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As parents, we spend a lot of time in our car. A LOT. And so does our child! We go back and forth to work, to school, and our free time is often spent shopping for the many necessities little ones require and of course, on playdates! If your backseat is filled with crumbs, sippy cup spills and spare toys, you relish the thirty minutes following a car wash when you can breathe in the citrus air and the sea of clutter has departed -- until your family gets in the car next, that is. And so you do what any logical and hard-working parent does: you schedule a road trip with your kids!

But while you may want to do it, you could use a hand overcoming some of the challenges. I can&rsquo;t say I have all the answers, or that things won&rsquo;t still feel out of control at times but I have some tips. The checklist below will help you control what you can control and create some long-lasting happy memories along the way:

1. Keep Your Expectations in Check

Our kids are amazing, wonderful and magical. Going on a &ldquo;vacation&rdquo; with a child can sometimes be more like an &ldquo;adventure.&rdquo; This is especially true if you have a very young child and this road trip is one of your first. Take the pressure off and start with this expectation in mind: it&rsquo;s an adventure. Adventures are filled with the unexpected and if naptimes work out&hellip;.hopefully it will turn into a vacation! It may take time, though, to understand how far off schedule you can push your child, not every child is the same. Understanding your child&rsquo;s unique capacities will help turn your adventure into a vacation&hellip;even for mom and dad.

2. Consider the Length of your Road Trip

How old are your children? How long would it normally take in your &ldquo;pre-child&rdquo; life to get to your destination? Take that time and double it! The trip starts when the car pulls out of the driveway. Slow down, relax and make plenty of stops along the way. The longer the trip, the more your child is inclined to feel restless, off-schedule and tired. We all know the outcome of that!

Although getting to the destination is the goal, the stops along the way will make it an enjoyable trip for the entire family. Your child will need it, and so will you. Go back to keeping your expectations in check by keeping the length of the trip appropriate. It will give you a break and recharge the patience needed to understand and meet the needs of your child.

3. Set Age-Appropriate Expectations

Traveling with a young child entails traveling with someone who hasn&rsquo;t yet fully developed his or her fine and gross motor skills. Spill-proof cups and snack holders will help curtail some of the food chaos but not all of it. Prepare in advance for the messes you know will be made. Have some extra clothes handy and get covers for your seats to capture some of the mess and relax&hellip; there are car washes all across the country!

4. Simple Treasures

Time in a small space together, away from home, can create wonderful magical moments. You can have lots of interesting conversations on what you see along the way and may even learn a new song from your child&hellip; and sing it together at the top of your lungs! There will be so many &ldquo;first-time&rdquo; events that you will get to experience with your child... seeing the ocean, a mountain or even Mickey Mouse for the first time. Treasure those moments. There is only ONE &ldquo;first-time&rdquo;.

5. What to Pack

It is said that the smaller the child, the more you need to pack! Have no fear, preparation is the key to success on a trip with young children. The amount and type depends on the duration or destination. Despite those, here are some items that always come in handy:

<ul>
	<li>First Aid Supplies: First-aid kit, sunscreen, a boo-boo ice pack, insect repellent, thermometer itch and pain medication</li>
	<li>Extra Clothes: Depending on your child&rsquo;s age, you may need two extra sets of clothes nearby for quick changes! Kids on the sunny side of the car get warm and the kids in the shade may be cool, so a small blanket can be great to have around.</li>
	<li>Comfort Stuff: Your child&rsquo;s lovey (and it&rsquo;s not a bad idea to have an extra lovey of the same exact make as a secret spare, road trip or not!). Pillows and blankets take up a lot of room, so think hard about what you bring in this category.</li>
	<li>Food and Snacks: With kids and travel, it almost feels like you can never have enough! Take more than you think you need, especially if you&rsquo;re not a well-seasoned traveler.</li>
	<li>Toys: Think about which ones will hold up in the car and the ones that will be useful at your destination. It can be an exciting treat for your child to receive a special toy on the road to keep them occupied and happy!</li>
	<li>In-the-Car Entertainment: This category is ripe with strong personal preference. If it&rsquo;s acceptable to&nbsp;you and your family, and keeps the kids entertained, bring it!</li>
	<li>Clean-up Supplies: A roll of paper towels, lots of wipes (your diaper wipes can probably do double duty), plastic grocery bags for dirty clothes and garbage, disinfectant spray, hand sanitizer and a roll of toilet paper may become your best friend at some point. If your kids are in diapers of any type, it&rsquo;s important to have enough - a road trip does not make for the best environment for potty training! It may also help to add a really sturdy plastic bag capable of keeping diaper change smells out of your car.</li>
</ul>

Traveling with children takes longer and requires more patience than the average road trip. Your sanity is the foundation for great memories for your child. Don&rsquo;t miss out on celebrating all of the &ldquo;firsts&rdquo; with your child and treasure this time, with all its chaos! You can do it&hellip;go for it!&nbsp;

Gigi Schweikert is the president and COO of <a href="http://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=five-tips-for-a-better-family-road-trip-2703124" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lightbridge Academy</a> and an expert in the field of early childhood education. She has managed corporate childcare centers and their educational programs for more than 30 years. Schweikert was the host of Today&rsquo;s Family and is a bestselling author of eighteen books. Follow 1851 Franchise as she shares her tips on parenting and childcare.

