Helpful Road Trip Tips for Families

Alexandra F. said:  Car games help to make the time on the road pass more quickly, and are a great way to engage with each other and create those special road trip memories! The alphabet game, the license plate game, categories, name that tune...be sure to have a few car games in mind to increase your chances of suggesting something everyone will be willing to play!

Shila said:  For a more confident drive, familiarize yourself with the directions and highway routes you plan to take. Take a peak at your GPS for any major traffic, road closures, detours, and weather ahead in order to best assess your intended plan. Although the roads can be unpredictable too, even a bit of advanced notice can help put more calm and control in the driver's seat. And that can make for a pleasant road trip!

Shila said:  One of the best tips for long road trips is making sure that your vehicle is in good driving condition to withstand an extended drive. For a safer ride, take your car in for a quick tune-up before departure. Check the tire pressure, motor oil levels, windshield wiper fluid, etc. To that, your vehicle should also have emergency resources packed to help with roadside issues (i.e., extra tire, jack, flashlight, etc.).

Kate Wille Murray said:  Put a complete outfit for each person in a bag and label the day. Pack all bags in larger bag. Pack a separate bag of extra shirts, shorts and undergarments.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  Each time we prep for a road trip, I rent an audiobook from our library’s online service. We’ve enjoyed some fantastic books together and it passes time!

Amy S. said:  By “things” I mean bowel movements. Long travel days in the car combined with less-than-healthy road trip snacks can lead to constipation in kids (and grown ups too). Make sure everyone stays regular by drinking lots of water, packing lots of fresh fruit and veggies (especially berries and pears), and stopping regularly for physical activity. It’ll spare your kids some serious discomfort, and spare you that particular anxiety of wondering when they will finally go and how hard it will be.

Amy S. said:  Although it can be tempting to consume your meals in the car to shorten travel times, we try to be ready to eat outside if the weather’s nice. We always have a big, thick blanket ready for picnics, along with reusable water bottles, napkins, and utensils. Whether we’re eating fast food or stuff we’ve packed for the trip, it’s nice to make a festive attempt at a family meal. Sometimes the kids abandon the picnic blanket to run or play on the playground, but we can relax while they move, so it’s still a win-win.

Kate Wille Murray said:  Pack separate bags for each stop to prevent bringing extra stuff into hotels for quick visits.

Alexandra F. said:  Buy a basic first aid kit or assemble your own to be ready for any unexpected surprises - and for additional peace of mind. Some extra items to consider adding could be duct tape, reflectors, a flash light, drinking water, blankets, and an umbrella or poncho.

Sarah Calamita said:  Kids of all ages will love this car seat tray! It is perfect to eat on, color on, play cars on and organize their toys. Makes travel so much easier (we even use it for quick trips around town, too!)