With warm weather just around the corner, this is a perfect opportunity for a family road trip that can be an amazing mix of relaxation and adventure when planned right. Whether you want to hit the road for the spring break or during the summer, taking your little rascals to see new corners of the country requires some well-planned packing and prepping.

A lot of people will just hop in the car for their road trip, but they soon discover that the car becomes quite full once it is fully packed and filled with the family members. Some families will be fine to share such a small space for a while, but others will struggle. Those who struggle may want to research purchasing a van for the journey. This will give everyone their own personal space, as well as allowing plenty of room for luggage. You can find van insurance online to cover your new vehicle, as this is required by law.

Let’s take a look at all the basics you’ll need to cover, some fun ways to keep the kids entertained and occupied while you drive, and tips on how to make this the most memorable family journey ever!

Packing essentials

Although things such as flashlights and bandages go without saying, bringing your kids also means taking extra precautions and bringing more “just in case” must-haves for potential side stops or delays. Here are a few items you will need in your road trip kit:

• Roadside emergency kit
• First aid kit
• Hygiene and sanitation basics such as baby wipes and garbage bags
• A whistle
• Maps of the locations you plan to visit
• Healthy snacks and protein bars
• Sun protection and bug spray
• Extra batteries and chargers
• Food and water

In addition to these necessities, you should bring plenty of spare clothes, extra footwear, pillows for sleepyheads and those night-long drives, and of course, a camera to capture the most special moments.

Bring on the fun!

Kids can get pretty restless when they’re stuck in such a confined space with few options to vent their seemingly endless energy supplies, so it’s wise to have a diverse selection of entertainment for those long hours on the road.

Bring several CD mixes with your family’s favourite tunes, some audio books if your kids are up for a bedtime story, and make sure to prep your car with clever storage pockets for colouring books, crayons, and perhaps DIY craft kits for making jewellery or cookies. That way, even in case of a flat tire or if you run out of fuel, your kids will have numerous fun activities to rely on while you’re waiting for your emergency petrol delivery or rolling up your sleeves.

Puzzles, word searches, guessing and card games and other printable materials can be very exciting, so you can make your own binder with compiled favourites and take them to your journey. You can also bring your DVD player with a few movies and cartoons, but help your kids make the most of your trip by enjoying the scenery and bonding activities without a digital overload.

Make every stop count

Especially if you’re travelling with toddlers, you’ll need to make frequent bathroom and snack breaks, but these are also perfect opportunities to replenish your energy, observe the new surroundings, and stretch your legs after hours of driving.

Before you start your trip, you can mark all the potential pit stops on a map. Also, include the kids to help with research and suggest fun sightseeing activities so that you can explore the towns you visit. Even fifteen or twenty minutes in a new place or surrounded with nature can help you unwind, recharge your energy, and you’ll find that time will pass more quickly if you divide up your adventurous journey into smaller chunks.

Nowadays, you can make use of many available apps, such as Roadtrippers, that can simplify your trip by providing you with useful tips and places that are worth a visit.

You can forget about those ruthless “Are we there yet?” broken record sessions from the back seat, followed by complaints and whining over unsatisfactory parental service. All it takes is a carefully planned versatile itinerary, some clever entertainment options and you’re all set for a fun-filled family adventure that both you and your kids will enjoy.