Preparing For A Family Road Trip


AD - This is a PR collaboration.


With the six-week holidays coming up fast we have started to plan a few trips and family days out. It's so important to get out and about this time of year, especially when it comes to making the most of the weather. We've already been abroad this year, so during the summer holidays, we intend to explore the UK and what better way to do this than by planning a road trip. To help us with our plans I've asked fellow bloggers to share a couple of tips with me.

1. Plan ahead
Make a couple of lists and check them twice! When it comes to traveling I'm all about preparing and making lists, lots of lists. I like to jot everything down and tend to overpack, but I'd rather have everything with me than forget something that we need.

2. Invest in a Sat Nav
I'm not going to lie, I'm that reliant on technology these days that I wouldn't trust myself or Nick with a map. Satellite Navigation has saved our behinds on numerous occasions, without them we'd have been driving in circles. We are currently on the lookout for an upgrade and we've found some quality Navigation Systems here at buycarparts.co.uk.

3. Take a first aid kit
I have a travel first aid kit that I take everywhere with me because my kids are very accident prone. It contains plasters, nail scissors, antiseptic wipes, Calpol sachets, even bravery stickers! Lisa from The Familly Ticket suggested something that I hadn't thought of, which I will be adding my kit; "Every time we go on a family road trip we have to make sure we stock up on travel sickness tablets. It's the only thing that works for our eldest."

4. Pack the potty
We are currently potty training Ava so we always need a potty at hand. Emily from Emily and Indiana said to "Take a
 travel potty, wipes and a spare change of clothes in the car for little ones. You never know when they’re going to need the toilet!" I couldn't agree more!

5. Take breaks during the journey
With young children, you have to make the odd pit stop, that's a given. Michaela from Adventures of a Yorkshire Mum shares this great tip; "Section the road trip into small bites. Work on a map and find suitable pit stops in between to break up the journey and get the kids out of the car and stretching their legs for a little bit of time."

6. Travelling with older children
Want to become the cool parent to your teenage children and their friends? How about thinking outside of the box and hiring a San Fransisco party bus for your road trip? Don't have kids? Hire one for yourself and you're grown-up friends.

Do you have any tips that you would like to share?

17 comments:

  1. Planning ahead seems very appropriate. As helps us to anticipate what may be required, and to prioritise. Suitable refreshments, as well as regular "Pit stops" are necessities. As we do all need water, healthy snacks and meals, exercise, toilet breaks, etc.

    We also like to take account of what entertainment, leisure, sightseeing activities, etc are available. As travel can be tiring, as well as uninteresting ( particularly for children at times). So taking account of everyone journeying, stopping for a variety of convenient breaks can be worthwhile. Planning visits to interesting ares, theme parks, museums, play parks, cinema, zoo, safari park, etc. Try to explore and consider all available Oppotunities prior to leaving home. Internet can be helpful in such exploration, and planning for suitable adventures, etc.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember back when I was a child we used to go to Cornwall every year, a good 10 hour journey. My Dad would plan the trip meticulously, looking at maps for places to stop on the way, and alternatives in case there were any road works or accidents, and all so he could tell us the answer to 'are we nearly there yet?'

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pays dividends to be prepared

    ReplyDelete
  4. road trips are fun but definately need to be prepared

    ReplyDelete
  5. First Aid Kit at Home and in the Car :- Is always a good idea. As accidents, injuries do happen, possibly especially with children. As they tend to be adventurous, do have trips and falls, don't know / realise risks that adults may know of through information, education, experience, etc.

    Life and quality of life is important. So always worthwhile to be aware, be prepared, etc. An up to date First Aid course can be beneficial. Maybe it should be considered an essential as part of Parental Responsibility. Maybe made available via Health Centres, Carers Centres, Schools, Colleges, Universities, Community Centres. With everyone welcome, as Parents need some time off, Grandparents and others often provide childcare :- Spending time with family can be healthy, sociable, Intergenerational, beneficial for our wellbeing, etc. Childcare, and appropriate First Aid are aspects which we all need to be kept up to date with in order to have Healthy, cohesive communities.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sat Nav and Dash Cam are items we could benefit from :- Most likely. We tend to make use of the Internet for information regarding road routes, etc. Which has mostly been successful.

    I wonder if in the future Sat Nav and Dash Cam may be integrated parts of cars. Technology does seem to be such an important and popular part of most people's activities nowadays.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  7. 4. Pack the Potty :- Yes, a very sensible thing to do, particularly if a child is being potty / toilet trained.

    Though how about some kind person / organisation / charity, etc :- Perhaps provide the public with an up to date accessible information system that shows the exact location /s of public toilets, accessible toilets, etc. Maybe even with information regarding what is available. As there can be such variety. Unfortunately some places have one toilet which is for use of Disabled / Baby Change. Certainly NOT ideal. Surely both are necessary. Also Baby changing areas can be within Toilet / Female Toilets ( and they tend to be within a cubicle which also has toilet access for the adult. The parent / Carer has the privacy of changing the baby's nappy away from public view. Yet if an adult disabled person requires the assistance of their Carer whilst making a toilet visit:- No added extras / considerations for that situation. Maybe research / surveys have been done, and these people have not asked for any changes / additions, etc.

