A family road trip can be a great experience for everyone involved, especially if it happens to be a thrill-seeking adventure on the open road. For that experience to be as pleasant and stress-free as possible, there are some things you can do in advance of leaving on your trip to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Here are some useful tips for planning and embarking on a family road the will make sure your journey is a safe and happy one.
Consider Getting A Motorhome
If you’re going to be spending a significant amount of time on the road and want to comfortably accommodate everyone in your party, consider renting or buying a motorhome. Not only will it provide some additional comfort, but you’ll also have more control over some of the amenities that come with a motorhome since most companies that lease or sell them offer options such as exterior entertainment systems or roof-mounted satellite dishes.
Since there are many different kinds of motorhomes available on the market, each with varying prices and amenities, make sure to browse motorhomes for sale, before making a final decision to get an idea of what might be best for your needs. Traveling in a motorhome will surely be a life-changing experience for the whole family that might as well turn into a lifelong tradition.
Pack Smartly
Before setting off on your trip, make sure you do a thorough and smart packing job. It’s important to pack enough clothes for everyone at the party, but also keep in mind that you’re going to be seeing a lot of beautiful places on your travels. Bring camera gear and plenty of memory cards, battery packs, and chargers for all electronic devices used by the people in your group (this is especially important if anyone has an iPad or phone with limited storage).
Make sure to pack enough snacks and drinks for each person traveling with you, as well as any medication they might need. Since car seats are mandatory for children who ride in cars, don’t forget to bring them along and set them up properly before either beginning or continuing your journey down the road.
Make A Planning Checklist
No one wants to waste time during their road trip by having to constantly stop and figure out what needs to be done next. That’s why it’s helpful to make a planning checklist before you even leave, ensuring that everything from packing your vehicle with supplies to making sure everyone knows their way to the Grand Canyon is taken care of ahead of time.
Having a list also means that you can delegate specific tasks to different members of your family, ensuring that everyone has a role and feels involved in the journey. You can even add some fun and personalization to the list by giving each person a task they can do on their own, such as taking one of the stuffed animals on an outing or decorating the inside of the car with stickers.
This is not only a great opportunity for you to teach kids how to be responsible and get involved in family activities, but it will also give them something else to look forward to during the trip.
Map Out The Route In Advance
Although spontaneous road trips can be a lot of fun, it’s always a good idea to map out the route in advance so that everyone knows where they’re going. This is especially important if you have kids with you, as they’ll likely get antsy if they don’t know what’s coming next.
Not only will mapping out the route well before your family trip help keep everyone calm and organized, but it will also give you an idea of how much time you’ll need to reach your destination. You might even find some interesting attractions or restaurants to visit along the way by looking online beforehand and adding them to your map for the ultimate pre-road trip planning experience.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is In Good Condition
Before hitting the open road, it’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle is in good condition and ready for a long drive. Take the time to go through every part of your vehicle, from triple-checking that all lights and signals are working properly on the exterior to making sure each seat is clean and comfortable on the inside. It’s also a smart idea to get your oil changed or tune-up anything that might be amiss before you leave so there aren’t any surprises along the way.
If you’ve decided to travel with your motorhome, be sure to do a detailed walk-around of the vehicle before departing to make sure everything is in proper working order, including the generator and appliances. By taking care of any potential problems beforehand, you’ll avoid any nasty surprises (and headaches) down the road.
Be Flexible With Your Plans Along The Way
Although it’s good to have a general idea of what you’d like to do on your road trip, it’s also important to be flexible with your plans. Things may not always go according to plan, so be prepared for things to change as you go.
This could mean anything from deciding to spend an extra day at a particular destination because everyone is having a great time, to altering your route altogether if someone in your group gets sick or there’s a traffic jam that delays you significantly. The best part about being flexible is that it allows for a certain level of spontaneity and surprise that can make any road trip more memorable.
Eat And Sleep Properly Along The Way
Road trips are a lot more enjoyable when everyone gets enough rest and eats properly along the way. Depending on how long your journey will be, make sure there are scheduled periods during which everyone can get some sleep.
A good rule of thumb is to stop every few hours for an extended break so that everyone can get some shut-eye. It may also be helpful to bring pillows, blankets, and snacks along the way, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Making sure everyone is well-rested will ensure that they stay in high spirits throughout the journey, which makes any road trip more enjoyable for all involved.
Planning a family road trip can be both exciting and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. By taking the time to map out the route beforehand and make other arrangements, you’ll find that heading off on an unforgettable journey with those that you love is far easier than you might think. Just make sure to keep these tips in mind before setting off and you’ll have an amazing time enjoying the open road!
