Our First Big Trip: Conquering My Travel Fears as a Mom
Taking a vacation with a toddler was something I never thought would be possible. The mere thought of going on a trip with our 2.5-year-old scared the crap out of me. I could barely handle a 20-minute drive without turning into a ball of anxiety, so an 8-hour road trip felt like an impossible feat.
I remember hearing other moms talk about how their kids are angels in the car, sleeping through long drives or quietly watching the scenery go by. That was never my experience, and if you're like me, it's important not to compare yourself to those stories. Every family is different, and it's okay to go at your own pace.
Now, here I am, sitting in the back of our car, halfway through our journey, and I'm doing good! Our toddler is next to me in her car seat, happily occupied, and I even have time to start writing this blog entry. It's surreal to think that we're making this trip a reality, something I never thought possible.
We left the house at 4 AM, hoping our daughter would sleep until at least 7 AM, giving us a good chunk of quiet driving time. Well, that didn’t go as planned! She was up by 4:30 AM, but to my surprise, she managed to doze off now and then. We had breakfast at the side of the road, let her run around a bit, and she used her potty. Now we're back on the road, and things are surprisingly smooth.
Leading up to the trip, my anxiety was through the roof. I kept imagining every possible scenario that could go wrong, but now that we're on the road, it's 100% better than I expected. Sure, there’s some anxiety, but I’m managing it far better than I ever thought I could.
A big shout-out to my husband, who has been my rock throughout this entire experience. He listened to all my fears, comforted me, and helped me prepare for this journey with so much compassion. I couldn’t have done it without his support.
Here are a few tips that worked for our family and might help you if you're planning a big trip with a toddler:
1. Bring a Foldable Potty
We packed a potty that can be lined with disposable bags. Our daughter was able to use it safely in the back of the trunk, which was also a relief for me since I didn't have to bend over awkwardly on the side of the road.
2. Prep the Car the Night Before
We loaded the car with everything we needed the night before and organized it well. An organizer on the back of the passenger seat was a game-changer, holding all her snacks and toys within easy reach.
3. Pack Favorite Toys and Books
We brought her favorite stuffed animals, a few books, an interactive music book, and an Etch-a-Sketch. Stickers were a hit, especially the ones she could put on the car windows.
4. Emergency Entertainment
We packed a tablet with some kid-friendly shows like "Trash Truck" and "Puffin Rock" just in case we needed it. As of writing this, we haven’t had to use it yet!
5. Prepare for Your Own Anxiety
I knew I needed to be prepared for my anxiety. I brought my noise-cancelling earbuds for music (Taylor Swift on repeat, of course) and emergency guided meditations through Headspace. I also packed earplugs and a sleep mask in case things got overwhelming. Wearing super comfy clothes made a big difference too.
6. Plan for Flexibility
We planned the trip so that we could break it into two days if needed. This flexibility was crucial in reducing my anxiety.
As I sit here, halfway through this journey, I can say that this trip has been a huge milestone for me as a mom. It’s proof that with the right preparation, a little flexibility, and a lot of support, even the scariest challenges can be overcome.
To all the moms out there who are anxious about taking that first big trip with your little ones—take it at your own pace, prepare as best as you can, and know that you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this!
P.S. Remember earlier in this blog where I bragged about how we hadn't had to pull out the tablet to entertain our toddler? Ha ha ha, yeah you guessed it! That obviously did not work! See the evidence here!
