If you’re feeling the pull of the open road but don’t how to road trip with the family, we have some good news! Advanced planning and preparation make road tripping with a family possible. In fact, family road trips can be so successful that your kids will carry memories of them into adulthood. Follow these tips to make the most of your family time on the road.
Make a Plan
Flying by the seat of your pants when on a family road trip is not a great idea. The lack of a plan can end in disaster with kids in tow, and it’s much more expensive to wing your trip. Plan thoroughly before you head out so you will know where you are going to eat, where you will get gas, and how often you plan on stopping for breaks and to view the scenery. According to Travel Mamas, you should pack plenty of snacks and water in the car so you don’t have to stop as often. If you want to take it one step further, pack meals for everyone and place them in insulated containers. This will save money and allow you to drive further since you won’t be stopping for every meal. Make a list of everything you need to pack and check that you actually did pack it before you hit the road. These simple steps can make your trip run smoothly and give you the peace of mind you feel when you have a plan in place.
Safety
You want to make sure your car is ready for the family road trip before you set out for your destination. Stewart J. Guss suggests that you get your car serviced before your trip, especially if it’s an older car with a lot of mileage. This will ensure the oil is changed and the tires are properly inflated to help you avoid a blowout. If you are crossing state lines, make sure you know the laws for each area you are driving through. Follow all traffic laws and be extra careful when driving around large trucks. They have blind spots that make it easy for them to overlook smaller vehicles, so you have to make sure to give them plenty of room on the highways.
Plan for Entertainment
If you are going to be in the car for a long time with kids, you do not want them to get bored. That’s when the inevitable whining and questioning start, and this can make it difficult to have a good attitude during the trip. Visit your public library before you leave town and borrow audiobooks you can all listen to in the car. Skip to My Lou suggests that you plan car games that will keep your kids occupied and put together playlists of music that your family enjoys. You can always use screens to get your kids through the trip, but there are plenty of other ways to keep them content and involved while traveling.
Taking a road trip with your family can be fun when you plan ahead and make the most of it. Enjoy your travels and help your kids make memories for life on the road.
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