A long-distance road trip with kids is a great way to explore new things, visit undiscovered places, have fun, create lasting memories, travel comfortably and affordably.
However, planning a successful trip with kids is an art. If you are to avoid tantrums, tears, tension and a generally whiny, painful journey, you must plan for and pack the right gear.The aim of preparing for a great road trip and carrying the essentials is to keep everyone happy, safe and entertained as you explore the world.
Whatever kind of vehicle you plan on travelling in, space is limited and hence the need to pack the most vitals and also little extras for keeping the journey calm. So here are some must-haves for harmonious long-distance travel with kids.
Entertainment Gear
The world has changed, and kids, even more so than adults, have embraced the power of technology for entertainment.
Have an MP3 player, DVD player, headphones and a tablet to keep your kids entertained, but they should all be children friendly. A tablet with your kid’s favourite games, an MP3 player with their beloved audiobooks and their cartoon movies will work magic.
Carry various games like travel bingo, books, comics and magazines. Also, coloured pencils, washable markers and sketchbooks enable the children to put on paper their travels. A tape recorder would help the kids to broadcast their vacation while the scrapbook envelope will ensure your kids have the responsibility of collecting ticket stubs, brochures and postcards for future memories. Don’t forget to bring a camera and extra batteries.
Power Inverter
Carrying a power inverter keeps the entertainment and other electronic devices charged up and running. Using an extension cord under every passenger seat enables them to have access to the outlet and plug in their device for charging.
Well Rounded and Healthy Snacks
Carry healthy packed snacks for everyone keeps them rejuvenated and grumpiness due to hunger at bay. Eating the wrong food can lead to fatigue, a lack of attention and focus. Lots of sugary foods combined with the long stretches of driving, can lead to over-excitement or hyper activity, which can be disastrous for a harmonious drive.
Some healthy options include carrot sticks, nuts and fruits like berries and apples. Sweets and potato chips should be eaten moderately. Embrace individually packed and crumb-free snacks, for less back-seat fighting and a relatively clean car.
It’s advisable to have a good cooler for keeping snacks, drinks and fruits fresh. Using spill-proof water bottles prevents accidents, and they can easily be refilled during the next rest stop. Restock your drinks, fruits and sandwiches from grocery stores and rationing out kids snacks is advisable to prevent overindulging.
Additionally, ensure you have chewing gum, to help in improving concentration and reducing stress. Gum can also improve alertness, handy for long distance driving.
Car Organizers
Having a car seat organizers helps to hold all things in place and prevent frustration as kids look for their stuff. Having an organised car keeps the space tidy and everyone happy.
Have a comfortable car
Comfort is key on a road trip. Choose car seats and boosters of different sizes according to your kids ages. The right car seat ensures everyone enjoys excellent head support, and they are safe. During the summer season, travelling when the sun is shining directly makes everyone uncomfortable; opt to have the windows tinted or have window shades installed in your car to block out harmful UV rays and excess heat.
Carry the right clothing
When travelling, you need to carry the proper clothing, with respect to the weather of both the travel zones and at the destination. Pack sun hats, swimwear, and crocs or flip flops, sneakers, walking shoes, hiking shoes, rain boots and rain jackets.
Pack a lightweight fleece blanket that keeps your kids fuzzy and warm and is portable enough to tuck under the seat or to an armrest when not being used. Carry picnic items like a blanket for those spur-of-the-moment picnics. Portable towels come in handy when you need to clean your kids up after playing in the mud.
First Aid Kit
Your road trip first aid kit should have all the indispensable basics that will keep everyone relieved and few other extras for emergencies. You should have cold packs or ice spray, band-aids, sunscreen lotion, pain medicine for adults and kids, a disinfectant for wound treatments and mosquito repellents.
Car Essentials
Your car should have well-stocked roadside assistance emergency pack that includes screwdrivers, Swiss Knife, flashlights, a spare set of car keys, road flares, stock jumper cables and reflective triangles. Carrying instant stain removers helps to remove the unwanted stains while paper tissues, kitchen towels and wet tissues prevent your kids from greasing your car seats. And trash bags prevent littering all over the car and the environment.
Travel guide, road atlas and a printed map
Having a road atlas, printed maps and travel guide helps you navigate and find alternative scenic roads that lead to your holiday destination. Carry some stopover things for kids to play with like balls and also add few undiscovered path places to your list of the itinerary. You may use an old fashioned map to discover the hidden gems on your route while the GPS should guide you to your camping or hotel destination.
Bottomless well of Patience
When travelling a long-distance journey with your kids, you need to buckle up, relax and call on your patience reserves. You may be tested along the way, but try to remember that a family trip is supposed to be fun.
Preparing in advance and tailor-making your packing list will keep everyone out of harm’s way, relaxed and entertained. The journey and scenery should be part of your trip, stop and smell the roses – or whatever flowers that grow along the route, take regular breaks, have impromptu picnics and make a lifetime of memories.
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