Planning a family road trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. The thought of gathering the family to embark on an adventure is every parent’s dream. Engines roaring with anticipation as the headlights burst forth, it’s time to hit the road. Despite all the excitement, there are countless questions that swarm, like busy bees searching for a flower from which to gather nectar. It’s always easier to jump in the car and go, right? But if only it were that simple! Oftentimes the perfect road trip, even when it held so much promise, would evolve into chaotic, everything-gone-wrong surprises. Fortunately, there is a solution to this seemingly impossible task. For every daunting question, there seems to have a simple solution. There are strategies for planning a stress-free family road trip in an organized manner so that there is time to get everything done!
First, try and keep the planning simple. In an effort to have everything perfect, oftentimes too many activities might be crammed into a road trip. As a result, everyone is too rushed to enjoy any of the sightseeing and activities. Consider cutting down on the number of destinations to devote time to enjoy those places rather than just driving through. More than likely there will be some touristy attractions or sites that the entire family would like to see. Come up with a list ranking these destinations from “must see” to “would be nice.” Start with what must be seen. If that’s all that was accomplished on the trip, it would still be well worth it. Make sure to at least stop at the “must see” stops along the way.
Second, assess the family dynamics. Depending on the time of year, what everyone packs will differ. Bracing the heat of the summer sun means stocking up on sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cooler full of drinks and ice. Alternatively, a winter getaway should include snow boots, sleds, and warm hot chocolate. Ultimately, the season and family interests will determine what to bring along. Although it is important to have what is needed, do not overpack the vehicle. There is typically little room in a car packed with children unless the roof rack is slid on. If that is the case, remember that no matter how tightly secured all belongings are strapped down, they will still somehow tumble all over the highway.
Choosing the Destination
The first step in planning a successful family road trip is choosing a destination point, preferably one that is roughly 200 to 300 miles away from your house. This is a good distance for a one-day trip and is about as far as kids and parents can travel in one day without going completely crazy. A family meeting should be called to discuss possible destinations. Consider places that the family has been wanting to explore, such as state parks, zoos, amusement parks, or historical locations. Making a list of the possible destinations and then narrowing the list down to one or two possibilities can build enthusiasm. Take a vote or let the kids make the final decision.
Once a destination has been selected, the next step is to carefully review the available routes. Make use of computer mapping programs and travel brochures or pamphlets from the destination points to help the decision-making process. For those destinations requiring a long trip on a major freeway or highway, make sure that there are plenty of choices for places to stop along the way. Use a pen to number each city or exit along the highway where a stop can be made. Research the types of attractions and information found in those places before the final trip. Sometimes, the freeways and highways are strewn with junky attractions that aren’t worth investigating. Plan something good and fun for each stopping place selected, or there might be a need to be back on the road in about 5 minutes.
For destinations requiring back roads or small highways, make certain to read the maps carefully so that the highways counted on for exploration are the scenic ones. However, take note that scenic highways sometimes don’t offer stops and they might be only a few miles in length. Back roads are a particularly fun way to travel, as long as the roads are in decent condition. Drive along these roads ahead of time to check for dangerous curves and dips, road and bridge conditions, and to see if any of the kids’ cars will fit down the road.
Setting the Budget
Setting the budget is the most critical step in ensuring a seamless family road trip. Fortunately, road trips tend to be less expensive than other types of recreational travel, especially if multiple people are traveling together and sharing expenses. The first step to budget planning is to compile a list of known expenses. Potential expenses usually fall into one of four categories: transportation, lodging, food, and activities.
An estimation of travel time will help to determine how far the family will travel and help to estimate fuel expenses. A map with mileage can be used to determine how many miles will be traveled and to figure out how many fuel stops will need to occur during the trip. This information can be used to calculate an estimated amount of fuel that will be consumed based on the family vehicle and its fuel efficiency. Using the cost of gas in the area will allow the family to plan how much to set aside for fuel expenses.
Lodging expenses will be affected by the number of stops on a trip and the number of days that the family is traveling. Some families prefer hotels, while others bring along their vehicles, campers, or tents in order to save money. Unfortunately, state parks and campgrounds usually charge a fee, so regardless of the method, the family should look into what is available while planning their budget. Because most of these fees vary from location to location, it is a good idea to have a list of potential stops in order to form a rough estimate of lodging expenses.
Because of the generally high cost of food when traveling, the family should carefully consider food expenses. Road food is notoriously expensive because of the cost of convenience and the captive audience. Parents wishing to keep their grocery costs low should plan to carry snacks, sandwich materials, water bottles, and a thermos of coffee in their vehicle. Snacks and sandwiches are especially important because children are prone to need more food than adults, and sandwiches are less expensive than fast food. A rough estimate of food expenses can be created after determining how many meals will be eaten on the road.
Lastly, recreation expenses must be assessed, including entrance fees for parks, parking fees, and money for souvenirs. Keep in mind the added expenses incurred from side trips taken to break up the travel monotony. Considering gas, time, and food costs in planning the sightseeing on a trip is helpful. Aside from the cost of activities, families taking animals with them should inquire about pet fees, which may apply at hotels and campgrounds. Budgeting a small amount aside for discretionary expenses can make for a more enjoyable trip. Stopping at a junk food haven or a roadside souvenir stand is fun, but it is also easy to lose track of where the money is going.