Five Tips for a Better Family Road Trip

1851 Franchise

Thinking of taking a family road trip with your young family this summer? Here are five things to think about to help make your journey a success.

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The automotive industry continues to show resilience, and its growth is largely driven by steady demand for accessible, high-quality car care. 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<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-coffee-franchises-thrive-2025-2729271">The coffee landscape</a> continues to evolve rapidly, with convenience now arguably the most critical factor for consumers. With daily routines accelerating and convenience reigning supreme, the drive-thru model has cemented its status as the most sought-after route for securing that vital caffeine boost.Below is an examination of seven leading drive-thru coffee franchises projected for substantial expansion through 2026.<h3><a href="https://franchising.scooterscoffee.com/">1. Scooter’s Coffee</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count: 849</li><li>Investment Range: $692,150 - $1,523,400</li></ul>Scooter’s is a national, drive-thru-first system with a mature playbook and heavy franchisor support. The brand publicly positions its model around speed, small footprints and kiosk/drive-thru formats, with disclosed fees and requirements for new operators.<a href="https://franchising.scooterscoffee.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a><h3><a href="https://www.ziggiscoffee.com/franchise/">2. Ziggi’s Coffee</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;100</li><li>Investment Range: $581,500 - $1,759,500</li></ul>Colorado-born Ziggi’s offers flexible drive-thru formats to suit various locations, including single-sided and double-sided drive-thrus, as well as a full café combined with a drive-thru.<h3><a href="https://franchise.thehumanbean.com/">3. The Human Bean</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;158</li><li>Investment Range: $562,090 - $1,290,931</li></ul>A pure drive-thru specialist with decades in the lane. Notably,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-the-human-bean-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726955">The Human Bean</a> markets no ongoing royalty fee (operators should still review marketing and other fees in the FDD). The system highlights nationwide growth via franchised drive-thrus.<a href="https://franchise.thehumanbean.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a><h3><a href="https://franchising.aromajoes.com/">4. Aroma Joe’s</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;100+</li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$597,821 - $1,825,221</li></ul>New England-rooted and expanding, Aroma Joe’s self-describes as a “drive-thru coffee and energy drink franchise.” The brand specializes in unique flavor combinations for its drinks.<h3><a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/">5. Dunkin’</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count: 8,499</li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$526,900 - $1,832,500</li></ul>A legacy brand with a huge installed base of drive-thrus and a well-documented franchise process and training. For operators seeking scale and national brand power,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dunkin-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720835">Dunkin’</a> remains a top consideration.<a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/faqs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a><h3><a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">6. BIGGBY® COFFEE</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;440+&nbsp;</li><li>Investment Range: $296,250 - $1,011,500</li><li>1851 Franchise Newsroom:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee">https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee</a></li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-biggby-coffees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721631">BIGGBY®</a> is a fully franchised system (no company-run stores) with substantial growth momentum. The brand’s relatively moderate entry cost in the white-box format makes it a more accessible option, and it explicitly offers drive-thru formats (modular and site built) that align with the high-speed, convenience-first consumer trend.<h3><a href="https://corporate.thecoffeebeanandtealeaf.com/franchising">7. The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count: 1,232 globally, 130 in the U.S.</li><li>Investment Range:<ul><li>Traditional Store: $940,665 – $1,430,177</li><li>&nbsp;Kiosk Format: $551,500 – $916,059</li></ul></li></ul>A legacy premium coffee brand with more than six decades of history, The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf is actively repositioning for modern convenience-led growth. While historically associated with café formats, the system offers kiosk and non-traditional footprints that align well with drive-thru, high-traffic and limited-space environments.To continue your research, check out some of these related 1851 Franchise articles:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-coffee-franchises-thrive-2025-2729271">Why Coffee Franchises Are Thriving in 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-10-low-cost-coffee-franchise-opportunities-of-2024-2727679">Top 10 Low-Cost Coffee Franchise Opportunities of 2024</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/15-best-coffee-restaurant-franchises-2726869">15 Best Coffee Restaurant Franchises to Consider for 2024</a></li></ul>

For entrepreneurs looking to invest, the drive-thru coffee segment offers high-growth potential, leveraging consumer demand for quick convenience and optimized, small-footprint franchise models.

The 7 Best Drive-Thru Coffee Franchises To Buy in 2026

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Amada Senior Care is a non-medical home care, assisted living placement, and related senior-support services with multiple revenue streams.

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