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Hi! I figured it'd be easier to make one thread than two..
First question, I am driving from NY to WA and will likely be in the car 12+hrs/day for 4-5 days just myself and my 2 year old. Any tips on keeping him busy? I will be downloading shows and games on the tablet for him but I'm sure that'll only last so long.
Second question, what do I do about tolls? I looked into an ezpass but it looks like that only works in NY and some surrounding states, but not nearly every state I'll be passing through. I could bring cash (if they all accept cash??) but is that going to take longer? I really have no experience with driving long distances.
Have you considered alternatives? Is this trip in conjunction with moving or just a vacation?
I would not want to drive more than 6 hours a day with a toddler ( or even a pet). Can you do the trip in 10 days instead? Or, if this is a vacation, have you considered flying and then renting a car once you get to WA?
If it is a move can you fly out with your toddler, leave the child with a relative and then fly back to NY to finish packing and drive back to WA on your own?
Two adults driving 12 hours a day for 5 days (and sharing the driving) is tough enough - I would never consider doing this alone with a toddler.
Have you considered alternatives? Is this trip in conjunction with moving or just a vacation?
I would not want to drive more than 6 hours a day with a toddler ( or even a pet). Can you do the trip in 10 days instead? Or, if this is a vacation, have you considered flying and then renting a car once you get to WA?
If it is a move can you fly out with your toddler, leave the child with a relative and then fly back to NY to finish packing and drive back to WA on your own?
Two adults driving 12 hours a day for 5 days (and sharing the driving) is tough enough - I would never consider doing this alone with a toddler.
I have considered alternatives. I leave in 2 weeks, am moving, and unfortunately this is the most affordable option. I don't have any relatives in WA and I can't stretch it out any further as I need to be there for work.
Have you considered alternatives? Is this trip in conjunction with moving or just a vacation?
I would not want to drive more than 6 hours a day with a toddler ( or even a pet). Can you do the trip in 10 days instead? Or, if this is a vacation, have you considered flying and then renting a car once you get to WA?
If it is a move can you fly out with your toddler, leave the child with a relative and then fly back to NY to finish packing and drive back to WA on your own?
Two adults driving 12 hours a day for 5 days (and sharing the driving) is tough enough - I would never consider doing this alone with a toddler.
^^^ This. You are expecting too much from a toddler. It's not realistic or kind.
I get what you're all saying, I know it's going to be a lot of crying and wanting to be out of the car, but it's happening no matter what. If you have any ideas of what could keep him entertained at least for a little bit that would be helpful, unfortunately telling me to find another way is not.
Make stop let him out and run around, Look for some schools/parks along your route so he can get off the Hiway and run off some energy.
Snacks (Lots) (No Sugar) try to get one that are not to messy.
Try to Start your Day Real EARLY (like 3am Early, fill car with gas night before so you start off full) so he spend first few hours sleeping, Have everything packed up and ready to go night before. So at 3-4am you guys get up load the car and go, round 7-8am when he wakes up then take your break have breakfast, next few hours he will be entertained by his tablet. 10am stop for gas, find somewhere for him to run around. noon-1pm Stop for Lunch, 2-4pm let him nap, the 4p-6pm plan on getting to the hotel (Don't forget to fill the tank) , Dinner (easy on the caffeine soda/coffee), 7-8pm everyone off to Bed.
Make stop let him out and run around, Look for some schools/parks along your route so he can get off the Hiway and run off some energy.
Snacks (Lots) (No Sugar) try to get one that are not to messy.
Try to Start your Day Real EARLY (like 3am Early, fill car with gas night before so you start off full) so he spend first few hours sleeping, Have everything packed up and ready to go night before. So at 3-4am you guys get up load the car and go, round 7-8am when he wakes up then take your break have breakfast, next few hours he will be entertained by his tablet. 10am stop for gas, find somewhere for him to run around. noon-1pm Stop for Lunch, 2-4pm let him nap, the 4p-6pm plan on getting to the hotel (Don't forget to fill the tank) , Dinner (easy on the caffeine soda/coffee), 7-8pm everyone off to Bed.
Now THIS is helpful!!! Totally didn't think of the getting up early but I think that will be extremely beneficial along with that entire schedule. Some serious gold stars for you! Thank you so much!
Also, avoid Chicago by skirting to the west via I-355, and re-join I-90 NW of Chicago
Do not use the Skyway/I-90 ; or I-94, they take you into downtown Chicago.
Avoid the Tri-State Tollway / I-294. It gets very congested on a good day.
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