Taking the Stress Out of a Family Road trip

Planning the Route and Itinerary Involve the kids in researching for the trip and planning the itinerary so that they feel involved. Make sure that for every child there is at least one activity that they would enjoy doing. After you know where you want to go, map out how you’re going to get there. Make extra maps for the kids so that they can follow the route as you go.

Packing Make the car a comfortable place. Have pillows, blankets, t-shirts, fleece jackets, activity bags and all essentials easily accessible. Keep bathing suits and toys such as soccer balls and Frisbees stowed under the seats for use at rest stop breaks. Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen. Remember, when spending time out in the sun, you need one ounce of sunblock per person for every two hours in the sun.

Going the Distance Plan your travel time around naps and other cranky times of the day. Experts say that infants should only travel for 4 hours a day and older kids for only 7-8 hours per day, including rest stops. 10 min rest breaks about every two hours will help keep the kids happy and you focused. Plan sightseeing visits at different points of your trip so that rest breaks can also be a vacation experience.

Food Make sure there are plenty of healthy snacks and water. It’s easy to bring junk food, but you will feel better and so will your children if you have healthy food to snack on. Packing lunch supplies allows for time at rest stops to be spent stretching out rather than sitting and eating. Don’t forget the utensils! When stopping for food, consider trying a local attraction that you would not be able to experience at home.

Entertainment Let each child pack a backpack with their favorite toys, books, and games. Books on tape or a portable DVD player are a great way to get the whole family engaged on an activity. Look outside. Point out sites to your kids and encourage them to play games that involve their surroundings.

Safety Take your car in for a tune-up prior to the trip make sure that child seats are installed properly and that everyone in the car wears a seat belt. Keep an emergency kit in your car including first aid supplies and items for car troubles. When packing the car, make sure that the large heavy objects are secured low in the car.

Sources http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel- blog/carry-on/2011/3/8/7-great-family-road-trip- tips http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article- summer-surviving-family-road-trips.html http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/ideas/7- safety-tips-for-your-next-road-trip/ http://www.parentmedia.org/Publishing-2011/5- Family-Road-Trip-Survival-Tips/