A family road trip is a great way to bond while enjoying the scenic route, but it can be a little stressful at times. Both kids and adults alike can get tired and irritable during a long drive and this can lead to disruptions and possible arguments. If you’re organized, however, you can keep your kids in a good mood and have a little fun along the way. You’re about to embark on an awesome adventure together so it’s important to try and enjoy it. Here are five ways to ensure a stress-free road trip with kids.
Perform maintenance checks
Before you leave it’s essential to perform basic maintenance checks on your vehicle. This should help reduce the chances of a breakdown or even accident on the way. It’s a good idea to be prepared if the unfortunate does happen as well. Take your insurance details with you and the contact number for reputable car accident lawyers so you can be proactive if you get into any scrapes. This will help give you peace of mind on your trip.
Use a route planner app
Plan your route carefully using one of the best road trip apps. These are very helpful because they let you know about any traffic or road conditions that could affect your journey and will suggest an alternative route if necessary. They also tell you where to find the nearest gas station, rest stops, and other amenities. Rather than stressing over the drive, let technology do the work for you.
Schedule your breaks
It’s a good idea to schedule in your breaks. Although how often you should stop on a road trip depends on your route, plan regular breaks. This way if your children need to use the restroom or are hungry you can reassure them that you’ll be stopping soon. When you stop, get out of the car and have a proper break. This way you can all stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This should give you a bit of an energy boost.
Pack the essentials
It’s important to pack the essentials. These could include snacks and drinks, and entertainment for your kids such as toys, books, or electronic devices. You’ll also need things like chargers for your smartphone and an emergency repair kit. Write a list before you start packing so you don’t forget anything. The more prepared you are, the better.
Plan fun stops
If you are planning a longer journey you could make fun stops along the way. This could be a great way to break up the trip if you have time. Do a bit of research and find out if you can get off the beaten track and visit a farmer’s market or local festival. This should also help tire out the kids so they might fall asleep once you get back on the road. Whatever your destination, remember to enjoy the journey as well. A road trip is a great way to explore hidden gems near you.
Midwife 360
June 14, 2021My parents always took us on road trips. Such a memorable experience for the entire family and so much fun. We loved it.
Tara Pittman
June 14, 2021The breaks are so needed for road trips. My kids are older so they just watch movies.
Carrie Ann
June 14, 2021Excellent tips for taking a road trip with kids! I love that you included doing car maintenance checks before you go. There’s nothing worse than having a breakdown far from home when your kids are with you.
Heather
June 14, 2021Absolutely agree! For us it’s snacks and bathroom breaks!
Kuntala
June 14, 2021I absolutely love these tips. Road trips are meant to be enjoyed by the entire family, including the kids!
Nicole Anderson
June 14, 2021Such wonderful advice here. Love how you include preventative measures by thinking about what could derail a good road trip. That, as well as enough activities and distractions along the way, all really help in making the time go by in a pleasurable way, without incidents or irritability. Great post for anyone to read before setting off on an adventure with their family.
Cinny
June 14, 2021We always bring stuff to entertain/distract. Good snacks are always helpful!
Fatima at Motherhood Through My Eyes
June 14, 2021Interesting tips here for traveling with multiples. I struggle with planning for long trips. You just never know what to expect.
Ntensibe Edgar
June 15, 2021Nice one, Angela! The essentials can’t be left out as well as making as many stops as you need to, to capture the memories you come across!
Rose Ann Sales
June 15, 2021It’s always great to be prepared, thanks for the tips.
Ann
June 15, 2021Wow, stress free road trip with kids? 😀
I don’t think i have ever had one, but I would love to go on a trip like that!
Cristina Petrini
June 15, 2021I believe every parent should have this post as a favorite and read them. A trip must be synonymous with joy and harmony, not stress!
Zee
June 15, 2021The first time we traveled with our daughter, she was only a month old. I think they are a delight when they are younger, but a travel plan is much needed for toddlers and older.
Krysten Quiles
June 15, 2021My brother has been contemplating a road trip with my nephew, I’ll have to share this with him.
Nina
June 15, 2021I have a little daughter myself, and these tips are really valuable! Thanks! I’m lucky that she loves driving in a car, but we haven’t been on a longer drive yet. I will definitely consider your suggestions!
Nina
Eileen M Loya
June 15, 2021These are all very good advice. A successful road trip starts with planning! I wish I was that organized when my children were still that young. Oh well, experience was the best teacher. Haha. Sharing this post with my daughter for when we are allowed to travel again.
Jeypi
June 15, 2021This is so fun! Although I don’t have kids yet, this blog might come in handy soon! Thanks for sharing these ways.
Wanda Lopez
June 15, 2021We took many road-trips when the girls were smaller and had to plan them out as well. It was always fun. Planning makes a huge difference.
aisasami
June 15, 2021I went on long road trips when I was a kid as my parents love traveling by car. Alaska to Maryland, Nebraska to Maryland. They always packed a lot of snacks and games. And a big blanket too.
Ambuj
June 15, 2021Adopt me??? I would love to have parents like you (not that my parents are bad!) ! I wanna have more fun breaks.
Ivan M. Jose
June 15, 2021I love these tips because we do these things before hitting the road. Of course, that was before the pandemic when there were no travel restrictions.
Melanie
June 15, 2021Love these tips!! Definitely would make a road trip easier with kids!
Kelly Bolen
June 15, 2021You have such a beautiful family! Great pictures! =)
Marysa
June 15, 2021Traveling with kids can be so stressful! I’ll have to use some of your tips for some of our road trips.
Emman Damian
June 16, 2021I think scheduled breaks really help! It also ensures that the kids would not have anxiety in the road. It also gives the opportunity to stretch and walk around.
Yudith Napitupulu
June 16, 2021I don’t have kids but I agree with all your tips here. Traveling with kids can be stressful. Plan something fun at your overnight stops, I think this is great idea.
Melanie williams
June 16, 2021These are greattips. I 100% agree to use a route planner and also deffo worth scheduling breaks x
Everything Enchanting
June 16, 2021Your kids are adorable ❤️These are indeed great tips for a stress-free family road trip! I miss travelling so much
Autumn Murray
June 17, 2021First of all, your kids are absolutely adorable! Thank you for these helpful tips that are sure to help parents on the road this summer with travel vacations.
Alita Pacio
June 18, 2021Breaks are really necessary when travelling with kids. I can`t imagine a trip with kids without it.
Laura Schwormstedt
June 18, 2021These are all important tips – especially getting the car checked over as breaking down with kids is no fun and also scheduling fun stops to reduce frustration and potential meltdowns
Laura x
Nyxie
June 18, 2021I can think of nothing worse than a road trip. Add kids to that and it’s personally a recipe for disaster! Great tips to help alleviate the pressure.
katrina m kroeplin
June 19, 2021these are great tips. road trips aren’t easy that’s for sure.
Kathy Kenny Ngo
June 20, 2021I think the fun stops are really important to avoid having them be so bored and restless.