The family road trip is alive and well in 20212 We recently returned from a great trip to South Dakota. Prior to our trip I thoroughly researched the top travel tips and tricks to having a better family road trip. Here are 15 tips to having a more enjoyable and less stressful kid friendly road trip.
Tip #1: Plan for light calorie intake while driving.
Carbs may give you brief boosts of energy, but you are better sticking with protein sources such as beef sticks to avoid a food coma. Bring your favorite source of caffeine for that extra boost of energy.
Tip #2: Listen to your favorite podcast or book.
There are some amazing mystery and crime podcasts that are binge-worthy and will keep you listening. You can also listen to episodes of Dateline or 20/20 via audio version. This helps the time pass very quickly.
Tip #3: Watch your gas take levels.
Speaking of time passing quickly, you may consider setting a timer to remind you to refill your gas tank. Once you get rolling and the time is flying by, you may be surprised to see the gas light come up. (Yes, I’m speaking from experience.) You don’t want to run out of gas in a remote area.
Tip #4: Charger for all!
Make sure everyone has their own device charger. Yes, this seem like a no brainer, but in the past we have shared charging cords without issue. This may become an issue on a longer trip because the driver is using the phone for directions and everyone else may be watching their favorite show or listening to music. I suggest purchasing a Twin USB charger which you can plug into your 12V socket (cigarette lighter.) Our vehicle also has one near the back hatch so we ran two 6 foot cords to the back seat for the kids. No more fighting over chargers!
Tip #5: Get a hands-free phone mount.
A hands-free mount will keep your phone in one secure place so you aren’t fumbling with your phone while you are driving. I used a magnet type mount which can be attached securely to your CD player, there the are those that attach to the AC/Heat vents or suction to your window.
Tip #6: Invest in noise -cancelling headphones for the passengers.
Tip #6: Invest in noise -cancelling headphones for the passengers.
These paid for themselves in dividends. Everyone could listen to their own shows/podcasts/books without distractions and the driver and even listen via the car speakers without distracting the passengers.
Tip #7: Use a GPS program, such as Waze.
Waze utilizes real-time travel data to warn you of accidents or traffic backups. It is also more up-to-date than your vehicle navigation. It will warn you of vehicles on the side of the road or police ahead. Waze also pairs with multiple different music apps so that your music can be controlled within the Waze. Find out more by going to: www.waze.com/waze
Tip #8: Pre-plan your snacks.
Tip #8: Pre-plan your snacks.
My wife and daughter pre-planned our snacks. They first individually bagged smaller portions, then placed those bags into larger gallon sized Ziplock bags and labeled them for each person. Pre-planning means you can choose healthier snacks and you will pay much less at the grocery store than at the gas station. Also, have a small cooler for quick grab items and a larger one in the back for items which you plan to place into the hotel room refrigerator.
Tip #9: Bring a microfiber towel and a lint roller.
Yes, I’m a clean freak about my vehicles, but I promise you will find these useful even if you aren’t a clean freak. It doesn’t take long for bugs to cover your windshield. The towel can be used to wipe windows after washing windows at the gas station—you know those edges where the dirty water tends to cling? Clean windows are super important on a trip, especially when there is a lot of scenery, so that everyone can see through crystal-clear glass. The lint brush can be used to pickup crumbs on the floor and takes less space than a mini vacuum, although if your children are especially messy or very young, it may be worth bringing a small rechargeable vacuum.
Tip #10: Keep the cold-blooded people happy.
My wife is ALWAYS cold. And my daughter in the back seat is always HOT. So when we crank up the A/C, you can imagine the thermostat war that ensures. Avoid the war, and bring a nice, cozy blanket for the cold-blooded person in your life. I considered even a heated blanket, but I was not able to find a 12V powered blanket that seemed reliable, so we stuck with a good old-fashioned cozy blanket.
Tip #11: Bring a jacket or favorite sweatshirt.
Yes, everyone says to bring a jacket, but in the middle of June?! We found ourselves freezing one evening at Mt. Rushmore and this required purchase of sweatshirts for several of us—at souvenir shop prices. Save some money and bring a jacket or your favorite sweatshirt. Often the temperatures can change drastically in the evenings.
Tip #12: Check your vehicle brakes before you go!
When you travel to any region with a lot of hills or mountains, you will require more use of your brakes than you ever do in your home region. You do not want to be stuck replacing brakes on one of your vacation days. Everyone will be disappointed.
Tip #13: Bring a cot or air mattress.
Save money on a room, by bringing a cot or air mattress. We purchased one from a garage sale a month prior to our trip. It served its purpose well and my son preferred the cot over the bed.
Tip #14: Be flexible.
Yes, planning is super important, but don’t be so stuck to the schedule that you aren’t willing to change things up. Some of our favorite things were last minute stops or places that were recommended by other travelers.
Tip #15: HAVE FUN!
Family vacations can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. Planning will make your time more enjoyable and avoid conflict or crisis while you are traveling. Take pictures and videos so that you can make an epic slideshow to share with family and friends when you return. And turn off the devices once you reach your destination. This time together is priceless and you will look back fondly on these moments for years to come.
What did I miss? Comment below and tell me your best tips! I would love to hear from you.
