Road Trip Tips

Sometimes it’s just more fun to hit to the open road on a family road trip. Taking to the highways and byways is a fantastic way to make the most out of any family vacation. Besides, when you have to pack all of the kid essentials and the beach necessities, the convenience of having all of your gear in tow is hard to beat. Let’s get this vacation started with five fantastic troad trip travel tips from real parents.

Bring A Car Charger For Your Devices

With the abundance of phones, tablets and other battery-hungry devices, it’s important to keep everyone fully charged. We all think to bring our wall chargers, but might overlook to bring—or invest in—a multi-outlet USB car charger. These handy, unassuming devices can keep everyone streaming, scrolling, and occupied between stops. Don’t forget those charging cables, too!

Pack A Cooler And Bring A Basket Of Snacks

A cooler is all about convenience, and a basket of snacks will definitely keep the grumbly tummies at bay. Pre-planning some meals and snacks, like sandwiches, yogurt, and sliced fruit, will taste much better when they’re on ice, avoiding those “hangry” moments. Be sure to put the ice on top of the items you want keep chilled. And since we all know ice melts, place things that may get water-logged in bags or watertight containers. Remember, some snacks can melt in a warm car, so place then on top of the ice to keep them from getting a little mushy. Be sure to pack napkins, utensils, and a garbage bag too!

Plan Some Stops Along The Way

We all know that the destination is usually the highlight of a vacation, but don’t dismiss the breaks along the way! Plan a few key roadside detours so everyone can get out of the car to stretch their legs, and for some fun family photos. A walk through a grocery store can allow for some much-needed walking while also refilling the cooler or snack basket. Instead of taking the interstate the entire way, plan a segment of your trip along older highways that have charming stops, like old-Florida citrus stands, unique gift shops, and the obligatory sign photos.

New Toys And Books To Keep The Kids Entertained

Most parents will dread hearing the words “I’m bored!” from the back seat, and a way to keep the kiddos occupied is with a few new or inexpensive toys. But don’t spoil the surprise, pop these new items out at key times to keep everyone happily occupied. Coloring books with markers or colored pencils (crayons can melt in a hot car), small toys, or games will make those longer stretches between stops peaceful. Parent power tip: wrap a few toys in wrapping paper for an extra dose of excitement!

Stick To A Schedule—But Be Flexible

It’s important to have a schedule when road-tripping, but you will also need to be flexible. Sometimes there’s traffic, an unexpected bathroom break, or dozens of other things that can deviate from your schedule. Plan some contingency time into your itinerary so you can avoid the stress of being late. Besides, you’re on vacation! This is a period to relax and enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.