Make Family Road Trips Fun for Everyone
Road trips with the family are an adventure by itself. But long hours on the road can spell a whole lot of fun or a whole lot of disaster. Traveling with children can be tricky and if you’re not prepared well, you’d be wishing you hadn’t taken this trip at all. So what do you need to make this trip fun for everyone?
First, make sure the car is fully checked and the gas tank is full. Who wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire or a choking fan belt? No one, especially not cranky kids who will not stop whining until all your ears fall off. Make sure to bring spare tires, flashlight, and jumper cables as well.
Second, stock up on all supplies. And all means not only food but also medicines (especially for those who get nauseous on long travels), first aid kits, extra clothes, and toiletries such as alcohol, wipes, etc. Never ever forget to bring fully charged tablets, cell phones, and power banks (for those times when you really need them to quiet down for a while). You can also bring universal car chargers for tablets, cell phones, and laptops. Pillows and neck pillows are also a must for long trips ahead. Another tip is to bring a small trash bag, to avoid those chips and cookies sprawled all over the car mat.
Third, prepare some fun road trip games (so you can pry off their gadgets for a little while or avoid the never-ending question of “are we there yet?”) Boredom often leads to crankiness, which leads to fights and bickering, and ultimately leading to temporary insanity for the parents (just kidding, of course). But some example of games you can play on the road: guess the title of the song on the radio, count the vehicles (you can either say count the green cars or spot an awesome car on the road), or point out some interesting places or things you see along the way.
Fourth, make stop-overs fun as well. Let the kids choose where they want to eat, shop for some souvenirs along the way. You can also stop at specific locations where you can take some Instagrammable shots, just make sure that the place is safe for everyone.
They say half the fun is in the journey, so make sure it’ll be one of the unforgettable journeys you make with the family. Ease up a little and don’t let minor setbacks stress you out. Always make sure that everyone’s enjoyment and safety is at the top of your list.
And one way to ensure you and your family’s safety on the road is to install some cameras in your vehicle. You can check out Tadi brothers site to check the right camera that will suit your needs.
nicole says
great suggestions. we play eye spy or sing along with the radio most of the time
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Such good suggestions! I know a few people who will be thrilled with this info!
Tabitha Blue says
Great tips for a road trip! Definitely preparing ahead of time with snacks and activities is sooo important 🙂
Mariya Bektorya says
Excited na ako sa long travel namin this month. Ang layong biyahe at commute lang kami.
Shannah says
You are spot on with what all is needed for a long road trip! Family would think we were crazy with the amount of stuff we would load up, but just like you said when your stranded you are so thankful you chose to bring it!
Joanna Clute says
It’s hard to remember to keep the fun as a priority on a road trip when all you want to do is make it to your destination. Life is all about the journey. I love the tips and reminders, especially to keep the fun. Happy holiday traveling, everyone!
Leanne says
Road trips are great to spend time with the family! Love your list of important tips to make every road trip fun and enjoyable.
Kate Findley says
Nice tips! I’m from south Texas, and let me tell you, driving through Texas takes forever and you see the same scenery (and lots of cattle) for hours. Nevertheless, my parents did a great job of keeping me (and any friends who came along) entertained — and this was in the days before smart phones/ipads/etc. Plant/animal/mineral was our favorite game, or another one where we would spot certain animals and get points depending on how common the animal was. I also loved to read, which helped to keep me occupied.
Elizabeth says
Our boys LOVE audio tapes for road trips- keeps ’em busy for hours. Especially Harry Potter!
Mallory says
Great tips. I’ll have to keep these in mind for our next family road trip. Thanks!