5 Tips for a Hassle-Free Family Road Trip

There’s nothing better than a road trip to ignite that sense of freedom and adventure, and the summer season is the perfect time to pack up the family and hit the highways. Of course this type of travel option will need a little planning, to ensure the journey isn’t as bumpy as the road.

You may have ditched the paper maps in favor of the sat-nav, but a few additional precautions will help you to easily survive a family road trip.

A little planning

Making sure your vehicle is in top shape before setting off should be a no-brainer, even if you are a member of a breakdown service. Get a professional to give your car a once over to ensure it’s ready for some long distance driving. Once the car itself is taken care of you can then begin to plan out your route, and decide where to stop-off along the way. Get the kids involved in the planning process by showing them the points of interest they’ll be able to visit throughout the journey.

Boredom beaters

Driving long-distances might not seem like an enticing prospect for children but thankfully there are games to keep them busy, and gadgets that can be used in-car. Portable chargers are vital to keep those DVD players and tablets running throughout the journey; ensure they are suitable to be used in-car, (a universal charger is good option). Travel books are another great item, and kids can have fun learning about the destinations they’re going to visit; don’t forget to bring a few games that the entire family can enjoy.

Food and drink

Given the amount of restaurants and diners along highways and roads, you shouldn’t have much trouble in the meals and beverages area. However, make sure to pack a few snacks in the kids’ backpacks, or keep a cooler box with sandwiches and cold drinks in the trunk. If your children are prone to the sticky finger syndrome then it might be worthwhile investing in some easy clean, universal car seat covers; waterproof versions are also a good idea if you’re bringing a dog along, you’ll find supermarkets such as Tesco have a good selection to choose from.

Emergency essentials

There are a few items that most people carry in their vehicle, but make sure to replenish emergency equipment such as first-aid kits, torch batteries, and jumper cables before departing. Don’t forget to store some trash bags in the trunk, and a few extra blankets is a good idea if the kids like to nap on a long journey.

A flexible attitude

You may have budgeted your gas money and set out a daily driving schedule but freedom is part of the road trip fun. Don’t be too rigid with those plans, and if someone recommends a particular point of interest, or a local beauty spot, then take the time to explore. Give yourself a little leeway for unexpected sightseeing options and you’ll get a lot more enjoyment from your trip.

On a road trip the journey is often the destination, and a lot of fun can be had by traveling around the country. Don’t forget that camera to capture those memories along the way.

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Images by justtohottotouch and Jonathan Cohen used under the Creative Commons license. Post contributed by a blog partner.