For many families, there’s no better way to build lifelong memories than with a road trip. But, it can also be exhausting spending countless hours in the car on the way to your destination!
If you’re planning to pack up the kids for an adventure on the open road, keep these family road trip tips in mind to maximize your comfort until you arrive at your destination!
Choosing the Right Vehicle
It goes without saying that the right vehicle is going to make a big difference in your overall comfort level on a road trip.
So, if you’re in the market for a new car and plan on heading out on some road trips in the future, keep that in mind when choosing your vehicle!
It can smart to start your shopping process by exploring online vehicle auctions.
You’ll get the advantage of being able to browse available vehicles across the country, so you can compare pricing and features to get the best possible deal.
Being able to browse and place bids from the comfort of your own home offers unparalleled convenience, and many online auto auctions also let you tailor your search based on the type of vehicle and features you’re looking for.
Some features you’ll likely want to consider when choosing a comfortable road trip vehicle generally include generous cargo space, a roomy back seat, and a good entertainment system.
If you’re the type that likes getting off the beaten track, you’ll want to also consider all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive capabilities.
Finally, make sure to look for vehicles with high safety ratings. After all, you’ve got precious cargo aboard!
Use an Ergonomic Seating and Driving Position
One of the most overlooked ways to improve your comfort on a long road trip is simply adjusting your car seat properly.
Adjust the seat height until your hips are at least as high as your knees. Make sure you can still see the road
and the instruments, but make sure you are not so high so that you have to bend your head down or to the side in order to see.
Next, move your seat forward until you can reach the pedals easily while still keeping your back against the seat.
Tilt your seat back no more than 10-20 degrees, as this helps support your back without putting too much pressure on your spine.
Once you’ve adjusted your seat, you should have the optimal correct, upright posture: full back support with knees slightly bent and arms relaxed on the wheel.
For added comfort on long drives, consider adding a lumbar support cushion.
Plan Your Route with Care
With kids in the car, planning your route in advance is essential.
Use a GPS system or an app to help you plan the most efficient route for your trip. Remember to keep refueling stops in mind when planning your adventure!
Ideally, when you’re traveling with kids, you should also plan to stop for a short break at least every two hours. Take some time to stretch, walk around a bit, and have a rest outside the vehicle.
If you take some time to map your route in advance, you’ll be able to plan your rest stops at various scenic spots along the way, letting you make the drive to your destination part of your adventure!
Pack Smart
When packing up the car for a road trip, remember to think about items you’ll need on your trip, and those you won’t have to touch until you reach your destination.
It can be handy to let each child fill a backpack with the essentials they’ll want on the journey, which might include a blanket and travel pillow, travel board games, a good book, and a handheld gaming system.
And don’t forget toiletries! A container of wet wipes can be used for wiping down dirty faces and cleaning sticky hands, and a box of tissues should be a must-have on any long journey.
The rest of the luggage can be packed away in the trunk, ready to be pulled out when you reach your destination.
Consider In-Car Entertainment
To make your trip fun for the whole family, plan some in-car entertainment in advance!
Make some playlists of your family’s favorite tunes to listen to along the way, or download a family-friendly audiobook to enjoy together.
You could also consider bringing along a portable DVD player so that the kids can enjoy a movie in the back seat while you drive.
Bring Healthy Snacks and Hydration
Nothing spoils the mood of a family road trip faster than hunger. Make sure you’re ready to combat any “hangry” outbursts by stocking the car before you leave.
Good road trip snacks include easy-to-eat fruit like apples and oranges, granola bars, string cheese, and popcorn.
And make sure everyone has a water bottle to help ensure they stay hydrated! You can refill the bottles each time you stop for a break.
You may also want to consider bringing along a small cooler with juice boxes or chocolate milk for the kids.
Dress For Comfort
When you’re dressing for your trip, remember that you’ll be in the car all day. Comfort is key!
Dress everyone in loose-fitting, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Slip-ons are a great choice because kids don’t have to wear them in the car, but can put them on quickly during breaks.
Layers are also a good idea. After all, some prefer being warmer, and some prefer being cooler! Ensure everyone has a comfortable jacket or sweater they can use if they’re feeling chilly.
Prepare for Emergencies
Ideally, your family road trip will be a seamless experience from start to finish. But, if something does go wrong, you want to ensure you’re prepared.
Make sure you have a fully stocked emergency kit in the vehicle before you leave. Ideally, it should contain a first aid kit, flashlight, emergency repair tools, and jumper cables. A candle and matches are also essential if you’re traveling in winter.
Don’t forget to check all your fluid levels before leaving, and ensure your spare tire is in good repair.
Finally, consider getting a membership for a roadside emergency service to help ensure you’re protected if something goes wrong.
Stay Connected Safely
You don’t want to disconnect from the world completely on your road trip, but you also want to ensure you’re driving safely, without distractions.
If you need to answer a phone call, make sure you use a hands-free device to do so.
Set your destination into your GPS system before starting to drive, and load up your entertainment in advance, so you’re not fiddling with dials on the road.
If you’re keeping family members updated on your road trip progress, do so when you take those all-important rest breaks.
Start Out Well-Rested
Starting a long car ride when you’re tired and irritable is a recipe for disaster.
That’s why one of the top family road trip tips is to make sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep prior to starting your adventure.
It’s essential for you, as the driver, to be properly rested to ensure that you’re alert on the road. And, every parent knows that a long drive with a tired and grumpy child is no fun for anyone!
If you’re planning on an early morning start, plan for the whole family to get to bed early as well.
Conclusion
As long as you plan your route, packing, entertainment, and snacks in advance, there’s no reason your family road trip can’t be both fun and comfortable.
Take your time, go with the flow, and don’t stress any small mishaps. After all, getting to where you’re going is half the fun!