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Big Brave Nomad

Tips for Traveling with Kids and Family Friendly City Guides

Tips for Road Trips

Big Brave Nomad
  • Home/
  • Travel Tips/
    • Tips for Road Trips
    • Tips For Flying
    • Solo Mom Travel
    • Other Tips For Traveling with Kids
  • Destinations/
    • National Parks
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Caribbean
  • Big Brave Nomad Guides/
  • About/
    • About The Nomads
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
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“On the road again, Goin’ places that I’ve never been, Seein’ things that I may never see again, And I can’t wait to get on the road again” – Willie Nelson

Where the rubber meets the road, and unforgettable family adventures unfold! As a mom who's love language is road trips, I'm thrilled to share the best tips for road tripping with children. From navigating scenic routes to mastering the art of car games and discovering hidden gems en route, Big Brave Nomad is your pit stop for tips, tricks, and tales from the road.

Shop my family road trip essentials

Blogs with Tips for Making Road Trips Easier

Featured
25 Travel Must Haves for Toddlers and Baby
February 17, 2025
25 Travel Must Haves for Toddlers and Baby
February 17, 2025

Get ready to travel with your toddler in comfort! I have 8.5 years experience traveling with a baby and toddlers. I have compiled the best travel must haves for baby and the best travel must haves for toddlers. If you’re looking for the best travel gear for toddlers, this is place! Let’s jump in together and make your next trip with a baby easier and more enjoyable!

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February 17, 2025
The Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids
June 1, 2024
The Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids
June 1, 2024

These are the best road trip snacks. I have compiled over 100 ideas of our favorite road trip snack ideas. I have included best road trip snacks for toddlers, best road trip snacks for kids, and even a section on healthy road trip snacks. If you’re looking for the best road trip snacks, look no further. #roadtrip #travelwithkids #summerroadtrip

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June 1, 2024
15 Awesome Ways to Entertain A Toddler on a Plane or in the Car!
March 6, 2024
15 Awesome Ways to Entertain A Toddler on a Plane or in the Car!
March 6, 2024

Get ready to travel with your Toddler! We have compiled the complete list of Toddler Entertainment for Traveling. These are the best toddler toys for road trips and toddler travel must haves. this post is for entertaining toddlers on a plane or entertaining toddlers in the car. these are the 15 must haves for baby and toddler travel!

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March 6, 2024
Baby Travel Essentials: 15 Must Haves for Travel with a Baby
January 30, 2024
Baby Travel Essentials: 15 Must Haves for Travel with a Baby
January 30, 2024

‘Baby Travel Essentials: 15 Must-Haves for Travel with a Baby' – your go-to guide for traveling with your baby like a seasoned pro! As a mom who's clocked countless miles with a baby in tow, I am sharing the absolute must haves for travel with a baby. From compact strollers and cozy travel cribs to the best diaper bag, discover the essentials that turn every trip with a baby into a breeze. Let's make your family travel memories memorable for all the right reasons – because happy babies make for happy travels!

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January 30, 2024
How to Easily Turn Your Minivan into a Minivan Camper!
November 2, 2023
How to Easily Turn Your Minivan into a Minivan Camper!
November 2, 2023

This guide will walk you through how to camp in your minivan! Yes! Minivan camping is a great way to explore on a budget. We have spend over 35 nights camping in our minivan and I have no regrets. This guide has minivan camping hacks, tis for stealth minivan camping, and shares the best minivan camping accessories to make your next adventure amazing.

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November 2, 2023
6 Tips for Road Trips with Kids as a Solo Mom
November 2, 2023
6 Tips for Road Trips with Kids as a Solo Mom
November 2, 2023

Are you a solo mom planning to tackle a solo road trip with kids? Don't panic! I've compiled 10 practical tips to help you navigate road trips alone with kids. From packing smart, to keeping your kids entertained during the drive, to planning epic road side stops - I’ve got you covered. These tips are for any single mom road tripping with kids or any single parent driving alone with children.

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November 2, 2023
The Best Toddler Travel Must Haves
June 1, 2023
The Best Toddler Travel Must Haves
June 1, 2023

This guide shares the best must-have items for traveling with a toddler. If you need Toddler travel essentials, you’ll find them here. To save you time and money, I have created this guide for toddler travel must-haves that will make travel easier both physically and mentally. Don’t be bogged down with useless travel gear for toddlers and too much baggage; let us help with tried and true must-haves for traveling with toddlers!

