It’s been a little quiet around here for the last few weeks. We went on a family vacation! And this past couple of weeks has been spent getting back into the normal groove of things.
We did our road trip a bit different this time. I’ve got some tips later on I’ll share that really helped a lot.
Most times, we do the fun, exciting stops along the way, spend the last week living the slow life with the grandparents in the desert, then book it back home to get back to the same old, same old. This year, we flipped it. Grandparents first.
We started our trip settling into their slow and serene life. Took a little outing to the new Buc-ee’s in Goodyear, of course. Got hit by a torrential monsoon in the middle of our drive back to Yuma — a little more excitement than we’d planned for. 😆
From there, we traveled a little ways then spent two full but fun days at the Disney parks.
A few days later, we headed to the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a half day with Snoopy and the gang.
This really was a fun stop. It was something different. We enjoyed looking at the comic strips, and learning more about Charles M. Schulz’s story. We really enjoyed the Education Room. My favorite was the light table where you could trace out the characters to make your own comic strip. After eating at the Snoopy Cafe, we were back on the road.
We will not discuss the winding road back to I-5 from Santa Rosa except for an opinion given by one passenger. Fluffy (pictured here), as given voice by one of our teens is quoted as saying, “I hate the Google Maps lady…”
🤣🤣🤣
As we got closer to our home state, we made our way back over the ocean — on a much less winding road, thank you very much — and checked in just in time to catch the sunset on the beach.
This travel plan actually made for a more peaceful meander on the way home. We still had things to look forward with a little room to enjoy them before getting home.
There were a few practical things that helped along the way, too.
Tip 1: Costco: Gas. Steps. Potty. Food.
That pretty much sums it up. LOL
If there’s a Costco that works with your route, it can be a handy stop. Fill up the tank, use the restroom, and grab something to eat. Costco consistently cost less on gas prices throughout our Pacific Northwest route.
Just walking across the parking lot through to the other end of the warehouse to use the restroom and back will definitely stretch your legs and log quite a few steps. We never waited in a line and the restrooms were always well lit and clean.
We picked up food-court meals a few times. It helped keep the food costs down. But the best part of all is several things were taken care of in one stop.
Tip 2: Bring a Small Fan
For the person who runs warmer than the rest of the family, a small fan was a game-changing addition to our packing list. We’ll do this again!
Sometimes the hotel room temperature doesn’t quite hit the mark. A fan gives a little airflow without having to freeze everyone out just to have some white noise. Small fan. Useful job.
Tip 3: Come Home to a Clean House
This is the biggest tip I can give you.
When I first walked through the door, I was struck with one thing: Oh yeah. I cleaned before we left. Glorious!
I’d forgotten about that little gift to myself until I walked in and got to enjoy it. There were still bags to unpack and travel laundry to do. But the house itself? Already handled.
And yes, cleaning before you leave takes some effort when you’re also packing, checking things, and trying to get everyone out the door. It doesn’t have to be a whole production. Take care of the things you’d least like to walk back into: dishes, trash, laundry, whatever clutter would greet you at the door.
Give coming-home you a little help. She’ll have enough to do.
Getting Back into the Groove
So that’s where we’ve been. A little desert quiet, some full days of fun, a road we shall not speak of again, and a sunset by the ocean before heading home.
Now we’re getting back into our everyday routines and picking things up again around here.
What’s your best road-trip tip? Something you pack, a favorite kind of stop, or something you do before leaving that makes coming home easier? I’d love to hear it.