Kids and cars. They make for a bearable combination during school runs and sleepover drop-offs, but vacations are another matter. Are you about to take a trip but dread the grumpiness, frustration, and inevitable mess? Follow our tips and turn your next trip from an anxiety-inducing nightmare into an unforgettable experience for everyone!
Make a Practice Run First
A twelve-plus-hour stint in a car should NOT be a child’s first exposure to the wonders of travel. If you’re planning such a trip, consider a shorter one first. Pick a destination far enough to help you identify issues but close enough to go there and back in a single day comfortably.
Doing a practice run is a game-changer. It lets you see how the kids do on the trip – whether they get car sick, how irritable they’ll get, which types of stimulation they’ll respond to best, etc. It also helps you decide how to pack for the longer trip and might make you aware of items that would make it more comfortable you hadn’t considered before.
Plan Your Route
Unlike tightly-scheduled flights, road trips are great for families since you can take your time and adjust plans on the fly. For example, it’s often possible to pick between a short, direct route and one that takes longer but offers different activities to keep everyone engaged and content.
When creating an itinerary, leave an hour or two extra for unforeseen bathroom breaks, dealing with carsick or cranky kids, etc. You’ll want to plan for at least one major daily stop to stretch your legs and enjoy a proper meal. It might be best to break trips lasting more than eight hours into two. Stop for the night somewhere close to the halfway point to give the family a chance to unwind and approach the trip with renewed focus tomorrow.
Rest stops and motels offer free Wi-Fi, which you shouldn’t use unless you protect your devices with a VPN. Wi-Fi is easy to hack into and use to spy on anyone who connects, which can include stealing sensitive information and passwords. A VPN benefits your security by encrypting tunnels, preventing snooping, and safeguarding data privacy wherever you are.
Packing Considerations
It’s better to be over-prepared than put everyone in a bad mood because you forgot an essential item. Pack climate —and season-appropriate clothing, but don’t hesitate to bring a favorite blanket or PJs kids will be comfortable in.
Stock up on a large supply of snacks that take kids a while to go through without making a huge mess. Making some hearty yet road-appropriate meals will help cut down on the stops. Be sure to also bring plenty of water and refill it when convenient.
Keeping Kids Entertained
Play is a fundamental part of any child’s development. Neglecting it on your trip will make your children – and yourself – miserable. Luckily, there are lots of ways to keep kids occupied. It’s best to start with non-digital forms of play, like classical car games such as I Spy or 20 Questions.
Bringing some of their favorite toys and activity books can be a big help. It’s a good idea to get a new toy for this trip and present it as a surprise. They won’t get bored as easily as with a familiar toy, and you can always tease the surprise to get them to behave.
Screen Time to the Rescue
You wouldn’t want your kids to spend the entire trip staring at a screen instead of taking in the ever-changing scenery. That being said, digital devices are valid tools for keeping kids occupied while letting adults take a breather from entertainment duties. The trick is not to overdo it and combine screen time with other activities.
You can preload some games and media to consume offline, but having a stable cell connection will let you access more, not to mention maps, local news, etc. Consider improving the experience through eSIMs, especially if you’re touring multiple countries. The best eSIM services let you take advantage of the cheapest local plan or easily switch carriers if the signal gets spotty.
Conclusion
A little goodwill, lots of planning, and a positive attitude make long family trips not just tolerable but enjoyable! Take our tips to heart and start preparing for a trip you’ll remember with delight.