    There are individuals who need to have ease of access to a toilet due to incontinence, bowel condition, etc. Are thes individuals needs being addressed. As otherwise they are at Risk of Social Isolation :- Which is detrimental to Health and Wellbeing.


    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  8. Weather forecast today :- To be hot in America. Next week to be hot in the UK.

    Travelling in the hot weather :- Not to be recommended in my opinion. As I believe that with the glass windows on cars, trains,and buses / coaches :- A green house effect, i.e. Heat increases. Excessive temperatures are not good for us, especially those with health conditions, youngsters and the elderly. Sufficient fluids, rest, cool moving air from an electric fan can be refreshing. As can ice cream, ice lollies, etc.

    Maybe enjoy outdoors time, remember "Slip, Slap, Slop" in regards to Sun Protection. Best Wishes!

    I think Slip, Slap, Slop originated from Australia, where it seems they get lots of sunshine.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  9. First Aid Kit :- Have recently had to make use of ours. Somehow seem to had small areas of broken skin, blisters on foot. Maybe the weather has been part of the reason. Anyhow plasters / elastoplasts thank goodness they come in a variety of sizes. Though think what may really be needed is some rest to allow areas to remain dry. I do tend to allow some private time / restful time with areas exposed to the air. As a natural / normal way to allow skin to dry out, and heal. Let us hope we have the opportunities to Rest /Relax / Rejuvenate / Recharge / Re - Energise, Etc.

    I think we need to consider what we need to store in First Aid Kit, produce a list, and ensure regularly that it is kept sufficiently well stocked.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  10. Take Breaks During the Journey :- A good idea for all on journeys, as an opportunity for some fresh air, exercise, toilet break and access to refreshments, some space, perhaps newspaper, magazine, etc from shop /s. Rest, relax, refresh, re-energise with some refreshments etc. Prepares us for the next part of our journey.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  11. Take a First Aid Kit :- I believe that there has been an increase in schools teaching First Aid, CPR ( Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitaion), etc to school pupils / students. Also there has been an increase in AED's ( Automated Electronic Devices :- Defibrilators) put into schools, gyms, shopping centres, public places.

    Maybe all parents and prospective parents could benefit from First Aid Training, CPR :- Adult, child, baby / neonate. Maybe would assist parents in regards to their Parental Responsibilities. Possibly in the future First Aid Training and CPR will be taught through Educational Establishments such as schools, colleges, universities. In order to improve the Health and Welfare of the Nation. First person to respond may make a difference to likely outcome if up to date in regards to such an Educational topic.

    Though we need to remember that Best Care / Best Practice can be done :- Yet not everyone is rescuable via such Good Intentions. But have 'a chance of survival' if / when attempt made via appropriate action/s.


    First Aid done appropriately can have a benefit of prompter recovery. So worthwhile being up to date. In order to react appropriately " In the Best Interests of injured person".

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  12. Today we did trave, to meet up with some folks for a chat. Hot and "Sunny" Day. In my opinion not a day for driving, though unfortunately circumstances :- Time Constraints, Commitments, etc.

    Oh! How we were keen to ensure sufficient ease of access to cool refreshing drinks, ice - cream, etc. Also need to ensure we knew where toilet facilities were. As venue was new to us. Thank Goodness for Internet :- Information was helpful in locating venue position.

    We are not used to weather being so hot here. Though for some :- Delighted that they may get the opportunity to get a tan whilst resting / relaxing in their own back garden :- Due to wonderful sunshine. " Everything in Moderation".

    I certainly was glad to get home, get access to some fresh cool water ( " on tap"), ice - cream, and ice lolly :- We all had these on arrival home. Home Delivery in bulk of such products may be necessary if hot weather is long term ( that tends to be unlikely in the UK).

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  13. " A Big Wheel"

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  14. Family life and outings can be fun. Many may have smaller family sizes than in previous generations. Perhaps Community events :- Such as making use of a minibus / coach. So that a variety of people :- Individuals, couples, pals, families, etc could have a collective outings. These types of outings happened in the past. Sometimes via clubs ( we shared / split the costs. Probably the club commitee did the organising :- Numbers for bus, booking bus, deciding place / venue for outing, etc).

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think for some of the relevant / practical aspects given above :- Some families have and do choose caravans or campervans. As a bit like a " Home from Home" :- Can even have a kitchen sink. Toilet means :- Ease of access. Fridge can be well stocked, and keep drinks and refreshments cool. The costs, maintenance and fuel are likely to be what can impact on families. Though to get a break from work / the usual routinue / change of ' scene' can be beneficial for our wellbeing.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh! How I would much rather go on a coach trip for a Day Out :- Rather than be the driver, as allows for some rest, can enjoy the view /s, chat with others, etc. No need to know route, etc. Costs is part of the outing :- Obviously, though something which can be budgeted for, etc. Sometimes more fun, when less overall responsibilities. A Day Out with children can be a nice opportunity to make good memories. Which may be made easier :- With less overall responsibilities. Fun can be valuable :- Helpful for our Health and Wellbeing.

    We are hoping to have some Days Out this Summer. Time will tell.

    Rachel Craig

    ReplyDelete
  17. Road trips i dread, the kids get bored so quick, but ive always got plenty of thngs to do from travel games to colouring books and pens, always take lap trays for them to lean on and have to admit this year i invested in a portable dvd player for the car, thats the last resort lol

    ReplyDelete