There is no better way to explore a new country than by planning a good old fashioned road trip. A road trip provides the freedom to travel at your own pace, plan your route to suit your specific needs and requirements, and have lots of fun along the way!
Travelling with young children can be a stressful experience, especially when there are long car journeys involved. However, there are plenty of ways to beat boredom and keep everyone happy during the trip. To ensure your vacation is a relaxing one, we’ve put together some tips on how you can plan the ultimate family road trip.
Make Travel Plans Early
There is certainly an element of excitement to leaving part of your road trip unplanned and open to spontaneity. However, you risk your trip becoming disorganised and stressful if you choose not to book certain aspects in advance. The last thing you want is to turn up at a hotel or camping park only be told that they are full for the night.
You should also remember that key attractions in popular tourist areas are likely to get booked up in advance. If you are planning to visit certain attractions in the area or book tours, then try to do this as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Choose a Suitable Vehicle
When planning a road trip, it’s important to choose a suitable vehicle. For example, you will need to hire a vehicle with four-wheel-drive if you’re planning to travel on any unsealed roads. Make sure that you carefully consider what type of vehicle will suit your family’s needs and provide enough space to ensure a comfortable journey.
Besides the space and vehicle model, you also need to look at the interior of the vehicle if it suits the activities your family is up to.
Juice, mud, and food are just a few of your worries when it comes to protecting the vehicle from stains and damages. Before deciding on which vehicle you’ll take for your trip, think of the activities you’re going to do and what are the possible elements that you’ll encounter. Will you go somewhere muddy? Are you the type who prefers eating on the go? Do your kids need a bottle of milk in their seats? It’s always best to think ahead and prepare for what could happen. The floor of the vehicle catches most of the dirt and mess, and it’s essential to equip it with tailor-made mats for protection from stains. Always take a close look at the vehicle interiors before deciding.
Motorhomes are an excellent option for family road trips as they offer additional space, comfort, and privacy. They also provide a place to sleep and cook meals, which means you should save money in the long run. Some motorhomes also come equipped with a toilet and shower so you don’t need to worry about stopping for toilet breaks all the time.
Fortunately, many companies offer a variety of RV rentals for fantastic rates. Make sure you book early to secure the best deals, and always take out the highest level of insurance possible to make your trip stress-free.
Pick an Interesting Route
One of the most enjoyable parts of planning a family road trip is choosing the route. There is a huge variety of exciting ones to choose from all over the world. Get your whole family involved in the decision-making process to ensure that you pick somewhere that everyone will enjoy. This will also help build excitement for the trip.
Some of the most popular road trips around the world include Route 62 in South Africa, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, and Route 66 in the USA. Make sure you consider factors like available time, expected costs, and the amount of driving each day when deciding upon a route. If you choose to do a road trip abroad, then it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local road laws before you arrive. That way, you will feel more confident behind the wheel when you arrive at your destination.
Pack Lots of Entertainment
Every parent knows that long car journeys with young children can be stressful. Luckily, you can help make your trip as relaxing as possible with some simple planning. Firstly, make sure that you pack plenty of fun entertainment to keep kids entertained.
According to redbookmag.com, some of the best ways to beat backseat boredom include downloading kid-friendly audiobooks and apps, playing fun educational games, and packing your kids’ favourite toys from home. You should also remember to bring along plenty of healthy snacks such as fruit slices, popcorn, and crackers. This should help save money as you won’t be forced to purchase food and drinks from expensive roadside stops.
Plan Plenty of Rest Stops
Road trips generally involve lots of driving to reach your destination, although it’s important to have plenty of fun stops along the way. Keep in mind that long car journeys can be uncomfortable and frustrating, especially for children.
For that reason, you should plan plenty of rest stops during your road trip and try to stop at least once every few hours. This will give your kids the chance to blow off some steam and you can stretch your legs and get some well-needed fresh air before continuing your journey. As part of your planning, make sure to research what fun attractions and stops there are on your route so you don’t miss anything exciting on the way.
