It’s that time of the year again when the much anticipated summer vacation is lurking around the corner. Bags are almost packed, plans are in order and the long road to summer freedom beckons.
To embark on a road trip is an ideal opportunity for families to create long-lasting memories. It’s a chance to laugh together and unite as a family.
But let’s be honest, while kilometers of fun await, it can also be extremely exhausting! You have to deal with the long road, the summer heat, the possible boredom, different personalities and interests, sibling rivalry, the backseat moaning and the “are we there yet” questions.
Here are a few suggestions of things you can do before you hit the road to make the journey just as memorable as the destination; grab the kids and the rest of the family and buckle up to survive and thrive through your family road trip this holiday season.
1. Plan it Together
Gather your family around the table before your trip and make everyone part of the planning stage. Show a map with possible routes, places to stop and things to see along the way. Choose the route together as a family and inform your children about the distance and how long it will take to get from point A to point B.
2. Create a Playlist
Different personalities and different age groups will without a doubt result in different music preferences. Let each family member pick some of the songs and create a playlist that will go from mommy’s favourite, to daddy’s golden oldie, to brother bear’s punk rock to little sis’ pop.
3. Stop
Sitting in one spot for a long time is enough to drive anyone crazy. Remember to make frequent stops for bathroom breaks, leg stretching and a bit of fresh air. You can always combine your stops with sightseeing, or activities such as Geocaching.
4. Stock and Snack Up
An essential necessity for any road trip is to stock up on snacks and drinks for your trip. Pack a cooler bag to keep your drinks cold and make (or buy) some healthy snacks like nuts, fruits and sandwiches that will not melt after the first fork in the road. Go easy on the sugar if you have young kids in the backseat and don’t forget to pack some baby wipes.
5. Play Car Game
Turn the distance into a game with old yet trusted games that will make time fly and keep the young minds entertained such as the Alphabet Game where you make up words with the letters on sign boards, 20 Questions or I Spy.
6. Pack Your Entertainment
Tablets and other digital devices can be a great way to keep everyone entertained as it offers the chance – if you don’t get car sick – to read e-books, watch movies, play games and listen to music. Charge all the devices pre-trip and keep the cables close by. Keep screen time to a minimum; instead of staring at a screen for the whole duration of the trip, play some car games and share educational tidbits of the places or things along the way.
Whether you are travelling to the coast for some sun, sand and sea or inland to visit grandma for Christmas, make the road trip moments part of your holiday memories.
Date Published: 05 December 2016
