Surviving A Long Family Road Trip

Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, it is a great time to head out on the open road with your family. Family vacations are a great way to make lasting memories that everyone can enjoy for years to come. If you and your family are going on a long road trip, here are some tips on how to survive a family road trip that you may want to consider.Be sure to bring lots of snacks. Nothing is worse than having a young child complaining about being hungry when you still have lots of miles to cover. It’s good to bring a mix of healthy options such as grapes, raisins or nuts and treats such as chips or cookies. Also be sure to pack drinks like water or juice boxes. It is also essential that your kids can easily access the cooler where all the snacks are kept. Nothing will slow you down more than having the cooler be in the trunk so that you have to pull over every time one of your kids wants a snack!If you plan on spending the night at hotels along the way to your destination, it is a good idea to pack one, smaller, overnight bag that will hold everything for the whole family. It can include whatever each person will need for the night such as toiletries, pajamas, a change of underwear, etc. Having one overnight bag is much easier than having everyone lug all their suitcases into a hotel each night.Having activities for your kids to do while in the car is also essential. For younger children, something as simple as a coloring book can easily keep them entertained for hours. For an older child, purchasing a colorful atlas that includes fun facts about the areas you are visiting is a good idea as well. Another tip to consider before you even head out the door is to talk to your kids about what to expect on the road trip. Talk about behavior expectations, ask them what toys they think will keep them entertained or get them excited about various locations you stop and see along the way.If you’re looking for a little peace, it’s not a bad idea to bring along portable DVD players, iPads, handheld video games or other electronic items. These items will keep your child entertained and quiet to give you a little time to relax. If you don’t want them to spend all their time on electronics, consider having a specific time of the day where they can bring their electronic of choice out to use for a set amount of time.