If you’re planning a family car journey, remember to plan for your kids’ travel needs — for your sake as well as theirs. Children can quickly grow bored, restless and uncomfortable on long drives, spoiling the trip for everyone.
With this simple, six-point plan shared by Resort Save, you can keep them happy all the way. If you’re heading out on a touring holiday, these tips will see you through.
1. Keep your kids comfortable
When packing up the car, allow plenty of elbow and leg space for your kids, and make sure they can see out of the side and front windows. Dress them in soft, loose-fitting clothes for the drive, with layers to take off or put on as wanted. Limit food and drink beforehand, especially fizzy drinks and fatty foods, to minimize the chance of tummy aches and restroom breaks. Bring bottles of fresh tap water and light snacks to supply sparingly between your meal stops. Before driving off, check the ventilation and temperature from the children’s seats, adjusting fans, vents and sun visors as needed. Fresh air will keep the kids fresh too.
2. Let them find the way
Children love to be useful, so let yours help you find the way. Call out names of towns or streets for them to look out for, or ask them to listen out for your satellite navigation instructions, in case you miss them. This will keep them involved and interested in the journey. If you’re going on holiday, discuss your special destination and the wonderful things you’ll find there.
3. Play screen-free games
Computer games on car rides can induce headaches and nausea, as can reading, writing and any activity that involves close viewing, so keep these for your arrival. The children will be quite content with traditional family games, such as counting cars of a certain color or guessing an object that one of you is thinking of. For a splash of hilarity, try a silence challenge: who can stay quiet the longest, with no talking, giggles or squeaks? This contest gets funnier with every repeat.
4. Watch the world go by
A journey is a chance to see new things, so encourage your youngsters to look out at the changing scenery. Help them identify animals, spot interesting features and share opinions about the places you pass. Ask questions along the way to keep them interested. What could that truck be carrying? Who can see the sea in the distance?
5. Have a singsong
Ask the children to teach you a song they’ve learned at school. They’ll love playing teacher, and the music will relax them. Then, after their song, how about some family favorites? Get the atmosphere swinging! Clap the rhythm (unless you’re driving), try some harmonies or make up a special verse about the trip. But remember to take plenty of easy-listening music with you too.
6. Take frequent breaks
Have plenty of stops for leg-stretches, fresh air and restroom needs. Freshen up the car too, by opening all the doors and windows. When you get back in, suggest your children swap seats for a change of outlook.
Whoever is driving will need to focus on the road, of course, but if you’re a passenger, you can join in all the entertainments. Your involvement will help keep the games going and make the journey even more fun for your kids. Maybe, after all that chat and laughter, they’ll fall asleep for the last mile!
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