It is a brave parent who can face the prospect of driving for hours – or days – with a gaggle of kids in the back singing ‘Are we there yet?’ on repeat.
However, family road trips needn’t be stressful. In fact, with a little preparation and planning, the journey could even end up being better than your destination. Ready to take the wheel? Here are 12 tips for taking a road trip with kids.
Pack like a pro
Arrange outfits in advance
With long days on the road, late nights, and early mornings, you want to nail packing to make changing everyone into their PJs at night and into fresh clothes the next day hassle-free.
Packing cubes offer an easy way to keep clothes organized. Give each family member their own packing cube color scheme and organize items so that they’re easy to find. For example, put all the tops in one cube, underwear in another, and bottoms in the next. Shoes should also have their own cube to keep the rest of the clothes clean.
Pack a potty
If you have kids aged between two and four, it’s beneficial to pack a small travel potty to make bathroom stops fast and stress-free. Bring a generous supply of plastic bags and baby wipes for this purpose.
Prepare to play
Kids are usually happy to hit up a hotel pool or splash at a beach or river, no matter the season. Pack a designated splash bag for each child that includes a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, and a wet bag, making it easily accessible in the car boot for spontaneous dips.
Don’t leave home without…
Service stations and amenities can be few and far between on the open road, so it pays to be prepared for anything that might pop up. Save yourself time and hassle by packing these invaluable items: extra battery/charging packs for tablets and smartphones, a first aid kit including travel sickness treatments, baby wipes, hand sanitizer for roadside restrooms, and a stash of plastic bags for containing any waste.
Remember the basics
A spare tire is always a good idea. Having the number for roadside emergencies is handy, too. Consider your route – will you be driving through adverse weather conditions, such as snow? If so, pack de-icer, antifreeze, and blankets for the kids. Ensure you have the necessary car seats or boosters, and check the laws regarding requirements in the country you’re traveling in.
Keep everyone well-fed
Snack like a champion
It cannot be overstated: bring snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Pack double what you think you’ll need. There is something about a road trip that makes everyone hungry, even when you’ve just eaten breakfast. Kids on a sugar high stuck in a car for hours can create chaos; therefore, pack food that is nutritious and low in sugar. Opt for dry snacks like rice crackers, popcorn, nuts, and protein bars, as they last throughout the trip.
Take tools for food prep
Pack some basic food prep tools such as a knife, a peeler, travel cutlery, and reusable containers to help you quickly prepare, store, and carry food. With this basic set, you can put together picnic lunches, minimizing money and time spent at rest stops while making it easier to eat well.
Shop before you stop
Cut down on convenience foods by stopping at a grocery store just before reaching your accommodation. Stock up for that evening, breakfast in the morning, and the next day on the road. When booking, consider accommodations with kitchen facilities to save costs on food and make it easier to feed picky eaters.
Stay healthy on the road
It can be challenging to consume enough fruits and vegetables on a road trip. Pack individual servings of canned fruit, apples, vegetable sticks, hummus, and string cheese to ensure a balanced diet. For picnics, try making simple sandwiches with wholemeal bread, cheese, avocado, and tomatoes.
Keep boredom at bay
Optimise your stops
Map your journey and research interesting stop-offs along the way for you and the children. Look for playgrounds, parks, beaches, kid-friendly cafes, wildlife parks, and other engaging locations that can make each stop an exciting part of your journey rather than just a bathroom break.
Keep young minds occupied
Banish boredom with family car games. I spy is a perennial favourite, but you could also branch out with travel bingo, 20 questions, and the license plate game. Kids can also enjoy games using paper and pens; simple games like connect the dots, tic-tac-toe, or memory games require no prep.
Moreover, pack an entertainment bag for the car including travel board games, cards, a few toys, and activity books. To keep the car clean, avoid items that could potentially ruin the interior.
Learn as you go
Road trips are a fantastic opportunity to teach your children about the world. Giving kids activity sheets and maps not only helps them learn about the places you’re visiting but also engages them in the journey. Creative parents can create a basic map featuring landmarks to look for or a custom road trip bingo sheet with items to check off.
