Travelling cross country with the kids can feel like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a fun and quality experience for kids and adults alike. The car is the most important thing to prepare when undertaking a long-distance road trip, so you should consider all the different ways you can make your vehicle more comfortable and enjoyable to be in.
You’ll also need to keep safety first and foremost in your mind. The car should be fully roadworthy, serviced regularly, and all routine maintenance performed before you set off. Any possible issues with the vehicle should be checked out by a professional before you set off.
Pro Tip: Are you planning a family road trip outside the country? Whether you’re driving to Canada for a vacation or taking a road trip through Europe, it’s essential to know the road rules in the countries you’ll be visiting. And if you’re planning to cross borders during your travels, you’ll need to apply for an international driving permit online. An international driver’s license is a special permit that allows you to drive in foreign countries. It’s not required in all countries, but it’s always a good idea to have one just in case.
Improve Seat Comfort
A critical element for ensuring a comfortable road trip is the state of the seats. Most cars come with standard seats, padded to ensure maximum comfort for you and your passengers. That being said, there are still some steps you can take to improve the comfort levels of your car seats. This includes options like seat covers, which can make them more comfortable and easier to clean after the road trip. You could also consider seat warmers when travelling in the colder months.
Build Entertainment Into The Headrests
If you have the money to put into car modifications for your road trips, you could consider installing tablets into the headrests to keep the kids entertained on the trip. This can be invaluable for keeping the kids occupied and preventing boredom and the dreaded “are we there yet?” questions. You can find tablet holders that clip into the headrests so your kids can watch TV or play games while you make your way to your destination.
Get A Special Number Plate
A personalised number plate can make any road trip feel more special as you load the kids into the car for some quality time together. It can also make it much easier for you all to find your vehicle, particularly in large and unfamiliar car parks! You could look for a private plate with your family name or the initials of each family member. Always buy from a reputable seller like Regtransfers.
Invest In Window Covers
No matter the time of year you’re travelling, window covers can be invaluable. They can help ensure your kids have a comfortable and enjoyable trip, allowing them to fall asleep without the glare of the sun waking them. Window covers can also be particularly beneficial for babies in car seats.
Washable Car Carpets
Any family car owner knows that driving with kids can result in all kinds of spills and stains. The last thing you want is to get back from your travels and have to scrub food or drink out of the car’s carpet, so investing in removable machine washable car carpets can be invaluable.
Pack An Essentials Kit
You should have an essentials kit whenever you travel any distance with your family. This should include all the crucial things you might need in an emergency. High visibility vests for the whole family, bottles of water and non-perishable foods are critical in case of a breakdown. You can also include some toys and games to keep the kids entertained should you need to wait for recovery.
