easy exploration.


Complimentary Breakfast: Some hotels provide complimentary breakfast options for guests.


Housekeeping: Regular housekeeping services maintain cleanliness throughout the stay.


24-Hour Front Desk: Offers round-the-clock assistance for guest needs.


Loyalty Programs: Opportunity to earn rewards through hotel loyalty programs for frequent travelers.

Cost: Hotels can be pricey, impacting overall trip costs, especially for families.


Noise: Potential for disturbances, particularly during peak travel times.


Crowded Spaces: Hotels may feel crowded, especially in common areas.


Comfort Issues: Beds or room conditions may not always meet guest expectations for comfort and cleanliness.

Thinking about booking your first Airbnb or VRBO? Arm yourself with essential questions to ask your host for a worry-free stay!

AND ALSO THIS

Packing hacks.

Discover clever packing hacks to transform your travel experience. From maximizing space to keeping belongings organized, these tips revolutionize packing. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, these game-changing tricks will make packing a breeze.

🛄The Onesie Trick: Utilize a hanging shoe organizer to pack efficiently. Simply bundle clothes in a onesie, fold, and insert into the pockets. Hang it on arrival for easy access.

👀Take a look at how it can be done.

🛄The KonMari Method: Pack joyfully! Empty your suitcase, select only what sparks joy, and fold using the KonMari technique. Don't forget packing cubes for added organization.

🛄Smart Storage Solutions: Pack an extra change of clothes in your carry-on, use hotel shower caps for dirty items, and stash cords in a sunglasses case. Tiny jewelry finds a home in a pill organizer or contact lens case.

🛄Effeciency Hacks: From rolling clothes to preventing leaks with clingfilm, these hacks revolutionize packing. Don't forget the shower cap for dirty shoes and dryer sheets for fresh-smelling clothes.

The ultimate flight hack that's revolutionizing travel. A former airline insider shares a genius tip: text yourself your flight number with the airline code. It transforms into a clickable link, offering real-time updates on gate changes and more. Say goodbye to airport confusion and hello to smooth travels.

SNIPPETS

On some airplanes, red bags are loaded first, as TikTokers explain. The reasoning behind this practice is that red bags are less likely to be forgotten when unloading. This strategy aims to make it easier for staff to keep track of remaining bags and ensure nothing gets left behind.

Scheduling "home days" during vacations has become essential for one family, allowing them to rest and reconnect amidst their travels. During these designated days, they stay indoors, enjoying movies, games, and a homecooked meal together, creating cherished memories that balance adventure with relaxation.

Sharing photos of boarding passes on social media can lead to costly mistakes, as one traveler learned firsthand. Don't risk ticket cancellations or identity theft by revealing sensitive information like full names and confirmation codes. Prioritize privacy and security by blurring out essential details before posting boarding pass images online, safeguarding your travel plans.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🎢 Magic on a budget. Disneyland's $50 child tickets make summer a steal.

🧳 Pack in style. The best kids' luggage for travel and family trips.

🐾 Pawsitively enchanting. A magical look inside the Disney World pet resort for dogs & cats.

🏖️ Viva la family fun. 8 best family resorts in Mexico 2024.

🚗 Road trip ready. The ultimate list of essentials for the whole family.

✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

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