Road trips are often less expensive than other forms of vacationing travel. Many family trips fall into a pattern: travel to a specific destination and stay there, not seeing anything else on the way. However, there is so much to see in the world even a few hours from home, and with careful planning, families can visit a variety of places without going broke.
Cost breakdown
When it comes to planning a family road trip, it’s important to set a budget. With a budget, the family will know how much can be spent and on which things. A family can decide what they would like to spend on gas, food, lodging, activities, or even souvenirs. Creating a budget can be done with computer programs, online budgeting templates, or simply on paper. After deciding on a budget, it will need to be broken down into categories. Categories might include lodging (hotels, motels, or tents), gas, food, and activities. To break the budget down even further, set a certain amount to be spent on each category. Factoring in other smaller expenses, such as tolls or tips, is also recommended on the budget.
Of course, the biggest expense on the family’s road trip budget will likely be gas. There are online services that can estimate how much will be spent on gas based on how far the family will be going and how much their vehicle consumes fuel. On average, a car will go about 14 miles per gallon. To do this manually, figure out how many miles the family will be driving. This can usually be calculated using maps or GPS systems. Now multiply the total number of miles by the gas price the family would expect to pay. Then, take that number and divide it by how many miles the family’s vehicle goes per gallon. The result is how much should be spent on gas on the trip.
Saving tips
While many people consider a family road trip an expensive affair, there are plenty of tried and true strategies for saving on the costs while still enjoying the adventure. Most savings tips fall into one of three categories: things to do or not do on the trip itself; things to do or not do when planning the trip; and things to do or not do before the trip even begins.
With gas prices rising, sticking to some “in-transit” money-saving measures is advisable. For example, a family could bring a travel mug full of coffee from home instead of stopping at the local coffee shop. Along the same lines, consider bringing lunches instead of stopping at fast-food places on the route. If restaurants will be included in the budget plan, look for family deals or buffets. Finally, if accommodations are to be in motels, consider calling ahead to ask for “rest stop” discounts at a particular chain.
Fortunately, there are numerous helpful tips that can be applied when planning the trip. Once a desired route has been chosen, check out the local tourist bureau and the internet for free or low-cost attractions along the way. Often, these hidden gems offer the most fun. When planning a route, consider taking the long way to discover new towns and places off the beaten path. Also, avoid planning on much spending at large amusement parks, as overpriced tickets, food, and souvenirs can quickly diminish a budget.
Even before planning stops and routes, it can be beneficial to make sure a family is traveling in the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible. Generally, vans and SUVs are the least economical choices. Also, check the oil, air filter, and tire pressure before hitting the road, as everything should be in top working order to save on gas and avoid any potential disasters. Finally, various websites and smartphone applications allow drivers to avoid most toll roads, which can be useful in keeping costs down.
Packing Essentials
When preparing for a family road trip, packing the right essentials is crucial to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey. Clothing and footwear are essential categories to consider when packing for a road trip. According to Rocke (Rocke, 1961), it is advisable to include clothing items with ample room for movement, such as skirts with enough width and suits with pleated or gored skirts. For children, simple and easy-fitting clothes are recommended. Additionally, choosing crease and spot-resistant fabrics, textured materials that wrinkle less, and darker colored fabrics that show less soil can help maintain a fresh appearance during the trip. Knits, especially cotton knits and jersey, are comfortable and easy to pack, making them suitable choices for young children. When it comes to footwear, plain, comfortable pumps in a dark color are ideal for general wear, while a large roomy bag that complements all street clothes and a small flat envelope-type purse for dress-up are practical accessories to consider.
In addition to clothing and footwear, ensuring that all necessary travel documents are packed is essential for a smooth journey. This includes driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, insurance documents, and any required permits for specific travel destinations. It is also advisable to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, emergency contact information, and a list of essential phone numbers. Being well-prepared and organized with the right clothing, footwear, and travel documents can contribute significantly to the overall comfort, safety, and enjoyment of the family road trip.
Clothing and footwear
When planning clothing and footwear for a family road trip, it is essential to consider the weather conditions, planned activities, and the duration of the journey. According to (Rocke, 1961) , selecting clothes with collars and necklines that are not high or closely fitted, as well as suits with pleated or gored skirts, can provide comfort during travel. For children, choosing simply designed and easy-fitting clothes is recommended. Additionally, packing crease and spot-resistant fabrics, textured materials that wrinkle less, and darker colored fabrics that show less soil can help maintain a neat appearance throughout the trip. When it comes to footwear, the selection should be based on the planned activities, with the kind and number of pairs depending on the specific activities involved. Ensuring that the accessories complement the entire wardrobe and paying attention to grooming are also important aspects to consider. These considerations can contribute to the comfort, practicality, and preparedness of the family for the various activities during the road trip.
