Eeek! Family Road Trip!
Are you wondering how to prepare for a family road trip? You’re in the right place!
A road trip is something that takes a lot of preparation. Even if it isn’t with family, it’s still a lot of work.
Traveling is the best time to have some bonding through laughter, adventure, and seeing new sights and experiences. This fun-filled adventure is far more eco-friendly than traveling with planes, plus it’s far cheaper too.
Traveling from point A to point B can be a lot of work when driving with a car but in the end, it can be worth it.
These eight tips will help you get prepared for road tripping with a family of any size.
So, what do I need to do to make sure we are ready for our journey?
Check your car
This may sound simple, but you would be surprised how many people don’t take this important step before travelling by road!
Before any road trip or long-distance travel, you must get your car checked beforehand.
Be sure to schedule an appointment one week in advance at your local auto service center. You’ll want to make sure that your car is completely safe for traveling, the tires have enough pressure, the necessary fluids are in it, and everything else.
Doing this beforehand will help you save time, money, and stress during your trip.
Pack lots of snacks
You will definitely want to pack your favourite drinks and snacks, as well as your kid’s favourite snacks too.
You may want to have some healthy options in there too such as a salad. Eating only junk food is going to make everyone feel lethargic. Here are some healthy recipes you might want to use.
Get your health clearance beforehand
Personally, one of my biggest fears is having to visit a dentist while I am on holiday! Prepare for a family road trip by ensuring you have any health conditions sorted out before you leave.
Not only does it cut into your precious family time, but it is never nice to be in pain – especially when enjoying a family road trip.
I have had to visit an emergency doctor in Spain and I know a few friends who have had to attend emergency dentists while on a road trip.
Luckily, there are very lovely dental surgeries all over the world (like Wahroonga Dental in New South Wales, Australia or the Royal London Hospital in London, UK), so you will be able to get the help you need.
Stay connected
Whether you’re going overseas or just travelling by car in your home country, you will need to stay connected.
While phones and tablets can be distracting, they can also help. Don’t stay stuck on your phone the entire time you’re on your trip, but also don’t completely abandon your phone.
While phones are known for keeping people distracted, they can help as well in the case that something goes wrong.
Brings lots of toys
Sadly, many children get quite bored whilst in the car on a family road trip.
Depending on their age, they are going to need distractions: toys, their phone, or a tablet etc. to keep them entertained.
Consider filling a bag full of their favourite toys to distract them during the car ride. Or, think of some fun games to play with each other in the car (my family favourite was to make sentences out of the licence plate letters on cars, or “spot the red car” etc.
Pack lots of water
It is best to pack a cooler and have lots of water in it. While it’s tempting to fill it with soda or juice boxes, it’s best to have mostly water in it as it’s healthier and helps keep the body hydrated.
While it’s going to be difficult to take a lot of bathroom breaks if the whole family is trying to stay hydrated in the car, it is very important to stay healthy and hydrated.
Leave early
One of the best tips when thinking about how to prepare for a family road trip, it is best to go ahead and just leave bright and early in the morning.
Early to leave means getting to your destination early as well, plus it helps with beating traffic too!
Bring chargers
Depending on the age of your child and the car model you have, you may need to have some power banks and chargers. This ties in to staying connected and staying entertained during the trip.
Play games
As I mentioned before, road trips are all about having family fun but unfortunately, many children are bored in the car. Look into having some fun games during the car rides to make the trip go by much faster.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
