One of the fun parts of having kids is seeing the world through their eyes; with a sense of wonder and excitement, where everything is new. Whether that’s a trip in your home country, hopping on a plane or train and going abroad or a combination of both, every holiday as a family is a chance to bond and create memories together.
Often one of the best ways to explore any country is by car. Rather than staying in one place or limiting yourself to the resort, you can get out and truly discover your holiday destination for yourselves. Plus, with all the bags and other gear you often need as a parent, travelling by car can be a lot easier than trying to get everything (and everyone) on a plane.
In this post, we share three more benefits to taking a family road trip.
Teach your kids about the geography of new places
Planes are fun, but they’re high in the sky. Trains can be cool, but they go too fast to properly see the landscape. In comparison, a car journey means you’re travelling at speed, but not too quickly for your kids to stare out the window and see and appreciate the world around them. You can also plan your trip to incorporate several different terrains, depending on where you’re travelling to – a chance for both them and you to see a different world to their hometown.
If you think your little ones will be more interested in their tablets than the outside world, try making the drive into a game. If you’re engaging with them, they are more likely to respond – making it fun for everyone is the key to a shared positive experience.
Learn patience
It can be hard for kids to sit still – whilst you might appreciate a bit of time listening to a podcast or an audiobook as you drive, younger travellers are more likely to start asking “are we there yet?” when you’re an hour from home.
Travelling with kids can help to increase their patience, as well as their ability to entertain themselves. Not only does this increased attention span benefit you on holiday, but it will also be useful for school and at home as well.
Incorporate something for everyone
Most people book return flights to and from the same destination. This means you’re restricted to one city or resort; and unless it’s a big city you might not be able to find an activity that everyone is really excited about.
In comparison, a family road trip means you can incorporate something for everyone, whether that’s stopping for a day at a theme park or spending an afternoon in a museum. If your kids are old enough, this type of holiday can be a great chance to get them involved in the planning. Let them pick a few places they want to visit, get out a big map, and work out your route together. Not only does this mean they get to pick ‘their’ activity, but it also gives them a great sense of achievement when you all arrive there as planned, boosting their confidence.
Adventure awaits
The world is truly your oyster when taking a family road trip. Whether you drive your own vehicle or pick up a rental car, taking the open road is a great way for you and your kids to explore. On a practical note, make sure that you understand the rules of the road when driving abroad – by following the safety guidelines, you can ensure everyone has a fantastic time.