How to Prepare for a Long Road Trip with Kids

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Rules-Quiet time that must be adhered to so that everyone enjoys the ride.
Some time to make stops and exhaust some energy
Toys and games to keep younger ones occupied.

Step 1

Happiness starts in the Driveway

After over 50 road trips with our family, my wife and I have it down to a tee. Our first road trip was with our oldest daughter when she was two, she is now thirteen, our younger daughter is ten and they both have seen more than many adults because of our family trips on the road! We have traveled with our camper, without our camper in our SUV and have learned a few things along the way. One thing we did learn...

Organize your vehicle before you leave your driveway! Have everything that the kids will need at an arms length, this avoids the "where's my ..." questions. Invest in a power strip converter (about $15) that you can use regular plugs or a multi-adapter for the power outlets in your vehicle so that everyone will have a port to plug in games, dvd players, mp3's and so on. Also, if you have room for a cooler, if you have a SUV, put it right behind the back seat, or in a car a small soft cooler will do for drinks. Snacks, healthy snacks like fruit, granola bars etc. should be in reach to grab while on the move.

Luggage and other items can be stored at the "bottom of the pile or on the roof" and you should just have a refreshment bag with immediate needs on top or inside the vehicle. Invest in a GPS if you don't already have one and learn to use all of the functions on it before you go, this eliminates wasted time looking for restaurants and rest stops.
Step 2

Make the rest stop fun! It's part of the trip!

Depending on the length of the trip, be sure to make frequent stops for not only bathroom breaks and food, but bring a Frisbee, a baseball and a couple of gloves or anything that will get some energy out. These will help not only the passengers, but you as a driver get some of that anxiousness and gets your blood moving. Stay off the road for at least 20 minutes and stretch, do a few brief calisthenic moves and move around a bit. These are IMPORTANT stops, they will keep you fresh and the time means nothing, the drive will be better, trust me.
Step 3

A slight detour is OKAY!

This is part of your adventure, the driving time can be fun if you want it to be. Depending on the amount of time you have, you may want to stop at an attraction that won't take you off your path for long, this will break up the ride time a bit. Establish quiet times with the kids, it is a small area and to much noise can cause tempers to flare. When this happens, just do as my father did was to pull the car over (in a safe place off the highway) and settle disputes as well as set the rules or your not moving! This is a sign of restlessness, and it is common when you're a passenger. A droning highway with nothing to look at but trees and rocks will do this too, if there is an alternate "scenic route" where there may be a bit more to look at, take a slight detour and enjoy the scenery, use your GPS to help you. Get back on the highway further down the road, it may cost you a few minutes, but just very well may save your sanity.
Step 4

I do most of the driving through the busy city areas and my wife drives once we get into the more rural areas and we are comfortable doing this. With modern GPS units, there is no need for the "navigator" in the passengers seat anymore, so the passenger can rest when not driving. I have learned over the years to pack a special separate bag for myself when I am a passenger. Switch before your eyes can't stay open any longer.
Step 5

Stop off the highway

On long road trips, plan on getting off the road at a certain time if your travel is going to run more than a day to arrive at your destination. The few dollars spent to get a good nights sleep will make the rest of your vacation worth it. Trying to drive straight through will only cause your first day or two at your destination to be a lazy hazy memory, make the stop.
Step 6

Some last quick tips for drivers and passengers:
-Eat right! Heavy high calorie meals will make you sleepy, opt for healthy light meals and snacks, you will feel better and enjoy your ride.

-Drink less coffee, it will only make you anxious and instead drink natural juices and water to keep you going.

-Bring proper eye ware to filter out sunlight, wear comfortable clothing and pack a quick change in a bag that is accessible.

-Make "safe stops" at well lit locations where there are others about, don't pull in the lonely gas station if at all necessary. Keep cash, cell phones, electronic games, dvd players etc. out of sight in your vehicle. Always lock the doors when leaving your vehicle.

-REST and Watch the road! No one will be waiting with a medal for you if you make the trip in a few less hours! Safe driving habits and watching what is going on all around you! The front, sides and behind your vehicle! Stay in the travel lane to avoid changing lanes, watch the moves some people make, it is amazing, if you think they are going to cut you off, you're probably right, so plan evasive action. WATCH FOR ANIMALS-Deer, moose, possums and other night creatures will be on quiet, dark portions of the highway, keep alert.

-Enjoy the road-America is a great place to see and taking a plane is a fast and easy way to get places, but you fly over many things that are wonderful to see. Driving is not for everyone, it is enjoyable, but time consuming and can be a wonderful addition to your vacation.

How to Prepare for a Long Road Trip with Kids

Things You'll Need:

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