As parents we’ve all heard the question “Are we there yet, Dad…” usually as one passes your favourite fuel station within 10 minutes from home at the beginning of a long car trip!

You’ve worked hard all year; earned some leave; packed the car; secured the house; sorted the pool; kennelled the dogs; mowed the lawn and all the other hard work you have to do before being able to take a holiday. The day has dawned, and away you go, happy but probably a little stressed out as you drive your family to a holiday destination.

Who can blame the children in the back, you are driving which gives you something to do, your spouse has worked hard in the preparation and is quietly relaxing next to you, perhaps with a magazine, now what about the children, over stimulated by all the excitement and the anticipation of a holiday. Do you really expect them to sit back and relax for a few hours, I don’t think so.

Our family has tried the eye-spy route, car cricket, using the last numbers on oncoming registration plates; singing songs, good Ol’Macdonald, his farm has really come in handy sometimes and many other methods of keeping the children happy and smiling.

Eating ones way along the kilometres does work, a few crisps and a sweet or two will do little harm in moderation but as good parents this is not a great solution…here are a few travel and safety tips for your next driving holiday…

• Do your pre-trip safety checks well before departure, the service providers are all busy pre-season, don’t leave this to the last minute.
• Make regular stops, aside from the children it is a great way to stretch your legs, promote circulation and ensure your concentration levels are maintained.
• Drink lots of liquids, the non-alcoholic type. This gives you something to do and also helps maintain concentration.
• Try modern methods like an MP3; I-POD or other music sources, depending on the age of the children it does help them occupy their minds and their music choice might be different from yours.
• There are still many suitable roadside stops that one can have a small pic-nic with safety, if not, many small restaurants and farm stalls along the way offer lovely alternatives.
• Tell the children how long the trip is and keep them posted as to progress. No one, irrespective of age likes to be kept in the dark.

Our most important tip for travel at any time and in particular this December holiday is road safety. Travel long distance during day light hours only and obey every single rule of the road, most importantly stay within the speed limit and do not drink and drive.

It sounds a little boring and you’ve heard it before but it cannot be emphasized enough. “Are we there yet Daddy…” is a lot better than “What happened Daddy…”

About The Author
Alan Hawkins is the CEO of StaySA, http://www.staysa.co.za , The South Africa Accommodation Solution. Listings of Holiday Homes, Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses, etc.