Are you planning on a trip this summer to sunny Spain or burgundy France? Or perhaps you booked a fly and drive through Florida? Then you’re sure to be doing a bit of driving with the kids in the backseat. Surely this can all go very well but sometimes it doesn’t go exactly as planned. With these tips you’re sure to make that long road trip with kids a lot easier;
10 tips for a long road trip with kids
Preparing is everything!
Preparing for a long road trip with kids is very important. Tell the kids you’re going on holiday, tell them where you’re going, all the fun stuff you’ll be doing and that it’s going to be a long drive. This way they can get used to the idea already. You can even show them the route you’re going to take on a map so they get an idea of the distance they’re about to travel. Always be sure to take the right stuff with you! This packing list for a roadtrip comes in very handy!
Take frequent stops
When you’re driving long distances it’s very important that you take frequent stops. Preferably every 2 hours, even if it’s just to stretch your legs. For baby’s in a maxi cosi it’s equally important to stretch every once in a while. Take a blanket with you and lay the little one down on its back or tummy during your stop.
Car games; I spy with my little eye…
Car games! Who didn’t play them? Think of all those long trips you’ve taken playing I spy a 100 times, making words out of license plates 50 times or counting car colours at least 25 times. Would you like to know how often we played “I spy” during long road trips? In a research done by Auto Europe you can find all kinds of interesting facts about car trips and the behavior of Dutch people on the road.
Our favourite gadget, the iPad
That’s right, we’re big fans of the iPad. Just load it up with films, shows, puzzle games and other games and you’re sure to have a couple of hassle free driving hours. Don’t forget to check if the video’s/games are available offline.
Car sick, oh no!
Floris and Lotte both get car sick. Floris looks like he’s outgrowing it a little but Lotte still complains a lot in the car. Luckily she doesn’t throw up (Floris has probably done that for the both of them ;). From the age of 2 they’re allowed a quarter primatour, a pill against car sickness. This really helps the both of them!
Road snacks
A long road trip with kids should not start without a bag full of treats. Besides sandwiches for the kids, think of pieces of apple, strawberries, grapes, cucumbers, carrots, soup stalks, rice waffles and crackers for example.
Old fashioned window stickers
You may have to search a bit but you’re sure to find them somewhere. I ordered mine online: window stickers! Our kids love them. They’re rather time consuming too: first you need to pluck them off the sheet (not an easy job) and then just let them create all kinds of wondrous scenes on your car window.
Don’t forget the headphones
Is the iPad coming along? Then make sure you don’t forget the headphones. Or perhaps you enjoy listening to the same show of Fireman Sam for 12 hours? To each their own. You can order special child headphones online.
Zzzzzzzzzz
When you’re about to take a long road trip with kids it’s a good idea to book a night somewhere halfway. That way the trip stays enjoyable for everyone and you’ll arrive fit and healthy at your destination the next day.
Don’t worry, be happy
That’s right, this goes for road trips too: relax… When you get all worked up and act stressed out, chances are your kids will get stressed too. So just relax! Stop the car when you need to, take it easy and make some time for ice-cream or a 10 minute game of hide and seek. Don’t forget your holiday has already started.
Need more tips? Check out this article of Your Parking Space.
And last but not least! Make sure to check this list for all other road trip essentials!
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This article is sponsored by Auto Europe
