Kiddipedia
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road with your family, trading the stresses of daily life for an exhilarating adventure on wheels. Whether it’s an impromptu weekend adventure or a carefully charted-out cross-country journey, road trips are a special way to travel and a fantastic way to create memories that last a lifetime.
However, as many adventure-loving parents would know, road trips with kids can turn sour in a hurry without some well-thought-out planning. Packing smart and ensuring you’ve got everything you need can make all the difference between a trip to remember and a stressful ordeal that makes you want to pull your hair out. The good news is that we’re here to guide you on everything you need to make that next road trip a smashing success.
To accompany our road trip survival guide, here are some must-have road trip essentials for families who love to travel.
1. Secure a Suitable Vehicle for Your Trip
The most crucial aspect of any successful road trip is — quite obviously your car! Thankfully, even if your current family vehicle isn’t suitable for long haul treks, Sydney families still have the option to hire a car just for their road trip. For families looking to hit the open road on a regular basis, however, it may end up being more cost-effective to look into car loans that allow you to purchase a modern car (with modern safety features) without having to cut too deep into your savings.
Whatever you do, however, don’t settle for a vehicle you know may end up being uncomfortable or perhaps even unsafe. Choosing the right car is super important, especially when you’ll be driving through a variety of terrains and in all types of weather. If your journey includes off-road detours or rough terrains, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is equipped with the appropriate features, such as all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and durable tires. The last thing you want is for your car to break down mid-journey, so choose wisely!
Your vehicle should also ideally fit your family, in addition to having enough space for all the luggage that you will be carrying and of course, offer enough room for everyone to feel comfortable during those long trips. Minivans and large 4×4 SUVs are really popular amongst road-trip loving families for this reason. That being said, the most suitable car for your family might depend on other factors like the distance you plan to cover and the type of roads you’ll be travelling on.
But size isn’t the only thing that’s important. When you’re travelling thousands of kilometres, fuel economy is a major factor to consider. With fuel prices constantly on the rise, a car that guzzles petrol can quickly turn an affordable road trip into an expensive one. This is where hybrids or vehicles with smaller engines can really be a game-changer, saving you money and reducing the number of stops you need to make.
2. Use the Right Navigation Tools
Even with smartphones and Google Maps, you still need to have reliable navigation tools when you embark on a family road trip. We all love our digital maps, but it’s important to remember that they’re not always reliable — dead zones with no service, low battery, or faulty GPS could lead you round in circles until 2 am.
So, what’s the solution? Well, it all boils down to investing in a reliable GPS device that offers offline navigation. Some options include Garmin and TomTom, which are designed specifically for road trips. They also offer features like real-time traffic updates, alternate routes, and points of interest, which can be really handy when exploring unfamiliar territories.
Additionally, having a backup in the form of a physical road map is also a smart move. A detailed map is a must — it may be old-fashioned, but tech does fail. Maps can also add a sense of adventure to your journey, allowing you to explore scenic byways or surprise destinations that would otherwise go overlooked.
3. Comfortable Seating & Entertainment For The Kids
Long hours on the road can be tough on everyone, especially kids. So, in order to keep those “are we there yet” questions and cranky tantrums at bay, creating a comfortable and entertaining environment in your vehicle will make all the difference.
Start with the basics: make sure your seats are supportive and that there’s plenty of legroom for stretching out. Seat cushions, neck pillows and blankets are also a great addition, as they can reduce discomfort, especially on longer drives. Remember, this applies to both kids and adults, so be sure to consider everyone’s needs when setting up the car.
Next, it’s time to think about entertainment. Audiobooks and podcasts can be great for everyone, providing hours of entertainment that could lead to lively discussions. For those travelling with toddlers, tablets with movies, games or educational apps can be a godsend. Older kids, on the other hand, may prefer reading e-books or playing on handheld gaming devices.
Additionally, traditional road trip games such as I Spy or 20 Questions (or simply making the driver sing their favourite songs aloud), will keep boredom at bay and provide a bonding experience for everyone.
4. Pack Plenty Of Snacks & Hydration
It goes without saying that a road trip wouldn’t be complete without some good ole’ snacks. Snacks are a great way to ensure that no one turns into a “hangry” monster, which can quickly sour the road trip experience.
So, pack plenty of snacks that will appeal to everyone such as granola bars, fresh fruit, trail mix and even a few sweet treats to keep spirits high (but of course, don’t go overboard on the lollies and chocolates because the last thing you want is for your kids to be bouncing off the car walls thanks to a sugar high). Having your snacks already portioned out into either small bags or containers will reduce messes and make it easier to just grab on the go with fewer stops!
Hydration is equally important, especially on those longer drives. Dehydration can quickly lead to fatigue and irritability, which are all things you want to avoid when you’re stuck in a car for hours on end. Pack plenty of water bottles and insist everyone drinks frequently. Spill-proof lids are a must for easy drinking on the go and reusable water bottles keep waste to a minimum.
It’s also a good idea to pack your snacks and drinks in a cooler or esky, especially if you’re embarking on a Summer road trip. This will ensure that everything is kept nice and cold, without needing to make stops regularly. Plus, a well-stocked cooler can serve as an extra layer of comfort, knowing that you’re prepared for whatever cravings might strike along the way.
5. Car & Travel Emergency Supplies
Emergency preparedness is essential for any travel, especially when you’re on the road. It all starts with a well-stocked first aid kit complete with things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relief and any prescription medications that you or your family members may need. This way, should anyone accidentally injure or hurt themselves, you’ll have everything you need to keep them comfortable.
On top of first aid supplies, however, you should also carry a car emergency kit which should include essentials like jumper cables, a tire repair kit, flares or reflective triangles, and a basic toolset. These items can be lifesavers if you experience a breakdown or minor accident in a remote area. The last thing you want is to be stranded and unable to help yourself.
In addition to these, remember to pack spare batteries, chargers, power banks and other items such as flashlights and portable phone chargers. These will ensure that your devices stay powered, especially if you’re relying on them for navigation or communication in an emergency. Having a couple of blankets or an emergency thermal blanket can also be beneficial, especially if you are travelling in cold temperatures.
Being prepared for the unexpected not only gives you peace of mind but also ensures that you’re able to handle any situation that might arise during your road trip.
6. Bring Along Personal Comfort Items
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of creature comforts. Whether it’s a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, a travel blanket, sunscreen, or even a cute stuffed animal that will keep your little ones in high spirits, personal comfort items are key to a successful family road trip.
These small, thoughtful additions can make the journey more enjoyable for everyone, including the family pet, if you’re travelling with dogs or other furry friends in tow. Whether you’re packing soft toys, snuggly blankets, or noise-cancelling headphones (a necessity for parents and kids alike!), these simple comforts tucked away into your car can help everyone stay happy and relaxed, making your family road trip a more memorable and enjoyable experience.
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And there you have it — everything you need to make your next family road trip one that the crew will remember for years to come! By focusing on safety, comfort and a few key essentials, you can hit the open road with confidence.
So buckle up, embrace the journey, and enjoy every mile along the way!
