It can be really exhausting to log extensive miles on the car for everybody who is sick and tired of being cooped up, ranging from active preschoolers to cranky babies and uncomfortable pregnant women. We have compiled this useful guide on how to survive road trips without the meltdowns.
Safety First
Before heading out on the road, make sure that the car seat for your child is properly installed (almost 3 out of 4 are not). You can always call on a how to survive road trips if you aren’t sure. Pack car safety equipment, like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and lots of water.
Consider your seating arrangements
If you don’t own a minivan and have multiple children, think about renting one. Make sure to reserve it far in advance, particularly during the summer. It will give you more space for packing your gear and increased flexibility when it comes to where everyone will be sitting inside the vehicle.
Pack strategically
Pack all of your items so that you will have easy access to them while you are out on the road. That way you won’t need to dig around in your suitcase for things. Keep hats, jackets and outdoor supplies such as mosquito repellent and sunscreen inside of a bag in the cabin of the car. If you are headed towards a warm climate, then back your towels and swimsuits inside of a beach bag so that you are ready in case you find a great place to swim along the way.
Sync driving with your routines
When you are planning out your drive time, consider when your children usually sleep and eat. For example, you may want to leave right before lunch and allow the kits to eat inside of the car. Then they can take their nap while you are driving. Some parents take their pajama-clad children and buckle them into their car seats and head out right at bedtime. That can work as long as you aren’t too tired driving late at night, and you are sure that your kids will stay asleep. You might end up having a toddler who is wide awake at midnight if your plan backfires.
Split your driving responsibilities
If there is another adult traveling with you, then one of you can drive and the other one can be responsible for rotating toys, telling stories, and distributing snacks. It’s nice if there is room for an adult to sit in the back seat. It can help to ward off fights, and you also can offer toys and snacks or help with sticker books and other car activities.
Pack plenty of snacks
Make sure to have lots of snacks and drinks on hand. Food that does well with traveling includes O-shaped cereal, granola bars, bagels, and pretzels. Take an insulated bag for perishables such as yogurt and string cheese. Also, travel to Clearwater by party bus is an another option.
Road trip tips
Food – If your road trip includes a baby, your mealtimes should be planned for when your infant is alert and awake. Be sure to select bab-friendly locations. When the weather allows, it is a lot more relaxing for your baby to be able to roll around on a nice blanket at a rest stop or park than trying to keep him quiet inside of a restaurant. If you are traveling with older kids and toddlers, look for child-friendly restaurants using your tablet or phone. Search for a restaurant that has an outdoor area so that your kids can play and also color their menus. Take toys with your to keep your little ones entertained or play games like “I Spy.” There are many restaurants that offer free or discounted kids’ meals, so be sure to ask for the children’s menu.
Prepare to stop
You will need to make stops along the way. What’s nice about road trips is you can pull off and get out anytime you want. If you have younger kids and toddlers that you are traveling with, don’t go more than a couple of hours without stopping.
Leave a Reply