Preparing for your first trip away with children? Are you planning a long road trip where you explore different parts of the country? Planning a road trip with children can be an exciting, albeit daunting, task. With families and holidaymakers choosing a staycation over a holiday abroad, driving to their desired destination is the preferred mode of transport for many.
The concept of potentially spending considerably long hours in a car with young ones can cause many parents to question numerous factors. How will they keep their young ones entertained? How many stops should they make? And what time should they depart to start this road trip adventure?
If you are preparing to take on the task of taking a road trip with children, here are a few things worth considering to help you plan your journey.
Check Car Insurance Is Up To Date
If your car insurance is due a renewal, sorting before a road trip with your children is crucial. Although a legal requirement, car insurance can be a useful safety net. If, in the unfortunate event, you were involved in an accident on the road trip, car insurance will provide you with financial protection and cover any injuries sustained by those impacted by the crash. Spend your time looking for car insurance. Search online for car insurance quotes to see what options are available. Use comparison sites to compare car insurance quotes to see the best offer. Ensuring that you have car insurance will not only mean you are abiding by the law but also that you and your family are protected.
Keep Them Occupied
“How long till we get there?” is a phrase many parents travelling with children know all too well. Some might hear it once every hour or two – longer if they are lucky. For others, it might be every 10/20 minutes. Many children might ask this question because they do not have anything to occupy them. There might have been a short period where they slept for part of the road trip, but now they have woken and are ready to go. Before you leave, ensure that you have games, activities or devices prepared to help keep the boredom at bay. Keep them in an easily accessible spot where your children can reach them. This will help to reduce the need to pull into a service station to get items to keep your children entertained.
Have Snacks On Hand
Along with questioning how much longer is left, another common phrase many parents will likely hear on repeat is “I’m hungry”. Being prepared with food can be a blessing in disguise for parents. Find the best travel snacks for kids that you can have on hand to give your child when they ask. It will help to offer moments of silence on what is likely a long road trip. Of course, most snacks, such as fruits and nuts, can be healthy, but you could also throw in the occasional sweet treat. Additionally, these snacks can be perfect for parents who might need a sugary boost.
When planning a road trip with children, it is better to be overly prepared than underprepared. Yes, it might mean the car is filled with what feels like most of your belongings, but it could help to ensure that your child is preoccupied during most of the road trip. If you are lucky and time your journey well, you might be able to enjoy most of the car journey in silence as your children sleep in the backseat.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about traveling with your kids, don’t worry, our good friend Belle at bellecarney.com has got you covered. Her blog offers a wealth of parenting knowledge and resources, including A 1-Minute Guide to Traveling with Kids. This article is packed with practical tips and tricks to make your family trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. So before you hit the road with your little ones, take a minute to check it out.
[…] If you aren’t as fortunate and can’t afford those luxury holidays, or have children with you who would go crazy on a long flight, you should try a road trip! Check out my post on what to prepare here: https://mikearthur.co.uk/what-to-prepare-for-a-road-trip-with-your-children/ […]