A family road trip can either be the best or worst experience of your life. Car rides with kids can be a nightmare due to hunger, boredom, fighting, and stiff muscles. Traveling with children, on the other hand, can be a memorable experience for all. When planning a family road trip, there are several factors to consider.
A well-planned family road trip is the key to a successful trip. Remember where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. If you get lost, bring an atlas or a road map with you. Give a copy of your itinerary to a family member or friend, and let them know when you plan to return. It’s not pleasant to consider, but things do happen.
Reduce the amount of time you spend driving. Adults may enjoy driving straight through on a family road trip, but children require rest. Make your hotel reservations ahead of time, and make sure to arrive at a reasonable hour. When you’re on a family road trip, sleeping on the side of the road is not an option.
On your family road trip, don’t overbook your activities. Children under the age of five quickly become overstimulated and burn out. Allow children to play in an unstructured environment, such as a park. After that, the kids will be recharged and ready to cooperate.
Snacks should be plentiful and kept within easy reach of the children. Children who are hungry will become irritable, making the family road trip unpleasant for everyone. Ensure that there are a variety of snacks that everyone will enjoy, including the adults. To wash down the snacks, keep water and juice on hand.
Pack any items that toddlers or young children might require. If you’re still potty training, bring a potty chair and wipes, as well as plenty of extra clothes. To avoid a wet car seat, it’s a good idea to put your toddler in disposable training pants. Children can’t always wait until you find a bathroom to relieve themselves. Extra bottles and sippy cups should also be brought in case any are misplaced.
Make sure there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to stretch their legs. Stop by a park or a lake or river where everyone can roam freely. Play a game of football with the adults and kids to let off some steam. The most important thing is to have fun and bond as a family. Don’t rush the trip to the point where it becomes unbearable.