How to Pull Off the Ultimate Family Road Trip
Planning a few family road trips this summer? It can be exciting and also overwhelming if you’re not prepared to deal with the hours spent cooped up in your vehicle. To help you make the most out of your experience together, we’ve gathered a few of the essentials that are important when it comes to pulling off the ultimate family road trip without a hitch.
Drive at Night or Early Morning
If you want to make your drive as calm, quiet, and peaceful as possible, be strategic with your driving time. Choosing to drive at night or during the early morning can be very helpful when you have younger children. During these times, while they are sleeping, you can navigate the road without distractions, avoid busy traffic jams and even enjoy conversing with your partner since there won’t be any children to interrupt.
Make Sure the Driver Is Well Rested
It’s never wise to push your limits when you’re the driver. Getting enough rest during your road trip is important for your safety. All it takes is a momentary doze off and everyone is at risk. So make sure to stay aware of how you’re feeling and plan enough stops so you can rest or switch to the passenger’s seat.
Bring Lots of Snacks
Snacks are golden when it comes to road trips. We recommend bringing some healthier options that will travel well and will nourish you at the same time. Sugary treats and junk food should be limited since they can hype up the kids, lead to tantrums, and energy crashes for the adults too. To keep your energy levels balanced, try choosing fruit instead and bring a cooler along with you to keep them fresh.
Map Out Your Breaks
Don’t forget that the road trip is all part of the adventure, so make the most of it by planning out your breaks so you can enjoy the journey too. This is when you and your family can make new memories and spend quality time together. Before you leave, look for local eateries, attractions, and scenic rest spots where you can stretch your legs and even enjoy a picnic. This will also let the kids run around and burn off some energy after being cooped up in the car for so long.
Prepare For Emergencies
Safety is always a priority when heading out on the road. Prior to embarking on your adventure, double-check your roadside emergency kit (don’t forget the spare tire pressure) and restock any items that it needs. Also, be sure to add blankets, jumper cables, extra windshield fluid, and any other essentials in the event of an emergency. Be mindful not to overload your vehicle and ensure additional load either on the roof or attached to the hitch is safely secured.
Bring Some Entertainment
Of course, some form of entertainment is essential for any road trip. Plan out a music playlist that everyone will enjoy, bring along the electronics for the kids to play on when they need a distraction, and pack a deck of cards to throw down a few games when you’re bored in your hotel room. Crafts are also a great way to keep the kids busy with something creative and fun during the drive.
Choose the Right Vehicle
It goes without saying that your vehicle plays a major role in the experience you have during those epic family road trips. If you’re on the hunt for a new car, come by Ottawa Honda to view our full lineup, including our latest Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Passport models, which are among our most popular for families. If you need more cost-effective ways to get into your dream car, we can discuss leasing options as well.