Many parents have the best intentions to travel and enjoy adventures with their children, but sometimes, stressful journeys can make planning the next break a less appealing prospect. If you love to go on road trips, and you want to make getting to your destination hassle-free, here are some essential tips.
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Invest in a reliable car
There’s nothing more frustrating than planning a road trip to have to cancel or postpone as a result of mechanical issues or a fear of not making it to your destination. If you like to hit the open roads and organise spontaneous trips with your family, it’s beneficial to make sure that your car is up to the job. If your vehicle is coming to the end of its life, you need more space to accommodate new members of the family, or you don’t feel confident driving long distances, it could be time to start looking for a replacement. Set a budget, browse different makes and models and think about what kinds of features or benefits are most important to you. When driving with kids in the car, safety is a priority and you may also wish to look for interactive entertainment options like those available from Audi, a large boot and plenty of space in the back to get children in and out of car seats and boosters easily. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a brand new car, you could look at used vehicles or consider options like contract hire or PCP (personal contract purchase), which enable you to pay monthly.
Make use of technology
Technology plays an integral role in enhancing vehicle safety and increasing comfort, but it can also make a difference when it comes to entertainment and having fun on your car journey. Children can now watch TV shows and films while they’re in the car, and you can also use technology to make calls to catch up with friends and family en route, play music and create your own bespoke playlists and listen to podcasts.
Plan your route in advance
If you’re driving long distances with children, it’s crucial to make sure that there are places to stop and to plan your route so that you know where you’re going and how to get to your destination. You’ll need to stop frequently for loo or nappy change breaks and to stretch your legs and have something to eat and drink, and you might also need to top up your tank. Plan where you’re going to stop and check traffic before you set off. You don’t want to sit in huge queues for hours with restless little ones in the back. Where possible, it’s best to avoid peak times and to try and set off early in the morning and in the evening.
Keep everyone fed and watered
Most parents will know all-too-well that being ‘hangry’ is a thing when you’re a child. Before you leave home, make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks with you to keep tantrums at bay.
Travelling with kids can be great fun, but often, getting to a destination is stressful. If you’re planning a road trip, or you’re going to visit friends or relatives who live far away, take these tips on board for a pleasant, trouble-free journey.