The Ultimate Guide to Family Road Trip Planning
By Tracey Winikoff
Mommmm, are we there yet? On repeat. Every ten minutes.
Sound familiar?
If only real-life road trips were as idyllic as those in the movies. You know, those picture-perfect scenes with everyone joyfully singing or laughing over silly car games without fighting over directions, toys, or where to stop for a break. Just smiles.
That magical, carefree bliss can be yours, too. With a few simple family road trip strategies, traveling with kids can feel far less stressful and a lot more fun. Successful planning starts long before you’ve packed the car and set the GPS. You’ll be organized, the kids will be entertained, and the journey will be memorable—in the best way!
A Road Trip Game Plan
The foundation of a successful road trip is organization. Keep a dedicated pouch containing your plan essentials nearby (so nothing goes rogue!):
- Driver’s licenses, registration, insurance, AAA, and emergency contact list
- Itinerary, including accommodation and activity details, confirmation numbers, etc.
- Portable multiport USB car chargers and battery packs
- Small bills and coins for tolls and meters
- Backseat organizers for the kiddos
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Pen and paper
- Gum in case of ears popping on mountain roads
Think of it as a road trip command center!
Road Trip Emergencies
While you’re gathering essentials, create a road trip emergency kit that includes:
- Medications (don’t forget motion sickness meds and extra baggies)
- First aid and roadside kits, including jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and tire inflator
- Flashlight
- Paper towels
- Kleenex
Equally important, download your maps offline. GPS is great—until it isn’t. If you lose signal (hello, backroads of Vermont), having maps downloaded or printed can be a true lifesaver.
Another lifesaver? Planned out rest stops and meal breaks. Everyone needs a moment to stretch, use the restroom, and have a bite to eat.
You may also want to consider bringing along a few creature comforts, including:
- Neck pillows
- Blankets
- Eye masks
- Ear plugs
- Car window shades
And the biggest key to your plan? Flexibility and a sense of humor. Throw the notion of perfection out the window. After all, how often does life go exactly as planned? Besides, you’ll have far more colorful stories and memories from the wacky, funny antics when things go a little sideways!
Snacks Anyone?
Save the day and curb hangry tantrums (ahem, grown-ups!) with an easily accessible cooler of food and goodies, including:
- Refillable water bottles—everyone should have their own bottle
- Baggies, for each family member, of cut-up vegetables and fruit, string cheese, snack bars, jerky, and individual bags of chips; avoid messy foods, including items that melt if temperatures rise (even snack bars with chocolate chips can morph into ooey gooey messes)
- Trash bags—make clean up a breeze and place trash bags and napkins or paper towels in both the front and back seats of the car
Entertainment for Everyone
Keeping boredom at bay is key, especially on long, monotonous stretches of road. Here are a few ideas:
- Tablets pre-downloaded with shows, movies, audiobooks, and podcasts
- Wireless headphones/ear buds
- Coloring kits
- Travel board games and magnetic puzzles
- Decks of cards
Looking for more creative ways for the family to unplug this summer? Inspire greater connection with our 50 Screen Free Summer Activities for the Family blog.
And if you’re planning a summer getaway other than a road trip, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Family Summer Travel Checklist guide to keep vacations easy-peasy as you prepare to spread your wings.
Smart Packing for Accessibility
Cartoons and National Lampoon’s Vacation humorously capture the awkwardness of road trip packing. Luggage teetering precariously atop cars. Trunks so overstuffed with baggage that they can’t fully close.
When it comes to road trips, organizing the car is front and center. On your journey, there may be times when you make a quick overnight stop. For those nights, it helps to have an easily accessible small bag containing the essentials for each person without needing to unpack the entire car. Basically, a grab-and-go area. Consider utilizing packing cubes for this—they take up minimal space and keep frequently used items in easy reach. Label each one with the appropriate person’s name.
Keeping Travel Gear Organized at Home (No More Avalanches!)
As your trip wraps up, store coolers, travel and seasonal gear, and luggage so that they’re ready the next time you feel a hankering for a road trip. Storage units offer the perfect place to keep everything safe, organized, and ready for you on a whim. Explore convenient options in Arroyo Grande to simplify storage at home until the next time adventure calls your name.
Whether discovering unexpected treasures, charming small towns, scenic vistas, or quirky odd spots, one of the greatest joys of road trips is venturing into the unknown. You never know what surprises are around the bend.
So, roll down those windows, playlists in hand. The open road beckons, and a new adventure awaits.
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