If you and your family are looking for an experience that is a little bit different, and that will offer you the chance to bond, then there is nothing better than heading out on a road trip together. There are some families who prefer to go for an all-inclusive vacation option where they stay in once place, just for the ease and convenience of having everything taken care of when you arrive. However, there is a lot less scope for adventure when you head to a resort, as almost every day is filled with the same routine and actives.
So, if you’re thinking about taking a family road trip where you can really explore and spend some quality time together, here is a simple guide to planning a family road trip.
Planning your route
Planning the best route for your road trip is something that you and your family can all enjoy doing together, and will give you something to get excited about during the months before you head off on your journey. There are lots of different things to take into consideration when planning your time away, such as: whether you want to stay local or abroad, which locations you want to visit throughout your trip, and which roads offer the quickest, or most enjoyable, journeys between each location.
Food and fuel
Another important factor to take into consideration when planning your route is the distance between rest stops. The last thing you want on your road trip is to find yourself low on fuel with miles to go until the next gas station, so it is important to think ahead. Rest stops are also essential for giving the family a chance to stretch their legs, head to the bathroom, and top up on snacks, though you may want to pack a few healthy snack options from home as well.
Entertainment options
Road trips are exciting, but the long drives can also be a little bit boring for your children, as they will struggle not to get frustrated with being in the car for hours on end. Try to pack as many different entertainment options as you can to keep them distracted throughout the long journeys, such as travel board games, children’s novels, coloring books and puzzles, portable DVD players, games, and music devices. You may also consider going online and ordering a few new toys, to keep as a surprise for later in the trip; this will give your children something new and exciting to play with and should help avoid the early onset of boredom.
Car preparation
If you’re planning on taking your own car with you on your road trip, then make sure to do some safety checks on the car in advance, such as examining the brake pads, all of the lights on your car, your wiper blades and all fluid levels. You may also want to consider creating an emergency kit to have in the car in case of an emergency and to give you some peace of mind. An emergency kit can include everything from first aid essentials and blankets to a torch and a tire repair kit.
Image Credit: Brian de Karma
