Kids are the fun element at every event, be it a road trip or an outing. With those little ones around the trip, it is all the more pepped up and full of energy. But, parents have to be careful and completely equipped, when it comes to taking kids out on a road trip. This is because when on a road trip, you spend maximum time in the car, at first it would be fascinating for kids to look out of the window, but after sometime the novelty wears off and then what? Your kid might get bored! Plus there are various factors like, children usually suffer from motion sickness or will want to pee every now and then during the road trip. Therefore, you have to be well prepared for all the outcomes and demands for your young ones.
Road trips are all about jumping into a car and heading to create plenty of cherished memories and explore new adventurous avenues. All it takes to ensure a fun and safe trip is a little organization and a lot of humor, which parents usually forget to carry along with them. Just leave your strictness back at home and enjoy along with your little ones.
How to Plan a Road Trip with Kids
1 Kids always want to munch on something, so pack some fun foods for the road trip. Being parents, you are surely not going to be happy with your children eating junk, so what you can do is make cup cakes, sandwiches, pancakes, juice boxes, crackers and some more fun foods. This will ensure your kids are eating healthy foods and enjoying it too!
2 Always remember to carry small garbage and vomit bags. If you are on a long road trip there are chances that kids might suffer from motion sickness and with all that they munch on during the trip, they might just throw up, therefore it is important to be armed with all the necessary accessories for a clutter free road trip.
3 Entertain your kids! There is every possible chance that your little ones might irritate you or get bored during the trip; the best way to combat their boredom is to keep them occupied. Bring along your child's coloring books, pencil and crayons. You need not be told to bring along their portable games. You can also carry baseball or carom equipment, that the entire family can enjoy. Do not forget the beach kit, if you happen to visit a place near the seashore.
4 Carry your child's favorite music CD along. It is super fun to listen to those rhymes or kiddo music, you are sure to get nostalgic about your childhood memories. You can also carry portable devices like iPods, mp3 players or a disc-man.
5 This might seem like an obvious recommendation, but parents hardly follow it. Don't rush or be in a hurry to reach the destination, take your time, it's a vacation and the whole idea is to relax. Stop the car every 2 hours for your kids to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Moreover, every time you stop make sure your kid uses the washroom!
6 Talk to your kids! This is very important and something parents really miss out on. Vacation is the time you get to spend with your family, make complete use of it. Ask them to tell you a story or sing along with the music playing in the background. It is also very important to keep informing your young ones about the various locations or landmarks you pass by, this will educate them and keep them occupied in the bargain.
7 Packing for your kids clothes would seem like a daunting task, but simplify it. There is no need to carry lots of clothes. Just keep it simple and light. Make sure you carry more of undergarments and socks, may be three pairs of shirts and shorts or pajamas, jeans (only if you really want it) and one sweat shirt. Consider the weather before you start packing and layering clothes. You sure must be planning to stay in hotel rooms, they have laundry services, so you need not worry much.
8 Keep paper napkins and a hand sanitizer handy. Kids and mess go hand in hand, so paper napkins are a must to clean your kid's hands and face after eating. Plus a hand sanitizer will ensure clean hands before eating. Considering the climate carry your sunscreen if it is sunny, as you don't want your young ones to get tanned and cold creams or moisturizers in case it is going to be cold.
9 Gone are the days when you could jump in the car and head to your destination, sleep in the car or just stop at a motel on the roadside. With children along you have to be more responsible and confirm your hotel bookings way in advance. Remember to pre-program your GPS to help you locate the place in case you get lost. If you are not into GPS directions, carry a simple printed map that will guide you with the directions.
10 Keep your cool!!! Let kids be kids! They are bound to get excited and crazier while on a road trip and more if it is their first time. Let the craziness be infectious and you too get a little crazy with them and enjoy. And do not forget to carry your camera, after all these memories need to be preserved and cherished forever.
This article for sure has equipped you with the possible tips for planning a trip with kids. However, any amount of planning and organization will not stop your kid from asking you in his cute innocent tone, "Pa! Are we there yet?". Well... it indeed is great fun with kids around and memorable too!
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