Okay so I am writing this hours from leaving on our family trip to California.I have four kids if you don’t know! This can be a pretty daunting task,to take them on a trip! But if prepared ahead of time,the trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of our family’s life.
Here are some quick and easy tips for making your family road trip a fun and safe one.
First,prepare a checklist of items you will need. If you don’t know this already I am a huge list person! This first step is an absolute must!! My list will include first aid kit,food,snacks,drinks,and lots of toys,coloring books,paper and crayons,a portable DVD player so your kids can watch their favorite movies;and a cooler. A good idea is to ask the kids what games they would like to take,within limits of course. We usually give them options of movies,toys and books.
Ensure that the snacks are healthy in nature. Too many sugar snacks can have the kids bouncing off the car seats. Although we like to “treat”the kids on our road trips so cookies are always involved! Remember,this is a relaxing family vacation (if you can relax with four kids on a 9 hour car ride) and you want to avoid the kids getting bored or repeatedly asking you when you are going to arrive. It is never good when they ask that question!
Check online to print out games for the road that you and the kids can play along the way. There are an assortment of puzzles and riddles as well. You know I missed this step this trip. It must of been that internship I just finished! I usually try to put together some type of game or activity in the car but I forgot this trip!
In addition,if you have very young children you will need to take the diaper bag and wipes for the occasional spills,blankets and pillows if applicable and a favorite item or stuffed animal for the young ones is a good idea as well. Also if they are six and can’t part from a particular blanket,you may want to allow this!
Second,decide on the destination and then contact AAA for a trip ticket. Ask for the scenic route,one that is much more calming and pleasing to the eye,especially the driver! We are always looking for ways to save money on our travels with our children. In addition to contacting AAA there is a great guide called Globe Cheap Budget Travel Guide. This Guide helps you get flight and hotels cheap! Up until last year we lived 3000 miles away from family. We had to fly several times with many children. This guide could have done wonders for our family then! Check out the guide and start saving!
Third,as you check out the planned route you may want to check online to find gas stations along the way that offer the cheapest gas. So smart to do this. With gas prices always fluctuating it is important to have a heads up on the best deals. Also if there are any points of interest along the route mark them on the map and plan to stop at these sites. If you have a baby (like us) that needs to be fed and changed you can plan these stops around sites you will be visiting. I love being efficient!
Fourth,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 allowing the adults to stretch and re-energize. Bring along a football or soccer ball so that the entire family can have some fun while exercising at the same time. This is a great idea. One year I drove with a 3 year old and an 18 month old from Ohio to Kansas to help my sister-in-law who was on bed rest with her fourth child. I got online,found parks and schools that my kids could get out and play at! They had a great time and it make the twelve hour drive a bit more bearable.
Finally,it is very important that safety concerns are met. This includes having the car checked at your local mechanic or gas station. Ensure that the oil and filter are changed;the tires are well inflated (don’t forget the spare tire,too);the windshield wipers are replaced (if needed);and the car is in great condition before you head out. This is my husbands job. I actually don’t take any thought in the condition of the vehicle because he does such a great job!
In addition,you may want to place the following items in your trunk:a lawn chair,extra blanket,emergency road kit,umbrellas,water,flashlight and batteries,a battery-powered radio,and windshield wiper cleaner. In the glove compartment include a first aid kit and cell phone charger. Keep all medications in a Ziploc bag in the glove compartment as well. Be prepared,for anything to happen!
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. This is really important,if you get lost what are you going to do. You need to be able to contact people and places that can help you!
While on your trip don’t forget to take a lot of pictures. When you take a family road trip you create all sorts of memories that the kids will remember always. Pictures just solidifies those memories. Also if you love to blog it is a great way to document what you have been up to!
Planning ahead of time for a family road trip will save you time,stress,and money. And the kids will enjoy this adventure,too!
