Traveling with the whole family in tow can be stressful. If you’re heading out on the open roads this spring - or taking advantage of the upcoming bank holidays - then there’s a good chance that you’ll be traveling with a car full.
But there are a few things that you can do to make these longer trips a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable for everyone involved. Let’s take a look at some of the best hacks to try out.
Give yourself more time
If there’s one thing that can make things easier on a longer journey it’s a little more time. Even giving yourself an extra half an hour of breathing space can reduce stress and ensure that you’re not going to be rushing if you have to make an unexpected stop.
It also means that you’ve got the freedom to pause if you see something exciting - you pull over, check it out and still make your destination on time.
Don’t forget snacks!
Snacks are your best friend on a long road trip with kids. You don’t have to go to town on a shop’s confectionery aisle, either, as you could always pre-make food at home in readiness for the trip.
Just remember that flakier snacks - like flapjacks or crisps - will most likely result in a lot of hoovering work later on!
Take a power bank
If your kids are using devices or tablets, then an electricity supply is something to consider. You might be able to buy a USB adapter for your car’s 12-volt socket - if it doesn’t already have USB sockets installed, that is - but if that’s not an option, then a power bank could be your new best friend.
Charge it up before you set off and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’ve got plenty of charge to provide throughout the journey.
Book in advance
There’s nothing worse than pitching up to a destination only to find it’s full. Not only does this tend to spike the stress levels, but it also means you’ll spend more time venturing further afield to find another option.
So try booking in advance. Even a few minutes of internet work could make the difference, be that for parking or attractions.
Remember to stay flexible (if you can)
Okay, so it does kind of go against our previous point, but remembering to stay flexible can make things easier too. If something doesn’t go to plan, it’s better to remain calm and try and think of an alternative option rather than panicking and rushing to get something sorted.
Of course, it’s easier to say that until you’re in a busy car park on a hot summer’s day, but trying to stay cool and collected can really help.
Invest in tablet holders
Again, if your kids are using tablets or iPads on the journey, then investing in a holder could prove to be a big hit. They’re relatively inexpensive, too, and can be purchased online. They fit easily as well and ensure that your kids can view their favourite films or shows nice and clearly.
Plus, they usually mount to a car’s headrests, which prevents kids from looking down at their screens - something that can quickly trigger a bout of travel sickness.