AD| 9 Tips for Enjoying a Road Trip with Kids
We all love the idea of taking the kids away to do something off the beaten track and unusual, but the reality of cooping kids up in a car for a long journey can be hard work for everyone involved. Between the sugar crashes and “are we there yet” – parents can rightfully be left feeling a little fried! Preparation is the name of the game with our nine best tips not just to survive, but to enjoy a road trip with kids.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Slow and steady wins the race has never been truer than on a road trip with children. Enjoy the journey, make time to stop and take breaks not just for the bathroom, but for fun too. Plan spots on your journey to have a picnic or take a walk in the countryside to burn off some energy. Be spontaneous with your time, everyone will enjoy it more if you’re not stressing about getting where you’re going in the quickest way possible.
Keep it tidy
Nothing creates chaos quite like mess. Take plastic bags for rubbish in the car and empty them regularly. The car is never going to be spotless, but a rubbish free car can certainly help make everyone feel a bit less stir crazy from their environment.
Avoid busy roads
Nobody likes being stuck in a traffic jam, especially not the driver. Consider driving at night or early in the morning when the roads are much quieter and the kids may well be asleep.
Make sure you’ll actually get there
Breaking down on route is a hundred times worse with children. Make sure your car is in good nick before you go by at minimum checking the tyre pressure and oil level before you set off. Alternatively, take it in for a quick car service before your road trip to ensure everything is in working order for a stress free journey.
Get crafty
Crafts are always a great way to keep kids entertained for hours – though leave the glue at home unless you want chaos in the backseat! Pack a tub with colouring books, crayons, origami books, friendship bracelet materials and more to keep your little one’s creative side occupied on the go.
Story time
Audiobooks might be the best invention for long journeys – let everyone enjoy getting lost in Narnia or the thrills of Hogwarts. It’s an excellent opportunity to make time for the whole family to enjoy children’s classics together.
Unplug from the electronics
Though iPads and smartphones will inevitably prove their worth on a road trip – take time to engage and play with your kids. Though the standard games like I spy will inevitably come up, there’s hundreds of free printable games for road trips online, like road trip bingo.
Enjoy the quality time
Especially if your kids are getting a little older or you’re working full time, holidays can be a great time to actually check in on how your kids doing, what they’re interested in, how they’re feeling and everything in between.
Be prepared for emergencies
Even if you’ve prepared and prepared again, emergencies happen – cars break down, kids hurt themselves and somebody will inevitably lose something important. Take a first aid kit, sick bags, blankets and anything else you can think of to prepare as best you can for these situations. Otherwise, just remember to breathe!
If you’re heading to the great outdoors for a camping holiday, our best camping tips might also help!
