Road Trip
Deciding to go on a family road trip can be a daunting challenge, not to mention an exercise in patience. However if you prepare ahead of time, this type of trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of your family’s life.
Here are some quick and easy tips for making your family road trip a fun and safe one.
1. prepare a checklist of items you will need. This might include first aid kit, food, snacks, drinks, and lots of toys, colouring books, paper and crayons, a portable DVD player so your kids can watch their favorite movies; and a cooler. Ask the kids what games they would like to take, within limits of course. A car seat organiser could hold all the items little people might want to have easy access to.
Ensure that the snacks are healthy in nature. Too many sugar snacks can make them jumpy, and too many drinks will make more wee wee!. Be prepared with in car activities so you can avoid the kids getting bored or repeatedly asking you when you are going to arrive. Let’s face it nothing is worse than one or more children repeating “Are we there yet every 5 minutes”
The internet is an excellent place to find and print out games for the road that you and the kids can play along the way. You’ll find all sorts of puzzles and riddles as well.
Now, if you have very young children you will need to take the old nappy bag and wipes for the occasional spills, blankets, pillows and a favourite stuffed animal for the young ones will keep them comfortable and snug enough that they’ll sleep well on the way. 
2. Decide on the destination and then contact the RACQ for maps and ideas. Fill out the RACQ online trip planner or map out the scenic route, one that is much more calming and pleasing to the eye, especially for the driver!
3. As you check out the planned route you may want to look online to find petrol stations along the way. Best to plan where you’ll get your fuel and off course these stops are a good time for toilet breaks. Also if there are any points of interest along the route mark them on the map you might like to stop to check them out.
4. While on the road ensure that you make pit stops regularly. This will allow the kids to run around and let off some steam, while the adults can stretch and re-energize. Pack a football or soccer ball so that the entire family can have some fun while stretching their legs at the same time.
Finally, Think safety. This might include having the car checked at your local mechanic or petrol station before you leave. Ensure that the oil and filter are changed; the tyres are well inflated (don’t forget the spare tyre, too); the windshield wipers are replaced (if needed); and the car is in great condition before you head out. Check you have insurance in case your car breaks down or something unforseen happens.
You may want to place the following items in your boot: a lawn chair or few, extra blanket, emergency road kit, umbrellas, water, flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, and windshield wiper cleaner. In the glove box include a first aid kit and a car mobile phone charger. Keep all medications in a Ziploc bag in the glove box as well, then they’re handy.
Another good idea is to take a list of telephone numbers including the hotel or motel where you are staying as well as those of family and friends you may need to contact. Also give a contact list of where you’ll be staying and your planned route to a family member or friend.
If you enjoy scrapbooking, this road trip may be a perfect opportunity to add new treasures to the book. As you make stops at some scenic sites, ask the kids to find an item they would like to include in the scrapbook. Or if the kids point out something along the way that they find fascinating, take a picture of it to include in the scrapbook as well.
Engage the kids in the decision making, age appropriate, and allow them to decide what they would like to bring. Have them pack their clothes if they’re old enough (check they’re bags afterwards) so they feel part of the overall experience. A well planned family road trip will save you time, stress, and money. And the kids will enjoy this holiday, too!
Please visit Haggus and Stookles E-store. We sell In Car Accessories, Nappy Bag and other high quality products for your kids there. Visit now, you can find variety of products to choose from!
If you enjoyed reading this blog, you will probably enjoy this also:
[...] impressed that getting in simply involved driving in. Yes, you pay at the gate while everyone is sitting in the car. I loved that… no annoying standing in a cue behind bus loads of [...]