– Choosing the right destination – Planning your route – Benefits of a road trip with kid – Keeping your kids entertained on the road – What to pack – Staying safe on the road – Snack, drinks, and the like to pack so no one gets hangry
When you plan a road trip with adults it might be about the journey and the destination. But with kids, it’s all about the destination. While choosing a destination for the best road trip, it's essential to consider the interests of everyone in your family. You'll want to pick a place with kid-friendly activities if you have young children.
One of the most important parts of planning a road trip is mapping out your route. You'll want to consider the distance you're comfortable driving each day and any sightseeing or activities you want to do along the way.
Because you’ve decided how many miles per day you wish to drive ahead of time (many people feel 300 miles is a doable amount and stopping by 3:00pm, for example, is comfortable), it's best to reserve overnight accommodations.
Packing for a road trip can be challenging, especially if you're traveling with kids. In addition to your clothes and personal items, you'll need to make sure you have everything you need for the car ride.
Snacks will keep kids busy in the car and will also cut down the need for convenience store purchases and stops at restaurants. Pack a cooler to keep food and drinks cold. Include a table cloth to make those rest-stop picnic tables more appealing and have a picnic.
– Pack a roadside emergency kit including flares, a jack, a spare tire, a can of “Fix a Flat,” and any other items you might need when broken down on the side of the road. – Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt. – For the driver, avoid distractions as much as possible to keep focused on the job at hand. – Plan for rest stops and take breaks every two hours. Get out, stretch your legs and maybe burn some energy as needed. (This last tip will benefit everyone!)