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June 1, 2023
Breastfeeding Essentials for Traveling Moms
March 23, 2022
Breastfeeding Essentials for Traveling Moms
March 23, 2022

Be prepared for Breastfeeding while traveling. Don’t be scared to travel while breastfeeding! With over 2 years of experience traveling while breastfeeding, I have put together a list of Breastfeeding Essentials for Traveling Moms. This is all of the tried and true travel gear for breastfeeding. It’s time for you to enjoy yourself, so let this guide help you get prepared for your next adventure!

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March 23, 2022
How To Successfully Travel with Breastmilk
March 10, 2022
How To Successfully Travel with Breastmilk
March 10, 2022

How to Travel with Breastmilk covers everything from how to get through TSA, liquid limits, road tripping with breastmilk, how to ship breast milk, how to check breast milk and resources for breastfeeding moms. #breastfeeding #breastmilk #familytravel.

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March 10, 2022
Top 5 Ways to Beat Jet Lag in Kids
February 25, 2022
Top 5 Ways to Beat Jet Lag in Kids
February 25, 2022

Are you wondering how to beat jet lag in kids? The symptoms of jet lag with kids can be lessened or avoided altogether. These are the top tips for beating jet lag or overcoming toddler jet lag. From exercise to hydration to what to take to beat jet lag, we’ve compiled the best ways to overcome a jet lagged baby or toddler jet lag!

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February 25, 2022
5 Easy Yoga Poses for Travel
January 19, 2020
5 Easy Yoga Poses for Travel
January 19, 2020

These 5 Yoga poses for travel are easy and effective. This post walks you through perfect yoga poses for your next trip. It includes breathing techniques, images and video of travel yoga, and talks through how yoga can help the body during travel.

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January 19, 2020
20 Gift Ideas for Women Who Love Travel
May 2, 2019
20 Gift Ideas for Women Who Love Travel
May 2, 2019

Do you ave a travel lover in your life? I’ve put together a list of 20 affordable travel gifts that are perfect for every woman wunderlust you know. From a weekend girls getaway to their first trip around the world, this list is going to help make her travel easier, lighter and more enjoyable.

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May 2, 2019
Best Travel Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers
March 21, 2019
Best Travel Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers
March 21, 2019

I allow both of my toddlers access to iPads when we travel.  Whether in the car, plane, or train.  For me, it isn’t about quantity, but quality.  Are they mindlessly watching movie after movie or are they learning the alphabet, counting, shapes or colors?  I recently asked several other mothers what educational applications they love for their preschool age kids. I compiled their answers and below you will find the most recommended apps for toddlers.

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March 21, 2019
How to Pack Light when Traveling with Toddlers
May 18, 2018
How to Pack Light when Traveling with Toddlers
May 18, 2018

Packing light has become my focus lately.  With 2 toddlers, it is very easy for us to over pack our bags.  We have traveled with so many bags that between the two of us, we couldn't carry all the stuff and the kids.  That is not how I want to travel.  We want to be efficient, but also have all of our necessities when we arrive.

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May 18, 2018
10 Tips for Roadtripping Alone with 2 Toddlers
March 7, 2018
10 Tips for Roadtripping Alone with 2 Toddlers
March 7, 2018

We recently had an issue with a flight being canceled. This resulted in me having to rent a car and drive from Houston, Texas to Pensacola, Florida with my 1 and 2-year-old by myself.  OH and all we had with us was our diaper bag plus our Pockit Travel Stroller.

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March 7, 2018

  • Home/
  • Travel Tips/
    • Tips for Road Trips
    • Tips For Flying
    • Solo Mom Travel
    • Other Tips For Traveling with Kids
  • Destinations/
    • National Parks
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Caribbean
  • Big Brave Nomad Guides/
  • About/
    • About The Nomads
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact/
  • Blog/

Big Brave Nomad

Big Brave Nomad helps families travel with confidence through detailed itineraries, destination guides, and practical travel tips. Founded by military spouse and mom of three Tavia Carlson, the site inspires families to explore National Parks, Caribbean islands, road trips, and international destinations—proving that adventure doesn't stop when you become a parent.

Who We Are

Hello! We’re the Carlsons! An adventure family of 5 traveling the world anytime our leave gets approved. We’ve trekked 38 countries, 48 U.S. States & 51 U.S. National Parks with kids in tow!

I am here to help you whether you’re traveling for the first time or the hundredth time; with 1 baby or 10 kids. Whoever you are, you’re welcome here! If you ever have questions, reach out and we can help!


