10 Tips for a Stress Free Road Trip with Kids

Are we there, yet? 10 tips for a stress-free road trip with kids

 

With a tight economy, many families will opt to hit the roads this summer instead of flying, but driving with kids can be especially challenging. Admit it: taking a long car trip with kids can drive you crazy. “Are we there, yet?” “I’m bored.” “He’s picking on me.” “I’m hungry.” And the list goes on. But with proper planning, the ride can be fun and relatively painless for all. Consider following a few important tips.
Here are 10 tips to ensure you have a fun, safe, and smooth trip.

1. Service your car. There is nothing worse than setting off on a road trip and breaking down along the way—especially on a hot day with kids in tow. Get your car checked out before you take off. Make sure fluids are topped off and tires properly inflated or purchase new tires if they are worn out. (See our guide to car maintenance and tire ratings.)
2. Plan properly. Before you even get in the car, plan your destination and route. A portable GPS device or smart phone navigation app can help guide you to your vacation spot, but always have paper map as backup. Try to drive during off-peak hours to avoid traffic or other delays. (Find the right GPS for you in our ratings.)
3. Check your car seats. As many as 80 percent of car seats may not be properly installed. Also, have your seat inspected to make sure it’s safe. Find a station near you at: http://www.seatcheck.org or http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm. The government recently updated the car seat guidelines to keep children rear-facing longer and keep older children in a seat to the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer. Also, make sure all children under 13 ride in the backseat.
4. Pack well. Loose items in the car can become dangerous projectiles in a crash. Secure all luggage and gear in the trunk or cargo area. If children are playing with toys, try to keep ones they are not using tucked away.
5. Bring all the necessities. Driving with kids means you need to make sure you have enough drinks and snacks, not just for the trip, but in case there is a problem and you are stuck on the road longer than expected. Also, don’t forget garbage bags, baby wipes, and paper towels, just in case.
6. Keep them entertained. Kids can get bored driving long distances, so prepare by bringing all types of music, movies, books, and games to keep them occupied. Apple iPads and smart phones can also be helpful and portable for keeping children busy. Be sure to grab any essential power cords and batteries, as well as head phones. Low-tech options include driving games such as I-Spy or looking for red cars or counting exits.
7. Connect to your location. Speaking of smart phones, there are some great apps for the co-pilot to use to plan where to stop for gas, food, or rest stops. My family uses the Android Places Directory, which searches for places to stop along your route and maps them out for you. There are also restaurant reviews linked up, as well. We found this app quite useful in planning where to eat, especially when avoiding fast food places right off the highway. There are other similar apps available.
8. Keep focused. Driving on a long trip can be very tiring. Avoid distractions and focus on the road, having the front passenger manage the children, navigation, and cell phone.
9. Take a break. It’s a good idea to stop every two hours for a stretch, bathroom break, and exercise to the get the blood flowing. Kids can especially benefit by running around, even for just a few minutes.
10. Know the laws in the states you are visiting, such as right turn on red rules and speed limits. And always buckle up.