Summer Vacations are just around the bend and with planning come the thoughts of how to handle long road trips with children. Here are 7 Tips For Road Trips With Kids that are sure to ease your burden, make the vacation enjoyable and keep your sanity intact. While any road trip is sure to be an adventure these tips are here to help you make it a fun adventure instead of a stressful one.
7 Tips for Road Trips with Kids
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: No matter how much you plan or how prepared you feel you are realize there is always room for the unexpected. Whether it be travel issues, illness or an attraction that your kids simply didn’t enjoy after you spent hundreds of dollars on tickets, there are always going to be hiccups. Going into the road trip with a good attitude of “roll with the punches” will help you alleviate the stress of the unexpected and be able to enjoy your family despite unplanned changes.
ALWAYS PACK EXTRA: While there may not be much room left in the car for a bunch of stuff, it is always to your benefit to pack extra. Keep a quick “spare bag” with 1 change of clothes for each family member, some bottled water, a few snacks and a first aid kit in the trunk or under seats at all times. Always pack extra medications, a few extra dollars, and especially a few extra DVD’s, games or other treats to have on hand for those unexpected delays.
LET THEM CHOOSE: Special surprise vacations can be wonderful but sometimes we as parents lose track of what our kids really enjoy doing or seeing and get caught up in our own “dream vacations”. Before settling on your final destinations and agenda ask them what attractions they would like to see along the way. You may be surprised how a simple roadside park is their favorite event on your vacation this summer.
GIVE THEM A CAMERA: With all the images, videos and memories you will be storing away it is a great idea to give your kids a camera so you can also experience the trip through their eyes. Whether it be their own inexpensive digital camera or a cheap throw away camera from the local convenience store, you are sure to be surprised at the things they chose to capture along the way.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO PACK ELECTRONICS: Yes we all too often rely on electronics to occupy our minds and our children, but there is a time and a place for having them on hand and road trips are one of those. Whether your child prefers a smart phone game app, tablet, laptop, portable dvd player or handheld gaming device packing the electronics to help occupy their minds while you travel long hours is a smart move. Encourage routine breaks and set limits just like any other time, but don’t be afraid to pass out the electronics when the road starts getting a bit too long for comfort.
PLAN FREE TIME FOR SIMPLE PLAY AND/OR NAPS: It is easy to fall into the trap of scheduling every second of every day while you are on vacation. Make sure to pad your itinerary with some flex time for relaxing by the pool, taking an afternoon nap in your room or scouting out a local park for the kids to run, throw a ball around and play.
BE SILLY: Bring your sense of humor and don’t be afraid to use it. Make up goofy games or songs while on the road. Call your kids by wild nicknames in public to make them giggle. Stop on the side of the road and play tag in a random field. Whatever it is you choose, make sure to include fun, silliness and laughter along the way.
Look forward to your Summer Vacation this year with help from these 7 tips for road trips with kids to guide you through the process. Remember the road trip isn’t really about the destination. It is all about the journey to get there.
More Tips for Traveling with Kids
- Tips for Traveling with Teens and Tweens
- 5 Tips for Traveling with Children
- Vacations for Kids of Varying Ages and Interests
Katie is the owner of You Brew My Tea. A place where love and the mysteries of life meet a frugal mom with a big opinion about everything!
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