If you have fond memories of family road trips from childhood, you may be itching to recreate those memories for your kids. Hitting the road with the kids and seeing the sights along the way can be a lot of fun -- that's why so many families will be hitting the road this year.
Road trips can be fun, but without the right planning, they can be stressful. If you want to enjoy the excitement without the screaming, here are seven vital family road trip planning tips.
Step #1 - Let the Kids Help With Planning
While you will be doing the bulk of the planning, you will want to loop in your children along the way. Ask your kids about what they want to see and where they want to eat, and include them in other decisions that will make them feel included.
Step #2 - Pack More Snacks Than You Think You Will Need
A well-fed kid is a happy kid, so make sure your coolers and backpacks are filled with tasty treats. If you think you have packed enough food for the road, pile in more juice boxes, packets of crackers, candy bars, and anything else that will fit.
Step #3 - Leave Plenty of Time for Bathroom Breaks
Those tiny bladders are not nearly as roomy as their adult counterparts, meaning more frequent bathroom breaks. If you want to make it to your destination in time, schedule lots of wiggle room for all those pit stops along the way.
Step #4 - Bring a List of Fun Road Games
Watching the miles roll away can be boring for both adults and children, so be sure to bring lots of fun games to play along the way. From car bingo and other staples of your own childhood to the latest creations, these games can help pass the time without undue stress and strain.
Step #5 - Pack Lots of Cozy Blankets and Comfy Pillows
Eventually, the road noise and the drone of the engines will do their work, and your kids will drift off into dreamland. You can extend that period of restful sleep by packing the car with lots of cozy blankets and comfy pillows. If your children have their favorite blankies, bring those along as well.
Step #6 - Be Flexible
Building flexibility into your plans is the key to a successful and stress-free road trip, so avoid rigid planning and go with the flow instead. There are bound to be some bumps along the way, but those unexpected twists and turns can be the stuff of cherished memories.
Step #7 - Bring Lots of Mobile Charging Cables
From smartphones to portable DVD players, your children will be using lots of electronics on the road -- and you will as well. As the hours tick by, those batteries will start to drain, so make sure you have plenty of portable chargers in the glove box.
Family road trips can be wonderful vacations, and in many cases, they will also be the most affordable option. Even so, being locked in a metal box with your kids can feel more like a punishment than a delight if you do not plan the trip carefully. If you want to enjoy a stress-free family vacation, the seven steps listed above can get you ready for the road.