Are we there yet? If that simple sentence makes your eye twitch, you’ve come to the right place.
Many parents don’t realize just how much work goes into a successful family road trip. You may have to look into a campervan hire Tasmania.
Whether you’re mid-trip or in the early planning stages, this list will help you achieve your best travel experience yet.
1. Have Your Kids Pack Activity Bags
You might like to think no one knows your kid’s favorite toys more than you, but when you forget Miss Pine — the pinecone they just can’t live without — you’ll wish you weren’t the one in charge of toy packing.
Avoid this future at all costs.
Give each of your kids a freezer bag or small bin, depending on the available room in the car.
Tell them they can bring whatever toys or activities they want as long they fit in the container.
You may want to help younger children so you know their choices will keep them busy and not make a huge mess.
2. Make a Road Trip Playlist
If you just can’t listen to Baby Shark one more time, plan ahead with a family-friendly road trip playlist.
Let each member of your family give you a list of their favorite songs, and let shuffle do the rest. Not knowing what type of music you’ll hear next is part of the adventure.
Another option is to let adults and older kids take turns being the DJ.
Just set some rules about what kinds of music are allowed, especially if younger kids are in the car.
You can also find premade playlists specific for families or road trips and see if you like them. If you want to fill the silence, but music isn’t cutting it anymore, try a podcast — there’s something for every interest.
3. Pack an Emergency Kit
A good emergency kit is so much more than first aid items.
Pack some survival essentials in case your car breaks down and leaves you stranded for a while. Some important things include extra drinking water, blankets, jumper cables and a flashlight.
Even though you don’t want to think about it, you should plan for the worst-case scenario.
Keep everyone’s basic information and a list of allergies in the glove box.
Also, include phone numbers of a few possible emergency contacts. This information could be vital in an emergency.
4. Practice for the Big Day
Your kids aren’t born knowing how to sit still for a 10-plus hour day in the car — and neither were you.
Give your kids the opportunity to practice being in the car for shorter periods.
Quick day trips a few hours away are an excellent start for young children.
Until your family can successfully make it through a shorter trip, you may want to wait to go further.
5. Lay Out Special Road Trip Rules
You’ve probably set some minimal ground rules for everyday travel, like going to school and running errands. However, a road trip is a whole different beast.
Sit down as a family and establish some rules everyone can agree will make the ride go more smoothly. Let each person give their input, knowing the adults get the final say.
Before heading out, remind everyone of the road trip rules, so they know the expectations.
6. Pack Plenty of Snacks
There’s possibly nothing more terrifying than a hangry kid. Odds are you’ve been there before — stuck in traffic with nothing but an old sticky cough drop that’s been on the floor for who knows how long.
Don’t let this be you.
Pack a variety of car-friendly treats for your trip and make more than you think you could possibly need. Be upfront with your kids about how snacking will work on the trip.
Will you let them snack whenever they want, or will they wait till certain times?
7. Plan to Spoil Your Kids
Kids love new things, and they hate sitting still for long periods. Work with both realities to have the most successful family road trip.
Depending on your budget, buy one or two toys your child has really been wanting and give them a toy partway through the long drive to help entertain them.
Alternatively, buy some smaller items from a dollar store and spread them throughout the trip.
8. Decide on Screen Time Expectations
How you handle screen time with your kids is entirely up to you.
There’s no right or wrong way to go about setting limitations. Some families don’t allow any screen time in the car at all, and others give their kids free reign.
Odds are you’ll probably end up somewhere in the middle.
However, the crucial part is that the adults agree beforehand, and the kids know the expectations. Having everyone on board will help you avoid tech disputes on the road.
9. Give Away Some Control
Kids thrive when they’re allowed to make choices, so involve them in as many as possible.
This list is full of ways to give away some of that control, like letting them pick their toys and snacks and getting their input for the car playlist and road trip rules.
They’ll be more invested in the journey if they help plan it.
However, your kids don’t need to be involved in every decision — that can lead them to extreme frustration and overwhelm.
10. Let Your Kids Be Bored
Even with the best planning, you won’t be able to keep your kids entertained all of the time. Quite honestly, that isn’t your job.
Also, some of the most imaginative play and fun comes out of boredom. Let your kids sit with it for a bit and see what amazing games or activities they come up with.
Road Trips Are an Opportunity
Your attitude about this road trip is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If you do nothing but worry about the kids getting in arguments or throwing tantrums, that will probably happen.
However, if you picture this trip as the beautiful bonding opportunity it can be, you’ll likely have a much better experience.
A little planning and foresight will help you make this the best family road trip you’ve ever had.