PRINTABLES

Printable Guide to Yellowstone National Park
Printable Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Printable guide to acadia national park

Read My Newest Blogs
What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids
What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is perfect for families. This post has everything you need to know about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids. It includes the best places to stay in GSNP, when to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and what to do with kids in Great Smoky Mountains National park. If you are considering a family trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, look no further.

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What to Pack for Dry Tortugas National Park: The Ultimate Packing List (2026 Guide)
What to Pack for Dry Tortugas National Park: The Ultimate Packing List (2026 Guide)

As someone who recently completed the journey to Machu Picchu with my family, I understand the importance of packing well for this unforgettable adventure. Machu Picchu's mystical beauty and varied terrain call for a carefully curated selection of essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From lightweight layers to protect against the ever-changing mountain weather to sturdy hiking shoes for exploring ancient ruins and rugged trails, every item in your backpack plays a crucial role in your journey. Don't forget to pack a trusty water bottle to stay hydrated at high altitudes, along with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to shield against the Andean sun. And of course, a camera or smartphone to capture every breathtaking moment of your Machu Picchu adventure is a must. With the right gear in tow, you'll be ready to immerse yourself in the wonder and history of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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What to do in Everglades National Park with Kids
What to do in Everglades National Park with Kids

Everglades National Park is perfect for families. This post has everything you need to know about visiting Everglades National Park with Kids. It includes the best places to stay, when to visit Everglades National Park, and what to do with kids in Everglades National park. If you are considering Everglades National Park as a destination for your next family vacation, look no further.

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Dry Tortugas National Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide (2026)
Dry Tortugas National Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide (2026)

Planning a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park with kids? This ultimate family guide covers everything you need to know before you go, including ferry reservations, costs, what to pack, snorkeling, Fort Jefferson, beaches, wildlife, camping, the best things to do, insider tips, and practical advice to help families make the most of one of America's most remote national parks.

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A Full List of the Playgrounds of Barbados
A Full List of the Playgrounds of Barbados

If you are looking for the playgrounds of Barbados, this is the blog for you. I have a full map of the playgrounds located around the island as well as photos and descriptions of many of the playgrounds of Barbados. I am always adding to this list, so check back often to find the best places to play in Barbados. Barbados Play Park, Barbados Playplace, Barbados Swings

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What to do In Biscayne National Park with Kids
What to do In Biscayne National Park with Kids

Biscayne National Park is perfect for families. This post has everything you need to know about visiting Biscayne National Park with Kids. It includes the best places to stay, when to visit Biscayne National Park, and what to do with kids in Biscayne National park. If you are considering Biscayne National Park as a destination for your next family vacation, look no further.

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What to do in Congaree National Park with Kids
What to do in Congaree National Park with Kids

Congaree National Park is perfect for families. This post has everything you need to know about visiting Congaree National Park with Kids. It includes the best places to stay, when to visit Congaree National Park, and what to do with kids in Congaree National park. If you are considering Congaree National Park as a destination for your next family vacation, look no further.

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The Best Day Trips from Pensacola, Florida
The Best Day Trips from Pensacola, Florida

Discover the ultimate Gulf Coast getaways with our guide to The Best Day Trips from Pensacola, Florida! From serene springs and picturesque beaches to hidden gems and quirky roadside attractions, embark on unforgettable adventures perfect for families. Let our seasoned local insight lead you to the best spots for relaxation, exploration, and cherished memories along the Sunshine State's stunning coastline.

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Family-Friendly Hotels in Barbados: Where to Stay with Kids
Family-Friendly Hotels in Barbados: Where to Stay with Kids

Looking for the best family-friendly hotels in Barbados? This guide covers the top Barbados hotels for families, including all-inclusive resorts, beachfront stays, luxury properties, and budget-friendly options. Discover where to stay in Barbados with kids, the best kid-friendly hotels, family resorts, pools, kids' clubs, and accommodations near Barbados' top beaches and attractions.

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The Perfect Itinerary for Snæfellsnes Peninsula with Kids
The Perfect Itinerary for Snæfellsnes Peninsula with Kids

Plan the perfect one day Snæfellsnes Peninsula itinerary with kids from Arnarstapi or western Iceland. This family-friendly guide includes Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, Saxhóll Crater, Búðir Black Church, dramatic coastal cliffs, waterfalls, lava fields, and hidden gems throughout Snæfellsjökull National Park. Includes realistic drive times, parking information, and practical travel tips for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with kids in one unforgettable day in Iceland.

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