Ultimate Family Road Trip Survival Guide
Keeping Everyone Happy on the Road
Family road trips offer a great opportunity to create memories, discover new places, and strengthen bonds. I can’t tell you how much all the bean burritos my brother ate on family road trips left their impression on me! HA. But extended hours in a car with kids can challenge even the most composed of parents. Through preparation and strategic foresight, you can make the journey as delightful as the destination…whether it’s to Yosemite or to your local state park. Think of this as your “Ultimate Family Road Trip Survival Guide,” from planning to entertainment, for a memorable adventure.
Learn some easy ways to keep the whole family happy on the road…
This post is coming out RIGHT before my friend & I are about to publish our first children’s book!!! And it happens to be an activity book that’s meant for road trips, called “Would You Rather? Open Road Edition.” It’s filled with funny questions for the whole family to answer, beautiful travel-themed coloring images, & other screen-free fun for the road.
I will post on my site as soon as it’s published!!
Planning for a Smooth Journey
Meticulous preparation is the cornerstone of a seamless trip. A carefully-crafted itinerary minimizes delays, and ensures maximum comfort and fun.
Create a Flexible Itinerary
Begin by charting your journey: incorporating intentional pauses for meals, restrooms, and exploration. Schedule breaks every 2-3 hours, allowing children (and adults!) to stretch their legs, and get some of that restless energy out. Leverage tools like Roadtrippers or Google Maps to uncover family-friendly destinations along the route, such as:
● Pretty parks for playtime
● Charming roadside attractions for the best photo opportunities
Resist the urge to overfill your schedule. Flexible plans reduce tension if delays arise (which they always do somehow), to ensure a more stress-free travel experience.
Look for pretty lakes and parks along your route, so you can stop and stretch….and take a few photos.
Pack Smart for Comfort
Careful packing is essential for a happy journey. Use packing cubes or labeled satchels to organize clothing and essentials. Keep a dedicated bag for in-car necessities, including:
● Snacks for quick access
● Wipes for easy cleanup
● Entertainment to keep kids engaged
A compact first-aid kit with bandages, motion sickness remedies, and medications is vital. Include comforting items like pillows or a cherished stuffed animal to instill familiarity.
Stock Up on Snacks and Drinks
Hunger can swiftly disrupt a pleasant drive. Curate wholesome snacks to tide everyone over, such as:
● Granola or protein bars for quick bites
● Sliced fruits for freshness and fiber
● Pretzels or crackers for some crunch
Avoid sugary confections to prevent energy surges and lethargy. Reusable water bottles (like Hydroflasks) ensure hydration without environmental waste. A compact cooler preserves perishable treats, reducing stop frequency.
Must-Have Car Accessories for Road Trips
Outfitting your vehicle with some essential tools enhances the travel experience. Must-have car accessories like organizers, seat protectors, and portable chargers ~ maintain order and keep devices powered. An over-the-seat organizer (that kids can access from their seat) with compartments for toys, books, and snacks is genius for curbing clutter.
And don’t forget to bring either a plastic or grocery bag to use as a trash receptacle during the trip, instead of having trash strewn around the car!
Safety First: Essential Gear
● Window shades to shield from sunlight
● First aid kit
● Roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, and reflective triangles.
Keeping Kids Entertained on the Road
Screen-Free Activities for All Ages
Curate non-digital amusements to sustain engagement. For younger travelers, offer:
● Activity books for creative play (like the one my friend and I are about to publish THIS MONTH!!)
● Magnetic board games for compact fun
● Coloring kits for artistic expression
Older kids may enjoy Uno or a deck of cards. Audiobooks or podcasts with compelling narratives enthrall the whole family: download some good ones before your trip. Inspire creativity with a travel journal for sketches or stories.
Strategic Screen Time
Though minimizing screens is preferable, tablets can prove invaluable for long drives. Pre-load devices with:
● Films for entertainment
● Educational apps for learning
● Games for engagement
Kid-friendly headphones maintain a tranquil atmosphere. Set clear screen-time rules, such as one film before transitioning to another activity ~ like coloring books, etc.
More of this. Less of screen time!
Interactive Car Games
● I Spy for observation
● License plate challenge for competition
● 20 Questions for critical thinking
A scavenger hunt with a checklist of sights—like a red barn—ignites dialogue. These activities can make the miles fly by, and help get kids off of their devices.
First Aid Kit
Tablet
Backseat Organizer
Handling Unexpected Challenges
Dealing with Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can disrupt a journey. Maintain a stock of:
● Ginger chews for relief
● Acupressure wristbands for comfort
● Pharmaceutical aids for severe cases
Encourage children to look at the horizon and avoid screens when nauseated. Fresh air and active rest stops will help with recovery.
Frequent stops and short hikes will help prevent any nausea on the road…and increase the fun factor!
Making Stops Memorable
Choose Fun, Family-Friendly Stops
Investigate quaint towns or rest areas with:
● Playgrounds for much-needed energy release
● Picnic groves for meals
● Hiking paths for exploration
Seek out fun local restaurants (with good kid’s menus!) or museums with kid-friendly, interactive displays. A photo next to an eccentric roadside sculpture can become a treasured highlight, or a great moment for your Instagram reel!
Stretch and Move
Promote exertion during pauses to off-set seated hours. Try:
● Tag for spirited play
● Frisbee for coordination
● Brief walks for relaxation
Document the Journey
Immortalize the journey with photographs and videos. Compile a digital album, or invite children to create a scrapbook with:
● Tickets for nostalgia
● Postcards for memories
● Sketches for creativity
Encourage young travelers to recount cherished experiences, which will sustain them long after the journey is over…
Preserve various mementos from your trip to add to your scrapbook…
Ultimate Family Road Trip Survival Kit
For more on traveling with kids, check out this article by Guest Contributor Daniel Sherwin, on traveling as a single parent with kids!
xoxo Noelia
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Love that you’re writing a children’s book! How fun! Can’t wait to check it out : )
Thanks, Shanna! We’re really excited to publish it! xoox Noelia