The summer is winding down. Do you have one last family summer activity planned? Maybe you don’t have anymore plans, but what if you did entertain the idea of a road trip? Consider doing something different this year! We all need vacation time to unplug and relax, but we don’t always have the ambition to do something new or different. There’s nothing like a road trip!
We all love the idea of getting away with our families, but here’s the thing about road trips – nobody enjoys being cooped up in the car for hours on end. Try not to focus on the negative, the confined space, or the long hours. Instead, get excited about the time you will spend as a family. Think about packing up the car, starting off in your hometown, and stopping at cute towns and exciting cities on the way to your end destination. I’ve also heard the idea of renting a car for the way to your destination and then flying home.
While that could be considered to be tip number one, I have more pointers for a successful time away with your loved ones. When you’re planning a road trip, you really do need to be prepared to ensure you have a good time. Think about the towns you want to stop at or the day trips you can add in while you are on your way to your destination. Let’s consider how you can not only survive a road trip, but really enjoy it! If you have at least a loose plan of things to do along the way, you can more fully enjoy your time away.
- Plan Your Stops
We lightly touched on this already, but you’re going to want to plan out your stops. While it may sound thrilling to wing it, remember, you have children – and being spontaneous may not be your best play! So, instead, think about the towns that you want to stop at or the day trips you want to take along the way. Keep plugging along to your final destination, but stop and have fun along the way.
- Save the Best for Last
As you’re planning those stops, make sure that you have a final destination in mind. While there may be lots of places that you want to stop along the way, be sure that you are working your way to a set destination. Take a look at the best USA vacation destinations and pick one out. May I make a shameless plug for Disneyland? That was our best summer road trip of 2018.
- Pack Carefully
Next up, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re being conscious of what you’re packing for the trip. This means for everyone. Think about what the weather will be like along the way to help you choose outfits. Will you need a swimsuit, towels, goggles, sunscreen? Also make sure that you have any games and toys that your kids will want for when you’re at each venue. Don’t forget sand toys if you’re hitting the beach!
- Pack the Car Carefully
You’re going to want to pack up the car well. You need to be able to be comfortable in the car and ensure everyone is safe. Make sure that you look at the best convertible car seats for the trip if you don’t have one, and maybe even some travel pillows or blankets. Make room for the snack bag near the middle of the car! Everyone needs to be able to reach that snack bag!
- Pack Snacks
Speaking of snacks, there are some really great road trip snacks you must try or buy along the way. This can stop whining quickly and ensure that nobody gets hangry! In our car, we know to keep the driver happy by filling him with snacks.
- Let Everyone Pick Out Something To Do
Something fun to consider for a trip is to let everybody pick out something that they want to do. Maybe it’s a city they want to see or an attraction they want to go to? Or maybe your husband wants to eat at a certain place or listen to his favorite podcast. Give everyone a choice in some part of your travels so that they feel part of the trip.
- Research the Restaurants
While we are on that topic of choices, you’re going to want to make sure that you think about the restaurants that you’re going to eat at. Make sure that you not only find the best restaurants on the way, but that you plan things out so you are stopping to eat around meal times.
- Choose Car Songs
Pick out the songs for the car before you go. We like to hit the library for some new tunes and audio books before a road trip. We made sure we had some Disney karaoke CD’s before our trip to Disneyland. Try to pick something that everyone will enjoy or take turns listening to everyone’s favorite.
- Pre-Plan Games
It’s inevitable that you’re going to be met with the screams of ‘I’m bored’, ‘Are we there yet?’, or even worse – backseat sibling fights. You need games, so come prepared. Think about the car games for kids that you can plan before you leave. Keep a list in your phone, pack up the physical games as you’re getting everything in the car, and make sure that each kid has their own devices loaded, charged, and with them for when they need them!
- Just Let Go
Lastly, one of the most important things that you can do, is to let go of the stresses that can overwhelm you. You could worry if you’re on the right road, if you’re going to get there on time, or if everyone has packed properly. Or, you can choose not to. Remember, you’re on vacation – so let go. Do not let these things get to you – don’t even begin to entertain stressful thoughts. At the same time, to enjoy invaluable peace of mind, it is best to prepare for the unexpected. This way, you can fully embrace and enjoy a family road trip this summer. For instance, cars break down and accidents do happen. In such cases, having contact with a reliable injury lawyer can ensure that you’re prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, reducing the stress and worry that often accompany travel. With the assurance of legal support, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones, exploring new destinations, indulging in quality time together, and savoring every moment of your adventure without hesitation. Enjoy your family, enjoy the delicious calories, and enjoy your time away! It’s vacation!
