Travelling with kids has the potential to be a great experience, but you have to get it right if you’re headed out in the car. As far as family holidays go there’s nothing quite like making a trip somewhere in your own country after all, and so to avoid the stresses of kids fussing and fighting in the back seat, there are certain things you have to consider before you make the decision to hit the highway.
Seatbelts, although it might seem obvious, are the first thing you should think about before heading off on a long trip, or any trip for that matter. As much as you might want to give them their favourite toys to keep them quiet make sure they’re strapped in before anything else, as it’s very easy to forget. It’s actually illegal to not wear a seatbelt in the UK and you could receive a fine, so beyond saving lives it’ll save your wallet too.
If you’re planning a long day trip on the motorway it might be worth considering taking some food and drink with you in the car. Although there are service stations on most motorways that have dining facilities it’s no secret that they can be expensive – bringing a packed lunch will let your kids eat at their leisure and you’ll end up thanking yourself for this simple fix.
We’ve already mentioned service stations with regards to food, but another reason you might want to look out for them is for a bathroom break. As a child it’s not always easy to gauge when you’re going to need to go and one easy way to avoid any accidents is to mark out the service stations on your map in case someone suddenly needs to go. If you have a sat nav this is much easier, as most have settings that point out service stations as you go.
You’ll want the kids to be comfy if you’re driving for any length of time, so be sure to pack the essentials for any situation. Sun shades for the windows are good on a sunny day and if it just so happens to be cold or you’re travelling at night, pack some blankets and pillows so that the kids can take a nap and give you a well-deserved break. To avoid getting uncomfortable you should try and dodge long-distance travel and go somewhere central. If you look on the Visit Wales website you’ll find loads of interesting suggestions for cheap family holidays all over the country.
Last but not least is entertainment. There are so many options here, but it really depends on where your children’s’ interests lie. A good book might keep them engrossed for hours and if they get bored consider a seat-back dvd player so they can watch their favourite film. If you want to do something more family-oriented try an audiobook and if all else fails, there’s always I spy.