A Better Road Trip For Everyone

Summer is the perfect time for road trips with the whole family, but anyone with kids knows that road trips are definitely not easy. Things spill in the car, everyone needs bathroom breaks, and the longer the trip, the crankier everyone seems to get. But don’t let these things stop you from creating valuable memories during the summer holidays! We have compiled a list of tips to ensure a much more comfortable and enjoyable road trip for the entire family.

Packing

• After a long drive, all you want to do is sleep. Instead of digging through every suitcase, have a small bag packed and ready for your arrival. For each member of the family include PJs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, any medications necessary, and whatever else you may need. You can even include an extra set of clothes for the ride in case of food and drink spills!
• Create a checklist before packing with each day’s necessities planned out. If you plan ahead, you will be less likely to forget something important, and the trip will go much smoother. This can also cut down on the amount of clothes you pack because you will only be packing what you absolutely need for each day.
• Be sure to bring along any toys, blankets, or pillows you may need on the way. If it is a long trip, the kids are going to fall asleep, and they will be much more comfortable with a pillow to lean on instead of the seat belt.

Keeping Clean

• Bring paper towels and wipes. If there is a spill, you will be ready to take care of it, and everyone can stay clean after snacks!
• Have a small plastic bag or other form of trash bag in the car. After eating or drinking anything, throw away the trash in the bag. This will allow easier cleanup at the end of the trip and less chance for messes.

Taking Pit Stops

• Plan ahead for stops along the way. If you have to check in at your hotel by a certain time, factor in the bathroom breaks that everyone is guaranteed to need.
• When you do stop somewhere, encourage everyone on the trip to use the restroom. Although some kids will say they don’t need to go, chances are they will need to in about 30 minutes, which will mean another stop that could have been avoided.

On-The-Go Eating and Drinking

• Try to provide individually packaged snacks. It is much easier for kids to eat a pack of raisins and throw it in the garbage bag than it is to bust open the family-sized bag of Doritos only to close them again for later. If you would prefer to pack fruit or veggies as a healthy option, cut them before you go and pack in plastic sandwich bags.
• Stay hydrated! Traveling can be exhausting for everyone, but a little water can go a long way.

Entertaining Each Other

• Some of the best memories of road trips come from the family games you play together on the way. The Alphabet Game, Eye Spy, and the License Plate Game are all fun ones to try. And, they cut down on use of electronics while engaging the entire family.
• Make a playlist before you go of songs the whole family enjoys. Then, no one will be fighting over the radio, and everyone can sing along together.