Are you thinking about taking a car trip with your kids? Preparation and a good attitude will go a long way in making your family trip one that you survive and actually enjoy. Here are some family travel tips that I have learned with traveling with my kids over the years.
The first tip is to realize that Murphy will always go with you and your family. Expect things to go wrong on your trip. You will have a much better time. Remember, you have a guest riding with named Murphy and his law is — if anything can go wrong it will go wrong. So be prepared for obstacles and delays before you make your journey.
Make sure your car is in good running condition and that your spare tire is in good condition. This includes making sure you have a working jack in the car with good road flares. Check the condition of your jumper cables and consider purchasing a battery charger before leaving. Check your radiator for tiny leaks that may go unnoticed in daily commutes. In long trips, the pressure and engine heat magnify the tiniest of leaks. Make sure you have a good GPS system in your car or have up to date maps for your trip. Do not rely on the 10 to 20 year old road map for directions. Highway conditions and new routes will not be on these maps.
For the family make sure you have a supply of aspirin, Tylenol or Benadryl with you. Have a good first aid kit in the car that is easy to access. If you are traveling during the winter months have extra blankets and water with you in case of an emergency. Be sure to carry a cell phone with you with GPS locater capabilities. In a true emergency finding your location is essential to getting the proper authorities to you. These are a few safety precautions that will ensure your safety during your adventure.
In planning your trip take assorted sizes of zip lock bags with you. These bags come in handy when traveling to store food items and souvenirs that are gathered by the roadside. They will help keep the car reasonably clean and organized during the trip. Another item to have on hand is plenty of baby wipes even if you don’t have a baby. These wipes come in handy for quick refreshers. They clean everything from hands to toilet seats. These are a few tips that help make your adventure with your family a safer and more enjoyable experience.
