Family Vacations: Tips and Tricks That Prevent Road Trip Hell
Labor Day Weekend is here and if you are like most American Families, you are probably going on a road trip to a friend or family member’s house for a Labor Day BBQ.
When you think of vacations, you probably envision sandy beaches, clear skies, and relaxing hours with your family. Often times, you don’t consider how you’re going to get to sought destinations, which often involves long and somewhat torturous car rides with children, babies, and pets. Before you embark on your next family vacation to celebrate Labor Day, be sure you check the tires, fill up the gas tank, and read the following tips to prevent a road trip from hell.
Get a Car Check-up
Going to the mechanic is kind of like visiting the dentist. You hope the professional will say all is well, which saves time and financial pain. However, the anxiety aligned with receiving bad news could prolong the time between visits, which is bad for your teeth, and regarding the mechanic, bad for the vehicle.
If you’re planning on driving for long periods, it’s best to get a car check-up, allowing professionals to change the oil, fill the tires, and identify any unforeseen problems. Imagine driving through the humid state of Florida without air condition? The thought alone is enough to get your system checked, isn’t it?
Get Your Vehicle’s Interior Prepared
If you’re worried about stains, discomfort, or crumbs on the seats, check out Shear Comfort covers that add additional padding and safeguard against messes. They are a must-have for every parent! You might also consider getting a Backseat Organizer
Sign-up for Roadside Assistance
Becoming a member of AAA or another roadside assistance program is like investing in medical insurance. Sure, it’s another cost you don’t want to pay for, yet is extremely useful in the event of an accident. What would happen if the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you don’t have the option of assistance? Babies begin to cry; kids start to complain; and spouses remind you that you should have enrolled in an assistance program. Avoid such a scene in the future by investing in roadside assistance now.
Promote Car Safety
Of course, wearing seat belts and remaining seated are customary child-safety rules of the ride, but in addition, make sure car seats are properly installed, you have a first-aid kit in the trunk, and you are mindful of stopping every few hours for stretching, going to the bathroom, eating, and giving all attendants a break from driving upon the open road. Children especially grow stir crazy when driving for long periods; it’s when they grow antsy that they’re more prone to taking seatbelts off, distracting the driver, and altogether creating an unneeded nuisance.
Provide Entertainment
There are plenty of options for today’s parents when it comes to entertaining kids. Whether you buy them an iPad, handheld gaming device, headphones, or traditional reading books, the car ride will be safer and saner if kids have plenty of options to stay occupied. Also, consider comprising a list of things kids can spot on the road such as a red Corvette, Mississippi license plate, and eighteen-wheeler truck. Tell them they’ll get a prize if they can spot all the items on the list. Such ideas in addition to bought products and sing-a-longs should help keep the kids occupied and parents less stressed. Check out these fun activities to keep kids entertained.
Remain Versatile
Consider your options when taking a road trip and don’t dismiss alternatives if things start going downhill. For example, if you estimated the kids staying behaved for hours at a time yet they can’t sit still for a few minutes, consider flying the rest of the way versus driving. Also, if you think hiring a babysitter to go on the journey will keep kids better occupied, don’t dismiss the option; it’s another investment but one that can make the road trip go a lot smoother!