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Raising Three Savvy Ladies

NYC Lifestyle Blog

July 15, 2014 //

Traveling With Kids from NYC to NC #LetsGoPlaces

Toyota Highlander disclosure

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.

 #LetsGoPlaces Toyota Highlander

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.

a LetsGoPlaces with Toyota Highlander

 

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.

 

Packing bags in car before trip

 

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!

#LetsGoPlaces Virginia

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.

a #LetsGoPlaces 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.

a #LetsGoPlaces Britax Fronteir

 

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.

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Filed Under: NYC trips, Reviews/Giveaways Tagged With: Traveling with kids

Comments

  1. Helga says

    July 15, 2014 at 2:36 pm

    Using technology helps with long trips, even for grown ups!

  2. Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says

    July 15, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    I love these cars and really want one! I like how spacious the trunk area is too! NiCE!

  3. HilLesha says

    July 15, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    It has been ages since I’ve been to North Carolina, but I certainly wouldn’t mind visiting again.

  4. Jenn @TheRebelChick says

    July 15, 2014 at 4:47 pm

    We are about to embark on our own road trip, from FL to NC! That SUV looks awesome and so spacious!

  5. Beth says

    July 15, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    I love the space in the back. Space in the back of the van is key to family travels!!

  6. Cyndi @ MrsWrightWrites says

    July 15, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    That looks like a comfy ride! Nice and spacious. That’s perfect for a roadtrip.

  7. Digna D. says

    July 15, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    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.

  8. Mellisa says

    July 15, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    Looks like you guys had a pretty comfy ride. Lot’s of room and that’s very important.

  9. Tiff @ Babes and Kids says

    July 16, 2014 at 12:02 am

    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!

  10. Valerie Remy-Milora says

    July 16, 2014 at 12:43 am

    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!!!

  11. Michelle says

    July 16, 2014 at 10:40 am

    We have a Toyota Prius and have decided we will always go with Toyota’s! We love their quality!

  12. Liz Mays says

    July 16, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    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? 😉

  13. Debbie Welchert says

    July 16, 2014 at 2:24 pm

    My daughter just bought a Toyota Sienna and she loves hers. I wish I was as organized as you when I go on trips.

  14. Del Green says

    July 16, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    Sounds like you’re having a fun trip. I have read many good things about the Toyota Highlander from many other bloggers.

  15. Michelle S says

    July 18, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Looks like it packs a lot and has a very luxurious interior and space for all those little kids.

Kerri has been blogging for over 9 years. Since Raising 3 Savvy Ladies has grown, her sister, Lauren joins her in sharing the latest trends. Raising 3 Savvy Ladies is a NYC lifestyle blog where we share our travel adventures, what life is like over 40 and our favorite movies and theater experiences.

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