7 Helpful Tips and Tricks For A Fun Filled Road Trip With The Kids
We believe the holiday should start the moment you cross the threshold of your home and climb into your car on the way to the destination. The idea of a road trip sounds massively appealing – customised playlists, delicious “pad-kos”, on the road selfies and for the passengers… a possible nap. Sounds so ideal! But most parents and grandparents understand that getting to the holiday with kids can… well be, a nightmare – between sibling fights and arguments, to the dreaded question of “are we there yet”, to restlessness and boredom. So LPA thought we would share our top tips to make sure your trip is fun and goes “according to plan”.
Neat and Tidy Makes for a Good “Ridey”
Our first tip is based on the concept of a neat car, is a happy car. Make sure you have a car dustbin. This handy hack is to use a cereal container. Pop a plastic packet in it and seal it. This way you can throw away the wipes, tissues, chips packet or juice box rather than letting it decorate the floors. Leaving the car tidy brings order to chaos – because happiness is …peace of mind.
Stacks of Snacks for When the Hunger Attacks
Our next tip is not only a good way to occupy the kids but also a good way to curb the road trip hunger. And we believe selection is best. Our helpful hack –why not purchase a plastic tackle box or slot organiser (toolbox for screws/bolts/nuts) to pop a selection of the kids’ favourite snacks and treats in? Try keeping the sweets to a minimum but nuts, crackers, pretzels, dried fruit and biscuits are great options. This will ensure the kids are entertained and keep their hunger pangs at bay throughout the trip.
No Racket Activity Packets
So this trick is here to replace the “are we there yet” game. Before your trip, get large envelopes or packets and number them. You can make it so the kids get one every hour you are closer to your destination or as a reward for good behaviour. But basically we suggest you fill the packet with one item at a time. Maybe a sweet, a little figurine, a notebook with crayons, a story book, a game – it doesn’t have to be expensive –just a little something to look forward to and a way to show your progress or encourage good behaviour.
Bingo the Best Boredom Buster
This hack is a particularly fun activity and is something that can be played by the whole family. All you do is to simply stamp or tick all the objects you see during the road trip on your bingo sheet and either have some sort of prize or just the glory of winning once the first person shouts “road trip bingo”.
DIY Travel Tray for Easy Play
Our fourth tip is an object that helps to simplify other car fun. It’s fairly simple – all you need is colourful plastic tray, fabric glue, old pillow and an old pillowcase. Next: place the pillow in the case and stick it to the tray with the glue. Voila, a DIY Travel Tray. For a version of the travel tray that is easier to clean – use Velcro strips. Glue one side of the Velcro to the pillow case and the other to the tray (on either side of the pillow and tray) and there you have it – a detachable version. This travel tray is great for colouring in, playing with playdough and a great table for tablets, netbooks and notebooks.
Pockets of Fun or Backpack Boredom Attack
With our next tip we have two items but they largely fulfil the same function so we thought you could choose what works best for you. The idea is either to hang a backpack or an over the door shoe organiser with pockets, on the back of the vehicle’s front seats. In the pack or the pockets, place all kinds of toys, maps, cards, books or games so that is within easy reach of the kids. This way play time is easy and makes the road trip fun for everyone.
Audiobook to make the Road Trip Good – by Hook and Crook
Our final tip/trick is all about story time. There are a whole range of audiobooks available to buy. Why not get one that the whole family loves? Picture an old time classic being read to the family – even if the kids nap through it. It’s a great way to spend your time while making your way to your holiday destination. Audiobooks are available at most bookshops or can be ordered online.
Happy kids equals a happy life…So with these tips and tricks we hope you truly enjoy the journey as much as the destination. May the little tots have the best time from home to holiday.
May your trip be where the adventure begins and love never ends.
Do you have any helpful tips to add to LPA’s List? Share your tips with us in the comment section below.