Embarking on a road trip with kids can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be a memorable adventure for the whole family. As an experienced traveler who has navigated countless road trips with my two young children, I’ve gathered some invaluable tips to help you maintain peace and balance on the road.
My solo journeys began at the tender age of six. To be precise, I would embark on flights from Los Angeles International Airport, located near my dad’s home in California, to my mom’s residence near Tampa, Florida. While these trips were undeniably lengthy, I always felt safe during those flights. The flight crews were unfailingly attentive, ensuring I never experienced fear or loneliness.
Hindsight now reveals that these early adventures had a profound impact on my development, nurturing my independence and igniting a lifelong passion for adventure.
My first trip outside of the United States was at age 18 when I flew to Greece with a highschool friend. We traveled through the UK on our way to Greece and I remember how exhilarating it felt to discover the new cultures, meet new people and try the different foods.
From that point forward, I not only made it a priority to travel to different destinations within the U.S, but also abroad. Fast forward to present day, and I’ve visited 39 states and 22 countries, and now you’ll find me living abroad as an expat in Antigua, Guatemala with my two kids and husband who’s from Guatemala.
My husband shares my love of traveling and we’ve inevitably instilled that in our son and daughter. Which brings me to our summer vacation this year, in 2023, when we decided to take our first trip as a family to Europe. We traveled from Guatemala City to Frankfurt, Germany and then from their we embarked on a 800 mile roadtrip from Germany to Split, Croatia with plenty of stops along the way.
My family at Lake Bled in Slovenia
Traveling on a long road trip with small kids can conjure up feelings of stress and anxiety, but done correctly it can be a fun and memorable experience. The key is to carefully plan and prepare.
Here are some of my best tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable road trip with kids:
1. Plan Your Route and Stops: Carefully plan your route ahead of time, marking interesting attractions and kid-friendly places along the way. Use apps like Roadtrippers to identify rest stops and scenic spots. This not only breaks up the journey but also keeps kids excited about the adventure.
2. Pack Essentials: Pack all the essentials, including extra clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, drinks, medications, and a first aid kit. A checklist can help ensure you don’t forget anything important. Consider each child’s comfort items to make them feel at home on the road.
3. Car Entertainment: Bring a variety of entertainment options, such as books, coloring books, toys, games, and electronic devices with pre-downloaded content. Introducing new, inexpensive toys along the way can also keep kids entertained and curious.
4. Snacks and Drinks: Pack a variety of healthy, easy-to-eat snacks and drinks. Avoid messy or sticky foods. Favorites in our family include squeezable pouches of applesauce and dried fruit snacks.
5. Music and Audiobooks: Create playlists of your kids’ favorite songs and consider family-friendly audiobooks or podcasts. Our family loves the “Overheard at National Geographic” podcast, which keeps everyone entertained and informed.
6. Comfortable Seating: Ensure that your kids are comfortable in their car seats and that the seats are properly installed. If your kids are in a booster seat, make sure they are appropriate for their age, weight, and height.
7. Frequent Breaks: Plan for frequent breaks, especially if you’re on a long journey. Let the kids run around, play, and release some energy at rest stops or parks along the way.
8. Use Travel Games: Introduce travel games like “I Spy,” license plate games, or car bingo to keep the kids entertained and engaged with their surroundings.
9. Engage Them in Planning: Involve your kids in the trip planning process. Show them the route, the places you’ll be visiting, and the fun activities you have planned. This can build excitement and anticipation.
10. Stay Flexible: No matter how well you plan, be prepared to adapt. If your kids are exhausted or the weather changes, be willing to change your plans. This flexibility can reduce stress and make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.
11. Prevent Motion Sickness: If your kids are prone to motion sickness, consider providing them with ginger candies or motion sickness wristbands. Avoid heavy meals before the journey.
12. Limit Screen Time: While electronic devices can be helpful, try to balance screen time with other activities that promote interaction and engagement.
13. Post It Notes: Post-It Notes on the window of the car with the countdown of hours until the next destination can be an easy way to help your children visualize the length of the journey.
14. Create Memories: Capture the moments with photos and videos. Encourage your kids to journal or draw about their experiences on the road trip.
Before I get into the last and my #1 tip, remember that every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor your approach to their individual preferences and needs.
Now, I’ve saved my best tip for last…
15. Traveling with Another Family*: Embarking on our vacation with another family turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We joined forces with a family whose kids were the same age as ours, and this arrangement offered a plethora of advantages. Here are just a few:
1. Fostered Support & Companionship: When exhaustion set in or our plans hit a few bumps in the road (as they often do when you travel), our children found solace and camaraderie with peers in the same situation as they faced. This shared experience allowed them to relate to one another and provided much-needed support.
2. Facilitated Cost Sharing: On multiple occasions, we pooled our resources to cover expenses like accommodations, meals, and entertainment. This collaborative approach significantly reduced the overall cost of our trip, making it more budget-friendly.
3. Enhanced Safety: Even though we didn’t travel in the same vehicle, having another family on the journey increased our sense of security. In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we had a dependable source of assistance to turn to.
4. Forged Shared Memories: Road trips are renowned for creating enduring memories, and sharing these adventures with another family strengthened our bonds and provided a treasure trove of stories to revisit in the years to come.
Traveling with another family can truly amplify the enjoyment and benefits of your vacation, making it an experience that everyone will cherish.
*I understand that traveling with another family may not always be easy, practical or straightforward. Fortunately, there are resources available to facilitate connections with fellow travelers and identify potential road trip partners for your family.
Here are some more resources on road trips with kids:
Road Trips with Young Children
The Ultimate Guide to Surviving (and Enjoying) Family Road Trips with Young Kids
