Guest Post from Samantha Tung at Caliber Collision
Do you have a family road trip coming up and thinking about it makes you anxious? That is definitely a normal feeling, but don’t worry – this post has got you covered to minimize those worries. Sometimes traveling with young children can be stressful, tiring and exhausting. However, just think about those awesome memories you will make along the way. Read through some tips below to have the best road trip with your family!
Image courtesy of Ryan McGuire at pixabay.com
Image courtesy of Ryan McGuire at pixabay.com
- Pack All the Essentials
You don’t want to get to your destination and realize that you have forgotten something. Of course you can go purchase something if you’ve forgotten an item, but that is a way to waste money. Make sure you pack enough clothes, toiletries, and toys if you are traveling with little ones. You don’t want to forget their favorite blankie or toy back at home.
Since you will be traveling in the car, pack some mess-friendly snacks that your kids can enjoy while riding along. You can use a cereal container for use as a trash can so your car doesn’t accumulate lots of trash along the way. Don’t forget electronics along with chargers so you can document your trip as well.
Also, be sure to check the weather forecast so you can pack accordingly. Don’t forget a light jacket even if you’re going somewhere very warm; restaurants tend to be really cool.
- Check Your Vehicle
Before getting on the road before a road trip, it is crucial that you take the time to check your car. A car check can help prevent a lot of stress and help you arrive to your final destination without car problems. Be sure to check out your engine, headlights, tires (tire pressure), air and cabin filters, brakes, oil, and anything else you may need If you would like to get a second opinion, schedule a checkup at your favorite auto service center.
Along the same lines as a car checkup, you’re going to want to make sure you have a spare tire packed as well as an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, tools, flashlight, first-aid kit, etc. Since you will be spending a lot of time on the road in order to get to your destination, it is important you keep your precious cargo safe and secure!
- Plan and Prepare
Take time to plan and prepare the details and aspects of your road trip. Since you will be traveling with children, you might deal with a lot of stops to use the restroom or just for them to stretch their legs. Try not to plan too much but it can help to plan around stops you might make along the way. For example, if there’s a fun activity in a city you might pass through along the way to your destination, you might want to stop there to rest, have fun, and refuel.
Another part of your trip to prepare for is to keep your kids entertained. Hang a shoe organizer on the back of a seat. Since your kids will likely get bored and keep asking “are we there yet?” they can entertain themselves with loads of fun items stored right in front of them!
- Play Travel Games
Playing games in the car can definitely help pass the time when you’re on a long road trip. As we all know, kids get bored pretty easily and it is part of our jobs as parents to keep them entertained. Check out some of the best car games for kids like I Spy, the license plate game, and hangman.
The more activities you have prepared for your little ones, the easier and more relaxing your trip will be.
- Let Your Kids in on the Activity Planning
Instead of just planning the whole trip yourself, give your children some activity options so they can feel like they are a part of the process too. The kids are guaranteed to have more fun if they have a bit of a say in the trip and you know they will enjoy the activity if they’ve chosen it. Maybe even allow them to pick a restaurant one night or a dessert shop! Kids like to feel like their opinions matter too! J
- HAVE FUN
This is probably the most important tip to remember when taking a road trip. In the midst of all the traveling and planning, you can’t forget that you are making memories that you and your family will cherish for years to come. So, snap all the pictures you can, because your kids aren’t little ones forever! Enjoy your time together and have a blast!
Samantha Tung handles online media relations for Caliber Collision. She regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and automotive blogs, and in her spare time, she enjoys taking road trips and traveling.
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