Having a successful family road trip creates outstanding memories that will last for your entire life. But, if you do not prepare properly, the exact opposite might happen. This is why it is so important to put some thought into the preparation of the family road trip. The tips below will help you do exactly that. 

Be Fully Aware Of Your Limits

What do you do when your AC breaks down? You call an AC repair specialist. This is because you know that you cannot fix the unit yourself. The same rule applies to going on a road trip. You have to be fully aware of the limits of your entire family before you start planning the trip. 

As an example, if your child screams all the way to aunt’s house even if it is just 2 hours long, there is a pretty good possibility you should not plan a week-long trip all throughout Yellowstone. 

With road trips, you have to gradually build up. Think about when it is the very best time to drive and for how many hours it is reasonable for you to drive without reaching meltdown point. 

Let The Children Know Exactly What To Expect

Children have to be aware of all the special car rules that have to be respected while on the longer trip. Everything that is different from regular trips should be discussed. 

After the rules are highlighted, make sure to role-play them. Do so while you go on an errand or you take the children from school. Discuss the length of the trip and the frequency of stops, together with what can be done for entertainment purposes. Even bathroom breaks should be highlighted. 

Fully Understand The Route

This is particularly important when you travel to a place you never went to before. Do your research and scout out all possible stops, bathroom breaks, and where you will eat. You should also do your research in relation to where the best (and cheapest) parking areas are for the various destinations you are planning on visiting. A good example is this excellent list of free and cheap parking spots in and around Singapore.

You most likely have a smartphone so use a maps app. If you go to an area where you might not have coverage, you should also have an accurate road atlas with you. It is also possible to drive during the night since your kids would then sleep. 

Be Prepared With Your Packing

Overpacking is definitely something you will not appreciate but there are some specific items you will love on a road trip. Think about packing some baby wipes, extra travel cups, diapers, motion sickness medication, a map, insurance cards, ibuprofen, plastic sacks, a few extra clothes, and towels. You will not regret this if something goes wrong. 

Plan How You Will Keep Your Children Occupied

The official advice is to pack books, DVDs, and audiobooks. But, this does not mean you cannot be creative about it. As an example, many children can end up being busy for several hours as they play around with aluminum foil or wrapping toys. You might also take this opportunitiy to help your children with life or school lessons that they might otherwise be struggling with. For example if your child is struggling to learn math then make a game out of counting the street lights or other cars and then get them to divide the number of red cars they see and work out the averages. This is a great way to incorporate learning into your roadtrip.

Think about what your child loves doing at home. This will give you a long list of possible activities kids can enjoy while on the road trip. And there is nothing wrong with letting your kids play some video games.