Every summer, we visit family in North Carolina. A few weeks ago, my sister, my daughters and I began our journey early in the morning to beat the traffic over the George Washington Bridge. This year, we were invited to test out the Toyota Highlander. Being a Toyota Sienna owner, I thought this would be a great opportunity to see what another Toyota was like.
Having a new car to test out brings excitement to the trip for the girls as much as it does for me. The first thing they did the day before our journey was to jump in and check it out.
I was interested too. New technology and navigation could only make the long drive a lot easier. My sister was my copilot and she set up the Bluetooth and added the Entune app to my phone. With Entune® App Suite you can access Bing™, listen to iHeartRadio, purchase movie tickets through MovieTickets.com, make dinner reservations with OpenTable®, listen to Pandora® and more. This is just a sampling of what the Entune app can do. We even used it to find the nearest and least expensive gas station. I thought that was a great feature especially while traveling.
Since we have taken this trip before, we have learned that less is more in regards to packing. I loved that you were able to put down a quarter of the seat in the third row in the Toyota Highlander. It gave us plenty of room for the suitcase and ample space for my oldest to relax in the back during the drive.
In the wee hours of the morning, we left NYC. In the past, we have gotten stuck by unfortunate accidents or construction. But this year, it was smooth sailing. With snacks in the car, we were able to hold off stopping until Virginia. Yes, about 5 hours before a bathroom or meal break. Woohoo!
My copilot and sister, Lauren was able to capture this photo while I was focused on the road. We knew it was time to stop for breakfast so a favorite for the girls is Cracker Barrel.
Where else can you eat breakfast, sit in a rocking chair and play Checkers? It is a great time to stretch and get ready for the next part of the trip. Through all our journeys down the coast through the years, I could probably make an album of the girls just sitting in the chairs.
When we were done with our stop, we knew it was time to move on to our next destination. – Shh! I didn’t tell them yet that we would be making an unexpected stop yet. Stay tuned!
Within minutes, my youngest needed to rest from all the travel.
We just recently transitioned her to the Britax Frontier. I love that it is a booster with a 5 point harness and it gives her the ability to relax with safety and support especially when she is resting.
Stay tuned for the rest of our journey as we #LetsGoPlaces with the Toyota Highlander.
Using technology helps with long trips, even for grown ups!
I love these cars and really want one! I like how spacious the trunk area is too! NiCE!
It has been ages since I’ve been to North Carolina, but I certainly wouldn’t mind visiting again.
We are about to embark on our own road trip, from FL to NC! That SUV looks awesome and so spacious!
I love the space in the back. Space in the back of the van is key to family travels!!
That looks like a comfy ride! Nice and spacious. That’s perfect for a roadtrip.
Looks like a very comfy ride. My son always likes when we take my car as opposed to my husbands because mine has leather seats. For a long trip, comfort is huge for children. Even on short trips my son is always asking why we aren’t in mom’s car if my hubby takes us in his jeep.
Looks like you guys had a pretty comfy ride. Lot’s of room and that’s very important.
I love Toyota so much. They make such dependable, comfortable and roomy cars with families in mind. I love how much space you had to take everything with you!
I’ve always wanted to check out the Highlander. It looks like a solid ride with lots of safety and other nifty features… finding the cheapest gas around would definitely be a nice touch with all the driving I do in LA! Enjoy your trip!!!
We have a Toyota Prius and have decided we will always go with Toyota’s! We love their quality!
I like that the storage area can be modified to add a little bit more. PS. How dare you come to NC and not stop by and say hello? 😉
My daughter just bought a Toyota Sienna and she loves hers. I wish I was as organized as you when I go on trips.
Sounds like you’re having a fun trip. I have read many good things about the Toyota Highlander from many other bloggers.
Looks like it packs a lot and has a very luxurious interior and space for all those little kids.