Excited but Nervous About a 3-6 Month Van Trip With Our Toddler. Looking for Reality Checks
Anyone here done a 3–6 month van trip with a toddler?
My wife and I are planning a slow-paced van trip with our 18-month-old and spending 3–6 months exploring the West this summer. The goal isn’t to rush from destination to destination. We’d stay 4–5 days (or longer) in most places and just enjoy the journey.
Current route:
Idaho → Wyoming → Montana → Washington → Oregon → California → Utah → Idaho
I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous. Part of me thinks this could be an amazing family adventure and a chance to make some great memories. The other part wonders if I’m being overly optimistic about life on the road with a toddler for that long. 😅
For those who’ve done extended van travel:
Does this route seem reasonable for 3–6 months?
Is the timeline too aggressive or actually pretty relaxed?
Which states or regions would you spend more time in?
What were the biggest challenges traveling with a toddler?
I’d love to hear your experiences, lessons learned, and anything you’d do differently if you were planning this trip today.