Deciding to head out on holiday should be a time for excitement, but when you have a larger family, things can soon get out of hand in the search for suitable transport and accommodation for the whole family – not to mention the rising costs.
If you are planning to forsake the distant shores of faraway holiday hotspots and instead plan a getaway a little closer to home, the chances are that you will get to your chosen destination by way of car. As a couple or a small family unit, road trips are a fun way to get away, enjoying life on the road as you head off for some fun in the summer sun. However, for larger families, if you aren’t careful, your dream road trip could easily turn into something that more closely resembles a nightmare.
To help you out, here are some top tips to help you survive your family road trip and make the most of every minute of the summer holidays.
Car Concerns
If you are driving your own car, you will already be familiar with the vehicle, helping to take some strain off the driver. Implementing features such as a tracking device can help you to be the best driver that you can be by remapping a new route at a moment’s notice based on any disruptions on the road.
Keeping on top of fuel usage and the overall condition of the vehicle will ensure that your journey is as smooth as possible.
Safety
Before you head off on your journey, you need to make sure that your car is as ready for the journey as you are. It is important to do the essential general upkeep tasks to make sure everything is in order, from checking the tyre pressure to filling up the windscreen washer reserves and checking the oil levels. When it comes to the inside of the car, make sure to pack a road map of the area you are heading to. Even if you are planning to rely on a smartphone or satnav for directions, you can never be too prepared.
Entertainment
“Are we there yet? I’m bored!”
How many times can you stomach hearing the dreaded phrase? Make sure to plan ahead and organise plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained while you’re out on the road this summer. A sensible idea is to pack a bag of activities for the car – toys that aren’t noisy or messy, or group activities that don’t require plenty of space or too much concentration are best. Colouring books and travel games are best for the little ones, but for older children, why not invest in travel journals so they can document every step of their adventure? If your children get easily travel sick, opt for alternatives like “I spy” spotting checklists to keep them looking out of the window instead of staring down at a book.
Hunger Pangs
On a long journey, it makes sense that people are going to get hungry. Make sure you are organised and prepared for this eventuality by packing a selection of car-friendly snacks for the journey. Bring a selection of items to avoid any moaning about disliking certain items, and make sure to pack enough for the return journey too! If the weather is particularly warm, a cooler bag may be a good idea to keep drinks cold and any fruit or chocolate based snacks cool.
Whether you are planning a trip to Penzance, Pembroke or Perth, follow these top tips and useful advice to ensure everything goes smoothly, leaving you to enjoy your well-earned break with the family in a manner as stress-free as possible!
Safety is the first concern thing to make sure, every part of your vehicle is in good position…