The run-up to a long family road trip can be filled with dread or excitement, depending on how well your preparation has gone. Rather than muddle on by, we’d like to offer you some words of wisdom, so continue reading to ensure that your road trip goes well rather than badly.
Route
Preparing your route before setting off, even just roughly, is imperative. This way, you will be able to factor in all of the attractions you’d like to visit, and also book accommodation, such as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts or even campsites, along the way. Not only will this make you feel more organized, but it will also support you in checking for roadworks and other interruptions in advance that may cause you to need to alter your plans slightly. Of course, it is vital to anticipate that even with no roadworks, it is unlikely that you will be able to stick firmly to an itinerary given that we all find things we want to spend longer investigating along the way. This way, despite wishing for you to be organized, we also advise you to leave some things open to allow you to make up your minds at the last minute.
Vehicle
When traveling a significant distance, it is essential that you have the right vehicle to transport both you and your belongings. While your day-to-day car might treat you brilliantly, there is no telling what might happen when you are hundreds of miles away from home. If you have no other option, ensure that you do all of the usual checks, such as oil, washer fluid, headlights, and general tire wear and tear.
Alternatively, you could research hiring a car. This way, you can choose your specific requirements and also something larger than you would normally have, allowing enough space for luggage. Just don’t forget your strap tie downs to ensure everything is safe and sound. Of course, car hire does come at a cost, but there are many advantages to this decision, too.
Finally, you may wish to decide to take a motorhome with you. This will save you money when it comes to accommodation and you will not have to worry too much about sticking rigidly to a timetable.
Luggage
Packing the right things is essential for a long road trip. You will be on the road for a good proportion of your vacation time, so it is best to make sure you have everything you need. Consider snacks for the journey, especially if you have kids, as well as drinks. Although air con is great, it can be costly to have on constantly, so consider investing in a plug-in cool box in which you can keep bottles of water and items of food which need refrigeration.
You may be traveling solely through hot, humid states and expect to need just a selection of summery clothes. However, we always recommend packing a range of garments as you never know quite when the weather will turn. Layers are great and don’t forget your waterproofs.
Entertainment
Long journeys often result in boredom, grouchiness and arguments aplenty. To try to combat this, ensure you have plenty in the way of entertainment planned, and we do not mean just devices, such as tablets and DVD players. Although these do have a place, constant use is not advisable. Consider a checklist of things to see along the way. You can even get an I-spy on a road trip book, which is fantastic for younger children. Games that you can play as a family can spark interest, too. Go through the alphabet naming things you can eat, things you can wear, things you can do and things you can see out of the car window.
Meals
Finally, we advise you to think carefully about the meals you will eat along the way. Of course, we already recommended snacks, but you cannot live off chips and candy alone, so substantial food ought to be taken into account. Depending on your budget, you could grab food for your breakfast, such as croissants and fruit, sandwiches for lunch and then eat an evening meal in a restaurant. Alternatively, if you are booked into a hotel, you may be able to get two meals catered for you there. Whatever you do, ensure that you do not leave it too late in the day because feeling hangry is real and not something you wish to encounter, especially not trapped in a vehicle with the rest of your family.