Going on a road trip is one of the best ways to spend some quality time with your family. Kids want nothing more than adventure, and it’s a great way to broaden their horizons and give them some unforgettable memories. It’s also the perfect opportunity to deepen your bond with your spouse. But planning a giant trip for everyone comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are a few tips to help you plan the best family road trip ever.
Let the whole family plan with you.
You want to make sure that everyone is excited and happy to go on this road trip together. But it’s much harder to make that happen if your family isn’t looking forward to the trip’s destinations. While you should definitely get to do the activities you want to do, it’s important not to leave your family’s wants behind.
The easiest way you can prevent this is by just letting your family in on the trip planning! Ask your kids and partner where they all want to go or what activities they want to try. Of course, it’s likely that you won’t be able to fit everything in your limited schedule. But by letting your family get involved in the planning process, you can all reach a compromise and plan a holiday that you’re all looking forward to.
Don’t let your kids get bored!
“Are we there yet?” It’s the dreaded question of every road tripping parent, and you’re bound to hear it at some point. Kids are impatient and in constant need of stimulation, so keeping them in a car for several hours is bound to drive them crazy. It’s a good idea to start brainstorming ideas to keep the kids entertained for the entirety of the drive.
As much as possible, don’t let your kids pass the time on their phones and tablets. Staring at a screen for too long in a moving car could make them dizzy or nauseous. Instead, consider playing some classic games such as I Spy, Mad Libs, or Would You Rather. You can also bring a deck of cards for games with easy set up, or portable magnetic board games.
Be ready for anything.
The tough truth about road trips (and travel in general, really) is that things can and will go wrong. Closed attractions, canceled appointments, flat tires, you name it. But you can’t let these small setbacks ruin the rest of your trip! Make sure to study up on your destination and prepare for whatever your vacation can throw at you. You should also make sure your car is in tip-top condition. Refuel the gas tank, inflate your tires, and change your oil before you embark on your trip.
It’s also important to prepare for any emergencies that might occur, medical or otherwise. It’s a good idea to create an emergency bag that you can keep in your car for easy access. Stock up on a first aid kit, spare clothes, a spare charger and powerbank, and toiletries.
Keep a flexible schedule.
Jam packing your schedule with activities and planning each minute of your trip rarely works. You will almost certainly experience delays, and trying to follow such a strict plan will only cause stress for you and your family. Instead, keep your plans flexible to prevent stress.
Plus, keeping your schedule flexible means you and your family can be spontaneous with your adventure. There will be dozens of places and activities in your destination that you won’t find in your research. It could be a bountiful farmer’s market, or an extensive playground for the kids. You’ll be able to take these detours without losing time, resulting in more memories for you to treasure.
