Tips and Tricks for Surviving a Last Minute Trip

This is a sponsored post for Bootler but all opinions are mine.

Even though we tout ourselves as travel bloggers we can still be thrown for a loop when we have to travel at the last minute. You see usually it take weeks of preparation with hours being poured over travel guides and local tourist attraction sites. We usually get the kids involved in choosing something fun that they would like to do. This all goes out the window with a last minute trip such as a funeral.

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Keep a Basic Overnight Bag Packed

We should keep a basic overnight bag packed so we are ready to go at a moment’s notice. If each member of our family had at the very least one change of clothes, one set of jammies, underwear and a pair of socks packed that would help take some of the stress away.

Stock Road-Trip Ready Foods

Another easy thing to do to be prepared for a last minute trip is to have easy to pack road-trip ready foods already in your car or pantry. Things that we love are jerky, fruit snacks or fruit leathers, nuts, and water bottles. We always add juice boxes or pouches and anything else to help with Eldest’s BG low’s. If it’s not too hot or cold then we also add applesauce, fruit cups and fresh fruit if we can. I always have a snack bag packed in my car at all times.

Prep Your Vehicle

We keep our van up to date on basic maintenance with regular oil changes and engine services. We also keep a dvd player and a variety of movies in our van at all times. Princess helps to rotate dvd’s out in order to keep a nice selection. Each child has a pair of headphones which helps keep the noise level down and helps with our sanity as drivers! Coloring books and colored pencils are also always available in our van as well as a chapter book or two for extra entertainment.
I have two milk crates packed in the back with items in case we break down and have to wait for a tow or if we get stuck in construction. The first crate holds some small books from cereal boxes, a deck of cards, a small Etch a Sketch, brainteasers, or small quiz games. I have a fabric zippered bag with a handle that has park toys like Frisbee, jump ropes, cheap ring toss, etc. The second crate holds rain-gear, folding potty seat, and small car vacuum.

Eating Once You Reach Your Destination

With last minute trips it can be very difficult to find a restaurant to eat with good food at a good price. Of course your hotel will list some options but you still might like to see what deals you could get so you aren’t breaking the bank. If you are in one of the service area cities like Chicago, New York or another major metro area then you might consider using Bootler to help find your dinner.
Bootler is an online service to help you find delivery food in your area which allows you to choose a restaurant, compare prices and see the availability and delivery time which helps save you money. Our family can be quite picky but we do love to get food delivered and Smoque BBQ Delivery sounds like a good choice. We may not always agree on what we would like to order which can be a pain in an unfamiliar location. I really like the idea of being able to select food online and with the upcoming Bootler app it will be even easier to order delicious food and have it delivered right to your door.