Tips for Road Trips with Family and Children

If you are planning a road trip with your family (which may include children), then there are several things you need to keep in mind and prepare before your departure.

Travelling is one of the most enjoyable things, but a safe journey is even better!

As you travel with your family, follow these four most basic tips:

• Start your journey early to allow plenty of time – there are always unforeseen stops, especially when you have small children.
• Make frequent stops so everyone can rest.
• Ensure there is plenty of entertainment for the children, such as a film on a tablet, music, or games.
• Always have plenty of water and small snacks with you.

 

Prepare your car

Your car is one of the most important elements of your road trip. Make sure it has recently been serviced, is 100% safe, and all fluids are topped up (oil, water, antifreeze, etc.). Also, fill up with fuel before your departure, and if you use GPS, make sure you have the maps for the area or country you are visiting.

Finally, check that you have all emergency spare kits such as a jack, spare tyre, warning triangle, and first aid kit.

 

Prepare your child for the trip

If the child is not well prepared, they might 'ruin' the whole trip. Either because they will be whiny, or because they won't know where you're going, or because they'll be bored in the car for several hours. It's up to you to prepare them properly so they enjoy the journey, have a happy time, and look forward to your arrival.

 

In-car entertainment for everyone

If you plan to take a long journey, lasting over 2 hours, then you should ensure there is entertainment for all passengers. Entertainment could be music, films, or some interesting books. Although we don't recommend reading in the car, as it can cause motion sickness, some adults enjoy it.

 

Remember to capture the moments

Although this doesn't only apply to road trips, but to travel in general, make sure you have a camera with you to capture all your moments. It would be a good idea to have a spare battery so you don't run out of power. Your charger would also be useful.

 

Snacks for children and adults

This is a very important part of organising and executing your trip. You should ensure there is plenty of water for the children – and perhaps some juices – as well as snacks for both young and old. If you know for sure that you will find shops for snacks and water along your route, then you can carry a small quantity with you. However, if you will be travelling on roads that do not have service stations, then it would be best to ensure you have water, juices, and small meals for your children and yourselves.

 

Personal hygiene items

Sometimes it's good to have some personal hygiene items readily available and easy to find. These could include tissues, wet wipes, kitchen roll/toilet paper. These would help in a difficult moment if children got messy from a snack or spilt water in the car.

 

Above all, you should remember to keep your sense of humour and positive attitude high. Travel with children is always very joyful but also holds some surprises. Don't let little mischief ruin your mood. Ensure they spend their time creatively and happily in the car, so they don't complain about being bored!

See more travel tips on travelo.gr, as well as plane tickets if you wish to travel by air!