# @arielleshipe on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C7_9xV5psYK
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/18845290-arielleshipe-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f3d71b0dbc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-06-09T15:10:24.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Arielle Shipe | Outdoor Adventure + Motherhood (@arielleshipe) — https://gondola.cc/arielleshipe

## Caption

An opportunity came up to meet one of my very best friends (who lives very far away in Australia) for an adventure but it meant driving to Seattle, WA from Colorado solo with my 11 month old. Truthfully, I didn’t think twice about it. It wasn’t a matter of “if” just how. What are the logistics of driving 1,300 miles with a baby by myself and actually enjoying it?

Here’s what worked for us:

As much as possible, I kept the driving stretches during nap time. I aimed to only drive about 4 hours per day and broke up the driving with adventures along the way. It was a 20hr drive so I gave myself 5 days to get there. To break up the drive we stopped for hikes/walks, rest areas with grass, random state parks, and to meet friends/family who lived along the route. This required planning ahead… but also flexibility because inevitably plans change. We came up on a few planned spots along the way that just weren’t what I was expecting and I had to make new plans on the fly. 

Also, meal prep! Having food ready for both of us (that didn’t require any cooking) made a HUGE difference. 

Truthfully though, the most important thing is building up your confidence and trusting yourself. The “system” you use will depend so much on your set up (van, car, camping, hotels, temperament of kiddo, etc) but I think the biggest roadblock to bigger adventures with little ones is mental more than logistical. So, as always, my best advice for anyone looking to get started is to start small and build up your confidence. Get out there for something shorter and learn what your kiddo needs. You are so much more capable than you give yourself credit for! 

Anyway, I picked up my friend in Seattle and we set out for a loop around WA and Canada. SO many more adventures to share with you soon! Follow along here arielleshipe so see how the rest of this adventure plays out 🚐🇨🇦 

#vanlife #travelwithkids #familyadventures #newmom #adventuremamas #familyroadtrip

## Stats

- **Views:** 23,294
- **Likes:** 2,422
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 165

## Tags

familyroadtrip, adventuremamas, travelwithkids, vanlife, familyadventures, newmom

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