When you have young kids, road trips are a great travel option because they give you more control over your environment compared to flying. If you have a larger vehicle, you can load up the trunk with several suitcases, toys, and adventure gear to ensure you have everything you need for a stress-free vacation.
While a road trip may sound like the perfect option, no mode of travel comes without its challenges. Sitting in a packed car with rowdy kids for hours on end can put a strain on even the closest families. However, with the right strategies and planning, these journeys can become enjoyable adventures for everyone. Read on to find out how to make your family road trips fun and stress-free!
Find the Right Route
The key to a successful road trip begins with selecting the optimal route. Instead of simply relying on default GPS directions the day of the trip, research various routes as you plan the vacation. Consider whether you want to go through scenic areas, stop at unique attractions, or get to your destination as soon as possible. For instance, if time isn’t a major variable, you can take routes near national parks where you can get out and look around.
On the day of your trip, take a moment to evaluate your chosen route on the GPS to view traffic conditions and determine if you need to make any adjustments. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can provide real-time traffic updates and alternate routes.
Plan for Pit Stops
Driving non-stop probably isn’t an option, and taking breaks prevents anyone from getting cranky or fatigued. Plan for pit stops along the way to rejuvenate and refuel. As you plan your trip, consider identifying rest areas, local parks, or small cafes along the route that can make the journey feel less tiresome. Playground-equipped areas or picnic spots often allow kids to stretch their legs and burn off energy.
These breaks also serve as a chance to regroup and reenergize. Enjoying a small snack, taking photos, or simply stepping out for fresh air can drastically improve everyone’s mood.
Parent Tip
While you should have an idea of how many stops you’ll make during the drive, you don’t have to pick out each stop ahead of time. When you’re on the road, there should be signs indicating upcoming rest areas and popular attractions. You can also use your GPS or a travel app to search for nearby parks or landmarks.
Base Driving Around Naptime
Timing your long stretches of driving around your children’s nap schedule can minimize stress and keep the car environment calm. Early morning drives offer the advantage of quieter roads, while midday naps provide an opportunity for uninterrupted hours of driving while younger kids sleep. Nighttime driving can also work well if kids can stay asleep for a long period of time.
To create the best napping conditions, ensure you create a cozy environment in the car. Dark window shades can block excess sunlight, and soothing music or white noise can help encourage sleep. You can further increase your child’s comfort by maintaining a consistent temperature in the car and dressing your kids in comfortable layers.
Pack Easy Snacks
No road trip is complete without a few delicious snacks you can munch on along the way. Choose options that are easy to eat and tasty, such as trail mix, fruit slices, crackers, or granola bars. Additionally, be sure to pack plenty of water so that everyone can stay hydrated.
Pre-packing snacks into individual portions can help avoid spills and limit disagreements over sharing. You can also bring a small cooler for items like cheese sticks or yogurt, which ensures variety without compromising freshness.
Play Games While Driving
Another way to make your family’s road trips fun and stress-free is to play games while traveling. Classics like “I Spy”, “20 Questions”, or “The Alphabet Game” are fun for the entire family and get everyone engaged. You could also play the license plate game, where participants spot plates from as many states as possible, which is a fun exercise that keeps everyone alert during the drive.
If spur-of-the-moment games aren’t your family’s style, don’t worry, you’ve got other options. Consider packing Madlibs for a fun and silly activity that sparks creativity, or bring along trivia cards to test everyone’s knowledge in a friendly competition. You can also print out road trip scavenger hunt checklists, where family members race to spot items like a red barn, a billboard with a silly slogan, or a specific animal.
Give Your Child Activities
Pack small toys, coloring books, and storybooks for your children to entertain themselves while you drive. If you let your child use an iPad or other tablet, download their favorite shows or games that don’t require Wi-Fi.
Prepare for Emergencies
We never really know what tomorrow will bring. While being optimistic and assuming nothing will go wrong on your road trip or vacation is great, it’s also essential to always prepare for a worst-case scenario. Make an emergency kit packed with the following:
- Band-aids
- Pain relievers
- Antiseptic
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Portable chargers or power banks
- Bottled water
In case you run into car trouble, also be sure to have:
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Spare tire and jack
- Emergency flares or reflectors
Not only will having these items on hand give you peace of mind, but it can also save you time and money in the long run.
Pack the Right Luggage
You may have more room than you would traveling by plane, but that doesn’t mean you should pack your bulkiest luggage. Select suitcases that are easy to lift and move as you transition from the car to your hotel or other destinations.
Additionally, buy your child luggage that they can easily handle themselves. Options such as ride-on luggage are perfect because they can double as a stroller, further saving room in your trunk.
Parent Tip
Younglingz sells kids’ ride-on luggage that’s perfect for any type of trip. We have suitcases with firetrucks, dinosaurs, unicorns, dogs, and more that your child will love!
Stay Flexible
One of the best ways to enjoy a vacation is to go with the flow and fully immerse yourself in the moment. You may not have to hit every pit stop you plan for, or you may have to stop more often. What’s most important is that your family enjoys the scenic views as you zoom by, crank up the music, and play games together.
Adjusting schedules as needed while maintaining a positive attitude keeps the trip enjoyable for everyone. After all, a smooth drive means the perfect kick-off to your family vacation!