A road trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new places.
Tom Lichtenheld
Planning a road trip is never easy, but it can be especially complicated when kids are involved. As much as we love our families, spending hours trapped in a car together can put a strain on siblings and parents alike.
One of the best ways to ease the tension on a family road trip is to make sure that you prepare ahead of time.
Packing food, games, and emergency supplies can help to keep the family safe and happy in just about any circumstance. Here are some tips on how to plan a family road trip with best preparations.
Don’t Forget the Entertainment
Kids can be restless at the best of times, but after hours on the road, they tend to get more agitated than usual. If you don’t bring something to entertain them, then you very well could become the source of entertainment for the next couple of hours.
It’s a good idea to come well-prepared with a backpack full of toys, colouring books, stickers, and games to keep kids occupied during your time on the road.
If your car is equipped with WiFi, you can also load up mobile devices such as phones and tablets with games, movies, and music. And while entertainment is important, safety shouldn’t be neglected. For this reason, always make sure your vehicle is reliable and safe to drive.
Pack Some Snacks
A vacation can take a lot out of a kid, and so it’s important to bring plenty of extra snacks to keep their energy up. It’s best to stick to healthy foods that pack plenty of protein such as nuts, seeds, and trail mix.
You can also bring fruits and vegetables inside a cooler. Don’t forget to pack some sugary treats for dessert, though!
Pad Your Emergency Kit
Your car should always be equipped with a full emergency kit, but it’s especially important to make sure that you’re stocked up before a road trip. You should be prepared for everything from small injuries to crashes and illnesses.
What’s more, when travelling with children, there are a couple of extra items that you need to include in your kit. Here are the bare basics of what you should carry:
- An emergency cell phone and charger
- A full first aid kit
- A fire extinguisher
- Warning triangles
- A tire gauge
- Foam tire sealant and a spare tire and jack
- Jumper cables
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A utility knife
- A blanket and extra clothing
- Stuffed animals for comfort
Road tripping can be a great way to sight see with the family, but it isn’t always the easiest. By packing plenty of snacks and entertainment, you can ensure that your kids won’t get restless out on the road.
It’s also crucial that you prepare for the unexpected, including accidents and emergencies. Remember these tips of how to plan a family road trip.