Travel season is in full swing and we are all so mobile. Road trips are the best and packing up your family makes for great memories.
There’s nothing like a road trip as a family to stir up the nostalgia of our childhood memories.
However, road trips now are with our kids, rather than our parents or a mix of both!
It’s exhilarating getting into the car at the crack of dawn and thinking about our vacation destination.
However, about 2 hours in and a lot of things change. 3 more hours in the car and well there are other needs and asks. These reasons all attribute to we stop at convenience stores on family road trips.
Of course, there is always wonder about what is happening in other cars as well.
Do you wonder what goes in on their car or road trip too? You are not the only one.
We are curious people!
Convenience store stops are about convenience and they afford us a well-earned opportunity to just stop along the way.
Lavishly live travel out loud and learn more about why we stop at convenience stores on family road trips and see if your family is the same!
Why We Stop At Convenience Stores On Family Road Trips
As I said, the first 2 hours are all driving adrenaline and glory and oh so fun. Most of the time the teens sleep and I am happy on the road because early is so much better without traffic.
Then it happens, the first round of driving is complete and everyone needs to use the restroom, refuel with beverages and stretch their legs. Totally what we all do right?
COMFORT COUNTS
Remember, another part of travel is comfort. While travel is truly a beast, the comfort inside of a vehicle matters and makes the difference on road trips. Always make sure you have plenty of seating for every member of your family, that alleviates fighting.
We love that we have our choice of vehicles since we have a few. For smaller outings, we drive our Jeep Patriot.
It’s perfect for 4 of us on an overnighter or day trip. We also love the gas mileage and cargo space to toss our overnight bags.
Vehicles are truly the most important part of road trips.
Long before the need to stop at a convenience store, there is a requirement of a vehicle to get there right?
So when you are looking for an affordable vehicle that offers a lot of built-in amenities, my suggestion is, of course, Jeep.
Number One Reason Of Why We Stop AT Convenience Stores On Family Road Trips ????
Want a tip? Many of the convenience stores offer their reusable coffee cups for a nominal fee.
I mean even if you just stop at the same convenience store brand on that trip the cup often pays off.
That is what you see me doing here. I bought the cup, got a fill free and discounted fills thereafter.
Coffee is my driving friend and I love a great deal! Check your favorite convenience store out and see if they offer the same, I bet they do!
Refuel Your Thirst & Your Car
My first stop is always about coffee. I go as far as I can without that cup of coffee and then I have to stop.
I am in need of a stretch, and of course, we fall into the number 96% of people stop at convenience stores, the restrooms.
Now, we all also pray that the bathrooms don’t smell awful and that we can find toilet paper, right? lol!
Generally, this is also a healthy snack time for me too. So I love that the options are so updated in the Convenience stores.
After all, food is part of our body fuel, so dig in deep. I opt for healthily.
For instance, in this particular stop, I grabbed myself a banana, flavored water, and a coffee, so I can roll on for about 3 more hours. Of course, witching hour will begin again.
Continuing The Road Trip
Driving onward after a refreshing stretch is the next logical progression right?
That’s what most of us do, we carry on to our destination and as we drive we see other cars and RV’s on the highway. Do you ever wonder what is going on in other vehicles as you drive?
When I drive, I think of those we travel alongside and behind as a ‘pack’.
We go the same speed, travel in a group of at least 4, and while none of us know each other we keep pace and stay together. It is an unspoken code at least that is what I believe? Do you do the same?
What I have learned after studying the 2018 NACS Summer Drive Survey is that most family road trips average 12+ hours (32%) in fact.
Additionally, the way we pass the time in our cars is even more interesting. For some, it is social media, other movies, and yet others listening to podcasts.
Number Two Reason of Why We Stop AT Convenience Stores On Family Road Trips
It’s now time for the 2nd stop of the day, are you ready? It’s time to use the restrooms and eat. For us, this is the best stop. It’s about 5 hours into the trip and we are starved.
I quit packing stuff on the road other than light snacks years ago. Why clutter the car up with coolers when families need space?
Rather, fresh is best and convenience stores are brimming with healthy choices and some of the kids favorite fast bites! Let’s take a look! You might recall I am a healthy lifestyle kind of eater. It’s not a phase, it’s a lifestyle.
Here are just some of the yummilicious finds that I indulge in our food stop!
You will find these great center hubs and refrigerated sections in most convenience stores, truly they the trend.
Really there are so many choices, when you look at this stand you can not help but drool.
The greatest part of this is the fact it is like you are walking into your home refrigerator.
Having multiple choices makes it easy when there are multiple people with you.
There’s no doubt you will find something for everyone. Want to see more?
Fabulous Fruit
I love the fruit cups. Last year when I traveled to a food show, I learned that most fruit cups that are available in the Convenience Stores now are in cup-holder friendly containers.
This truly makes a difference in how I shove my face while driving.
More simply put, I do not have to balance my fruit between my legs and worry about the steering wheel or a cup flying.
Plus, as a healthy-lifestyle kind of gal, the fruit is my friend! So glad to see this option in convenience stores everywhere!
Sandwiches
Every family has the ‘naysayer’ to eating fresh fruit so let them eat fresh sandwiches.
These ‘grab and go’ sandwiches are also healthier alternatives to that fried junk that they often ask for.
Buy them a bag of chips (also in the convenience stores) to stop the clammering about fries!
You got this, family travel is about memories, travel, and food, and it’s fun!
That’s A Wrap
Have you tried this made to order touchscreens available in so many different convenience stores?
If you have not, you definitely must. When your family cannot agree on one of the healthy alternatives, offer another. See you are still in control, lol.
The touchscreen ordering lets them grab the sandwiches they want or wraps and still keep on the lighter side of foods and healthier! Love this!
Yogurt Parfaits
Why ice cream when you can get parfaits? Parfaits often have fruit and granola.
Want to satisfy both the need to crunch and the taste of something sweet?
Here’s your answer in a very portable cup that again fits in cup holders.
Definitely a plus when traveling. Fast, easy and convenient, find it in your local convenience store.
Protein Snacks
Trending in our world are lean and healthy proteins.
Cheese and meat are great travel snacks because they are easy to eat and better no waistline.
I love seeing these as options don’t you?
We stop at convenience stores on family road trips to fuel up, stretch out, take a breather from the highway, to use the restrooms and to fuel our bellies!
It’s not just the vacation destination, it’s the journey.
Make sure to stop and enjoy a convenience store along the way. You will love your options. Have a great road trip. ~ DANA XO