Road trip provides wholesome fun for the whole family but parents might find it challenging to manage an ill-prepared trip. This might prevent some parents from organising a road trip due to the hassle but some tips can help a road trip to be enjoyable. Parents should take their children on family road trips due to the benefits it brings. Exploring new places, cultures, food and experiences will benefit the whole family.
All you need is a little proactive preparation and creativity to deal with some of the challenges a road trip may bring. Read on to learn more about how you can tackle such issues with ease.
15 Ideas To Help You Rev Up Your Family Road Trips
Creating a stress-free road trip is possible with proper planning and anticipation of challenges when the family is on the road. There are many parts of the trip to consider when planning so it’s best to start early. Here is our list of 15 helpful ideas for parents to plan a successful family road trip.
Share Highlights
It’s important to take the time to discuss the trip at the end of each day. Let every family member talk about the highlights of the day for them. This is a good way to learn about another person’s opinion and to also have some laughs together as a family.
Budget Screen Time
Screen time is a great tool to distract children on a road trip but it should be used sparingly. Excessive screen time can cause the child to have headaches or motion sickness. So schedule screen times during the travel to avoid any mishaps or illness along the way.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are a parent’s best friend on road trips. Use these stops for more than just toilet breaks. You can stop just to let your children run around and let some of their excess energy loose. It’s always a good way to get some air and let the car rest for a while.
Don’t Ignore Your Needs
Parents tend to ignore their needs and focus on their children. Often times this may result in the parent being overtired and moody. It’s important to acknowledge your own physical and mental needs during travel as the safety of your family will depend on it. Both parents should be honest if they need to rest or can’t do something well enough.
Set Expectations
Speak to the whole family to set appropriate expectations for the road trip. Talk about travelling hours, the conditions of travel, food availability or any other concerns you may have. Setting the family’s expectations in advance can help to reduce complaining and temper flairs while the trip is in progress.
Listen To Children
Parents need to listen to their children’s suggestions or needs while travelling. This can help to keep children happy and they can feel valued. If they are bored of the usual food they’ve been having for days, you can consider a treat like taking them out for fast food or ice cream. If they feel uneasy or uncomfortable visiting a place or doing an activity, try not to force them. Instead, parents can talk to the child to understand their feeling and look for an appropriate solution.
Keep Children Entertained
Keeping your children entertained is important for a peaceful family road trip. If they are bored with screen time or any other distractions, everyone can take turns telling stories or sharing experiences. Think of ways to keep children entertained without exhausting yourself. You can also encourage naps if the children are feeling too tired.
Stock Up On Snacks
No road trip is complete without adequate snacks. Children need snacks while travelling and these edible goodies do more than just fill small stomachs. Snacks can help to keep tempers calm and parents can avoid the children getting cranky. Fill up on your children’s favourite snacks and you can also add some healthy options to avoid high sugary foods. Ensure that everyone has their own water bottle so you don’t have to be worried about hydration. Heavier foods like peanut butter sandwiches can be kept for times when the children are feeling hungrier.
Let Children Pack Their Own Bags
Get your children involved with the planning by letting them pack their own bags. You can supervise their packing and make suggestions to avoid overpacking. This can help the child be more responsible for their needs while getting excited about the upcoming trip.
Pack First Aid
First aid kits are important especially when you are travelling with young children. If you are renting a car, it’s best to bring your own first aid kit. Pack bandages, over-the-counter medication, plasters and other first-aid necessities so that you will be well-prepared for any emergencies. It may be also helpful to stash some plasters in the compartment of your baby’s car seat for easy access.
Check Routes In Advance
Check the travel routes beforehand to plan the travelling hours. This can help you to plan breaks or book a hotel if needed. Try to limit the hours on the road as you and your partner will need to rest to drive the family safely. This is also a good way to check if you need to book a rental car if your existing vehicle can’t accommodate the journey comfortably.
Stop At Landmarks
Make a point to stop at landmarks that are on the way to your destination. Visiting landmarks while travelling is a great way to explore extra places during the trip. Encourage the children to look up facts and other fun information about the landmarks so visits can be informational and educational.
Sing-A-Longs
Sing your heart out to the family’s favourite songs! Create a mix that has everyone’s favourite hits so the whole family can have fun. This is also a great way to introduce new songs to your children.
Games
Playing car games during travelling is a good way to create special memories while travelling. Pick a car game that everyone can participate in and play. Games like “I Spy” or the license plate game are good examples of fun games to play in the car.
Surprises
Stash a load of secret toys and snacks in a compartment that is away from your children. You can use this secret stash when things get stressful or when the children get too boisterous from being cooped up in the car. Secret stashes can help parents to keep the journey under control and avoid tantrums.
The Road Trip to Happy Memories
Family road trip provides the opportunity for everyone to bond with each other while exploring new locations. The activities that come along with road trips also promote healthy physical activities and will help the family to learn how to work with each other. Road trips may also provide teachable moments so children can learn valuable lessons. Making memorable memories together while having fun is the most important part of family road trips so start planning your next outing now.
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