Travel documents
Ensuring that travel documents are in order is often a last-minute packing task at the best of times, but it has to be done ahead of driving a family with kids across a border. Books, toys, food, and other travel necessities must be packed. In addition to items brought during the trip, including all the belongings packed in the vehicle, there are also explicit rules for entry and exit that take the form of documents.
Each family member must have the proper travel documents and identification. Make sure passports are valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry into a foreign country and that there are no blank pages left. Children also must have proper identification. If they are included in a parent’s passport, they need a copy of that passport, including the ID page and the family information page. However, bringing a child out of the country without the other parent can result in complications. To avoid this, a notarized letter of consent is needed from the absent parent, giving permission for the child to travel. This protects all parties involved and facilitates the passage of the child at the border if there are any questions as to why there is a single guardian traveling with them.
A copy of a family’s or traveler’s itinerary with hotel bookings, flights, car rentals, and other reservations must also be brought. It contains dates, contact numbers, addresses, and other details that can assist if problems arise. It is also an important safety precaution to have these in writing. Finally, proof of insurance in case of an accident or vehicle breakdown should be brought along with health insurance information in case of emergencies. At least one of the parents must have a way to pay for expenses, whether it is in cash or by credit card. It is also useful to have information on how to report a stolen card, especially if traveling to a foreign country.
Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Checks
When it comes to road trips, your vehicle is the foundation of your adventure. You want to know that it is safe and reliable while you’re exploring some of America’s most scenic highways and byways. So keep it in shape with regular vehicle maintenance and safety checks, like making sure you have proper tire pressure and tread depth. If you suspect your car, van, or truck might be having issues before you head out on a long tumble across the countryside, consider having it assessed by a repair shop. If you find that something is awry, you’ll have more time to get it repaired before you have to hit the road. Here’s a checklist of vehicle maintenance and safety checks, to help ensure that you have safe driving conditions when it’s about time for a family road trip.
Just when you know immediate family and best friends need inconvenient travel dates, unplanned car repairs and other hiccups surely won’t bode well for a road trip! Vehicles that aren’t well maintained can break down before arriving at the scenic sights or over vacation leave. Ahead of hitting the road, it’s advisable to attend to auto maintenance, tune-ups, as well as safety checks to ensure no mechanical or breakdown issues arise. Visit your car’s owner’s manual for listed items, service intervals, and recommended checks specific to the vehicle. Some cars even have a window sticker to keep track of auto services. Properly keeping up on auto maintenance can assist with fuel economy, ensure overall vehicle performance, and help avoid larger future repairs.
Firstly, oil changes and checking fluid levels should be kept up with regularly. Prepare ahead of time by checking the oil level, which should fall between the low and full line on the stick. Too low and the engine could seize up; if it’s too full, the crankshaft can foam up the oil. Next is to make sure there is enough coolant to avoid overheating on a family road trip. Inspect hoses and belts for cracks or kinks as well. It also helps to check brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield fluid. It’s best not to fall below the minimum markings for any of these fluids.
Entertainment and Activities for the Road
Long stretches of highway can be tedious, especially in the midst of never-ending flat land, and it doesn’t take long for the car games to lose their flavor. Keeping the crew entertained is an essential part of a successful road trip. Luckily, there are endless options!
Car Games
While car games may seem like a tired form of entertainment, there are numerous options to keep the same game fresh. Classics like “I Spy” or the License Plate Game can easily be switched to focus on different aspects of the trip. If the crew is willing to get a little rowdy, there’s the classic “Road Trip Scavenger Hunt,” which works great with a point system and provides plenty of opportunities for friendly competition. There’s nothing like a little car chaos to bond everyone on the journey! Additionally, you can always mix up the traditional games with some apps that keep track of the same ideas.
Movies and TV Shows
Any road trip long enough to justify bringing portable movies deserves a few feature-length films or perfectly cut-up television episodes. Definitely aim for some nostalgic ones, as they can spark fond memories of past adventures. Movies that are set on the road are also excellent pick, as they let everyone think about the journey and not just the destination. There are tons of options based on the favored genre, from madcap comedies to more serious dramas, and even animated films loved by all ages. Of course, don’t forget the accompanying snacks!
Podcasts and Audiobooks
For those willing to get a bit weird, there’s nothing like those two-to-three-hour podcasts about weird things. Whether it’s grappling with the ethics of taxidermy or a six-part breakdown of that one band’s horrible ’80s fiasco, these long-form discussions can lead to amazing conversations or, at the very least, a lot of laughter. However, if the discussions get too weird, audiobooks feel like the genius solution. There’s an endless supply of novels on tape and, even better, the journey provides a great opportunity to finally dive into classics like “Moby Dick.” Or, of course, select books from favorite authors, as they can make for fun detours by wanting to later visit authors’ homes or locations featured in the stories.
Music Mixes
Trying to pick songs that everyone will like is impossible, and with an iPod, it can easily lead to arguing and losing control of the music altogether. But starting with everyone’s favorite song from childhood guarantees a stack of songs that will take everyone back in time. Of course, aim for a good variety and keep any gangsta rap songs out of the mix, as kids don’t need that kind of education just yet.