Originally posted on June 14, 2018 @ 4:40 am
It’s summertime, and the open road is calling. Juice up your most essential gadgets, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure. The goal is to get from your house to your chosen destination with as little whining as possible.
The challenge is keeping your children mentally stimulated throughout the journey, so they have very little time to focus on how lame a long car ride can feel. Here are a few tips for survival for this summer’s road trip with the kids.
Prepare the car for safety and function
Before you ever leave the driveway, take the time to check out the simple things on your car. Make sure all the fluids are filled and clean. Check the tires for adequate tread. Check that all of your signals are in working order, and make sure the headlights are bright.
Checking for safety before you hit the road can save you a whole lot of headache should something unfortunate occur during your excursion. You don’t want negligence to be the cause of a car accident or roadside breakdown.
Pack a riding bag for each child
School is out, but the backpack is still a very useful tool. Before you head out the door, pack each child their own, personalized road bag. Fill the bag with specific toys, snacks, and gadgets to entertain the corresponding child.
Pack crayons and a notebook, and try challenging your kids to keep a journal of their experiences on the road. The end result will be a staple of your memories for the rest of your lives.
Bring lots of snacks and make them readily available
The most important part of keeping your children happy on a long road trip is the snacks. Without snacks, you’re doomed. You’ll never survive a 2-hour trip, much less an extended travel time, without snacks.
Include a diverse mixture of healthy snacks like raisins, carrots, granola bars, or grapes, and don’t forget the cookies and cheese nips. Drinks are also important. Water and juice are also two very important staples of a successful family road trip.
Get the right gadgets and apps
First things first, pack the chargers. No fancy gadget is helpful on a road trip without a way to recharge its power. Don’t forget to power your gadgets to a full charge before you hit the road.
Entertainment on the road is easier than ever in today’s technology-driven world. Pack the tablets, your smartphones, portable DVD players, and any other fancy gadgets you think you (and your kids) may need to survive the mundane moments.
Plan your trip with plenty of free time
It’s great to make specific plans for your summer road trip, but bringing the kids along requires a little different sort of planning. Make plans which includes time for extra potty stops and excessively cranky children.