Even if you don’t like the idea of cramming the kids into the car for a long, long time, you should take a road trip with the entire family. It will do wonders for the health of your relationships. Not only can you make quality time happen in your family but also create priceless memories. After a couple of years, you’ll go through the old photos and remember the good time you had. With springtime on its way, there’s no better time than now to start thinking about your next holiday. Check out the following checklist when preparing for the big trip. It will come in handy. You do want your family’s first road trip to be a success, don’t you?
Packing list (& what not to pack)
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, pack the essentials and little extras to make the journey as comfy as possible. Only bring things that you’ll actually be using on your marvellous adventure. This is what you’ll need before you set out for the family road trip. Keep in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive.
- An atlas to use in tandem with your digital maps
- Games and toys
- Car seat organizers
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Travel batteries
- Antibacterial wipes
- Garbage bags
- Pillows and blankets
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to discuss what things you shouldn’t pack. Please look over the list.
- Tech gear and equipment
- Too many clothes and shoes
- Sweet food and fizzy drinks
- Hard shell suitcases
As you can see, it’s not necessary to bring everything with you. Stick to the essentials.
Prep the vehicle ahead of time
Nothing is worse than taking a road trip in a grimy, smelly car, so make sure to clean both the interior and the exterior. Most importantly, take the vehicle to an automotive service technician. Have the brakes, tyres, and windshield wiper blades. As your main point of contact with the road, the tyres are the most important components. Unfortunately, they often get neglected. It’s paramount to travel with the right tyre pressure for optimal fuel efficiency and performance. If the tyres happen to be damaged or punctured, it’s a good idea to have them replaced. Tyre failure can cause the car to get out of control and even result in a car accident.
Professionals will work with you to fit the tyres onto the car. These days, tyres are fitted at the client’s home. The fitting appointment is undertaken in the same way as a standard fitting. Therefore, opt for tyre fitting at home. Some of the benefits of tyre fitting include but aren’t limited to convenience, rapid emergency service, enhanced safety, and cost-effectiveness. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that tyre checks should be performed monthly. If not possible, at least, to do before embarking on a family holiday. Don’t risk the tyres blowing out or having an accident. Even the most relaxed vacation can land you in a hospital.
Plan your breaks
There’s a lot to think about when going on a road trip with your loved ones. Plan your breaks ahead of time so that you don’t forget anything. On the Internet, you can find all sorts of information on your upcoming trip, so you can easily identify the best rest spots or kid-friendly restaurants. Research things to do. More exactly, see what kinds of adventures you can have at the destination. Many turn to Pinterest when they’re curious about a new place. Chances are that you’ll find lots and lots of interesting travel content. You can always consult with Trip Advisor and see what other travellers have to say.
If you’re traveling for long distances, it’s essential to take turns on driving. When you feel tired change places with your spouse. Equally, pull over to a safe place and take a nap. The last thing you want is to have an accident. It’s never a good idea to operate a motor vehicle when you’re fatigued or sleepy. There’s a significant risk for your health and safety, but not only. You risk endangering the lives of those who matter to you the most. Abstain from alcohol, pain killers, and sleep-inducing medication. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Plan for the unexpected
Planning should be focused on potential shocks. Not everything will go according to plan, so you should expect the unexpected. If you want to have peace of mind, it’s recommended to get road trip insurance, which provides coverage for medical emergencies and rental car incidents (that is, if you decide your own vehicle isn’t suitable for the challenge). Compare plan details, as well as costs. Infants and toddlers don’t have a problem with travelling by car, but children aged between 2 and 12 tend to are particularly susceptible to car sickness. Bring along saltine crackers and paper towels. Make sure they’re within immediate reach.
Things could easily go wrong on a road trip, so you must be extra careful. If you leave the itinerary up to the whims and chance of the day, you mightn’t be able to secure accommodation. Basically, you’ll be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Don’t let your guard down, not even for a second. Tourists are easy targets for thieves because they often stand out. In this respect, it’s recommended to keep the luggage out of sight and avoid disclosing your travel plans to anyone, no matter how trustworthy they might seem. Stay in public with people that you’ve recently met.
If you keep in mind these secrets to success, your family road trip will go smoothly. Keep an open mind, practice patience, and be flexible if you want your loved ones to have a great time. It’s not the destination that matters but the journey. Make time for sightseeing and teach the kids a thing or two about the surrounding world. Enjoy the ride and avoid checking your smartphone for emails every 10 minutes. Work can wait but your family can’t.