Monday, May 16, 2011

How to Plan a Fun (and Safe) Family Road Trip


Are you planning a family road trip this summer? Maybe to a National Park, theme park or family reunion… Road trips can be great fun, but it can take a little more forethought and planning when you have a family. By putting these helpful hints into action, your family road trip can be full of fun and excitement wherever your destination may be!

Plan your route as a family. Yes, spontaneity is the spice of life, but when you have children, it’s better to prepare in advance. Go online or pick up a road map and decide as a family which route to take. See if there are any sites along the way that might be fun to stop at. Research what you want to see especially if it’s a historical site. It’s also wise to plan for an alternate route just in case of road closures or bad weather. If the trip will take multiple days, look online to find hotels or camp sites that you can stay at overnight and book them in advance.

Provide entertainment. A road trip can really drag without any entertainment. If your children do not get car sick, bring along books, magazines, and coloring books. Audio books can be great fun, especially if your children are older. Get input from your children about what music they would like to listen to...maybe have each member create their own play list. Another source of entertainment can be games. Click here for list of 27 games to play on a road trip for free. Portable DVD players are another entertainment option and don't forget to bring along earphones. For one last entertainment tip, plan for entertainment at the pit stops. Children have a lot of energy and a pit stop is a great time to get some of that energy released. A football/soccer ball, baseball and gloves, or even a game of tag will only take a few minutes and leave everyone feeling refreshed.

Bring snacks!!!! Kids get cranky when they are hungry...I guess adults do too. Pack plenty of snacks for everyone. Sliced fruit, string cheese, granola bars, and trail mix are easy options. Avoid high sugar food and drinks. Most importantly, bring plenty of water! I would also suggest packing a picnic lunch. It will give everyone a chance to get out of the car as well as guarantee a good meal which can be hard to find when you are on the road.

Establish ground rules for behavior. Before leaving the driveway, establish what type of behavior you expect of your children and the consequences that will ensue if they are not followed.

Put together an emergency kit. Make sure you have a well stocked first aid kit. Have a spare tire, jumper cables, and a tool kit for minor car repairs. Also include a flashlight, matches, and blankets. This tip is pretty obvious, but make sure you car is in good working condition way in advance so you have time to make necessary repairs before leaving.

Make it comfortable. Have each child bring their own pillow and blanket. Dress in layers so if the weather changes you will be prepared for warmth or cold.

Have fun! This is my favorite tip. Use this time together as a family to connect. Put the cares of the world away and focus on each other. These are memories that will last you a lifetime.

If you would like assistance planning your family road trip or need someone to keep an eye on your home in the Silicon Valley while you’re away contact Simplify for more information.

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