Selecting a family trip can be a frightening challenge, not to mention an exercise in patience. But if you prepare beforehand, the holiday can be one of the most remarkable times of your family's life.
These are a few fast and simple tips for making your family trip an enjoyable and relaxing one.
First, make a tick list of things you will need. This will include first aid kit, food, snacks, drinks, and heaps of toys, coloring books, paper and crayons, a movable DVD unit so your kids can see their favourite movies ; and of course a cooler to keep food and drinks cool. A smart idea is to ask the kids what enteraining things they want to take, within limits of course.
Make sure that the munchies are healthy in nature. Snacks with too much sugar can have the kids rebounding off the car seats. Remember, this is a calming family holiday and you want to avoid the kids becoming bored or continually asking you when you're going to get there.
Check at some kids websites to get some games for the road that you and the kids can do on the way. There are a variety of puzzles and word searches also.
In addition, if you have very young children you will need to take the nappy bag and wipes for the occasional spills, blankets and pillows if necessary and a fave toy or stuffed animal for the little ones is a smart idea also.
2nd, choose the place you want to visit and then contact AAA to book. Ask for the scenic route, one that is far more calming and pleasing to the eye, particularly the driver!
3rd, as you check out the intended route you may wish to check online to locate gas stations along the way that offer the least expensive gas. Also if there are any points of interest along the route mark them on the map and plan to stop at these sites.
Fourth, while on the road make sure that you have pit stops frequently. This will allow the youngsters to run around and let off some steam, while allowing the adults to stretch and reenergize. Bring along a soccer or football ball so the entire family can enjoy some sports and get some exercise.
Ultimately, it is critical that safety concerns are addressed. This includes having the automobile checked at your local mechanic or petrol stand. Make sure that the oil and filter are changed ; the tires are properly inflated ( do not forget the spare tire, too ) ; the windshield wipers are changed ( if necessary ) ; and the vehicle is in first-class condition before heading out.
In addition, you may wish to lug these items along in your trunk : a lawn chair, extra blanket, emergency road kit, umbrellas, water, flashlight and batteries, a battery powered radio, and windscreen wiper cleaner. In the glove box keep a first aid kit and telephone charger. Put all medications in a plastic bag in the glove box also.
Another good idea is to take an inventory of telephone numbers that includes the hotel or motel where you are staying as well as those of friends and family you could need to contact.
If you enjoy scrapbooking, this trip might be an ideal opportunity to add new treasures to your scrap book. As you make stops at some scenic sites, ask the kids to search out an item they want to put in the scrapbook. Or if the kids point out something along the path that they find fascinating, take a n image of it to incorporate in the scrapbook too.
Engage the youngsters in the decision-making, age suitable, and allow them to choose what they want to take from home. Have them pack their garments ( check the suitcases thereafter ) so they feel part of the final experience. Planning ahead of time for a family trip will save some time, stress, and money. And the youngsters will like this journey, too!
Billy Bobb is an avid traveler and citizen of the world. He's a geography nerd and can study maps for hours on end. His blog
Free Printable Maps features maps and travel destination profiles such as
world map of fault lines.
