Family travel is a rite of passage, whether going on vacation or visiting friends and family on the other side of the country.
Sometimes you can be on the road for several hundred kilometers for days on end, which means careful planning is essential for the whole family to arrive at their destination happy and refreshed.
Here are some practical suggestions for families planning to leave – don’t leave the house without them!
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Check the Weather Before You Go.
Along with the terrain and condition of your vehicle, the weather is one of the most important factors in the success or failure of a road trip. If hot weather is expected, make sure you bring plenty of bottled water to keep everyone well hydrated, and make sure the air conditioning is working properly. Sunscreen for the windows is a really good idea, especially when you’re parked for a bit, because no one likes coming back to a hot car. If it’s going to be cold, have blankets ready to cover the kids while they sleep.
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Prevent Boredom.
It’s important to bring lots of games and snacks to keep the kids entertained during the trip. The last thing you want is hours of backseat bickering distracting you from the road. travel board games; book if they don’t get car sick; their favorite electronic games and music playlists are all must-haves. Even simple games like I-Spy or Twenty Questions can keep them entertained for quite some time, especially if you reward them with candy every now and then.
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Energy Burning.
Every time you stop for the toilet, gas, or food, if there’s a grassy area nearby add a little time for the kids to run around a bit and blow off steam. Hopefully they’ll fall asleep soon after and you can put on “Mom and Dad music” instead!
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Check the Car.
Cannot overemphasize this point. Don’t risk getting damaged or getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. If you are embarking on a long journey, it is a good idea to have a mechanic check your vehicle to make sure everything is working properly. Check if the spare tire and jack are still there. And make sure you also have good insurance, which will cover emergency repairs or a tow truck if needed. You can find best site to compare car insurance with a simple web search.
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Accommodation.
If you’re staying overnight along the way, and have the kids with you, then it makes sense to book your accommodation before you go rather than take the plunge. You don’t want to end up staying in some cheap motel or really expensive hotel, or worse still sleeping in the car, because you forgot to check to see if the place you’re going has available rooms. If you’re going hiking and it’s summertime then camping is a great option – you can now buy a very small collapsible tent and it won’t take long to set up. It adds a little extra joy for the kids too.
