How Can a Family Survive a Road Trip?

By Anna Duncan

Road trips are a great way to bond with your family and explore new places together. However, surviving a road trip can be quite challenging, especially if you have young kids. Here are some tips on how you can make your next family road trip a success.

Plan Your Route

Before hitting the road, make sure you plan your route. This will help you avoid getting lost and wasting time and fuel. Use a map or GPS device to chart your course and identify rest stops, gas stations, and attractions along the way.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before setting out on a long road trip. Check the oil level, tire pressure, brakes, and lights. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or engine trouble.

Pack Smart

Pack only what you need for the trip. Overpacking can lead to a cramped and uncomfortable ride. Pack snacks, drinks, blankets, pillows, and entertainment for the kids.

  • Snacks – fruits, nuts, granola bars
  • Drinks – water bottles or juice boxes
  • Blankets/pillows – for comfort during long drives
  • Entertainment – books, coloring books/crayons or tablets with downloaded shows/movies.

Set Ground Rules

Set some ground rules before leaving home. Discuss how long each person can drive for before taking breaks and rotate drivers every couple of hours so that everyone gets a chance to rest.

Some common ground rules can be:

  • No fighting or arguments in the car.
  • No throwing trash outside of car windows.
  • No loud music or videos without headphones.

Make Frequent Stops

Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and grab a bite to eat. This will help prevent fatigue and keep everyone in good spirits.

Play Games

Make the ride more fun by playing games like I Spy and the license plate game. These games are not only entertaining but also educational.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can make your next family road trip a success. Remember to plan your route, prepare your vehicle, pack smart, set ground rules, make frequent stops, and play games along the way. With a little preparation and patience, you can create lasting memories with your family on the open road.