Planning a road trip in the school holidays
With the school holidays rapidly approaching, you might be in the planning stages of lots of different activities to keep your kids entertained. Road trips are a great way to add some adventure to a holiday. You could plan a trip to see friends and family or enjoy a staycation.
Here are some tips to keep your family road trip smooth and easy during the school holidays.
Choosing your destination
Your destination choice will be influenced by the ages of your children. Younger kids will find it harder to be in the car for long stretches whereas older ones can entertain themselves a bit easier.
When it comes to staycations the UK is full of great choices. Cornwall is always a popular choice, although it does get busy. Make sure you book accommodation in advance for the best price. Don’t count out the northern half of the country, though. With the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Moors to choose from, you can find something for everyone.
Planning your route and stops
As mentioned, rest stops are essential when travelling with children. Motorway services aren’t always the most child-friendly, so look along your route and see if there is anywhere nearby. If you are travelling on the A1, for example, Burghley House in nearby Stamford is a great place to let your kids burn off any energy before you carry on driving! Plus there is a café for some hot food or sandwiches if you fancy a longer break.
Remember to check the traffic before you set off. Sitting in standstill queues with restless kids is no fun at all. Keep an eye on roadworks and planned maintenance too. Being aware means you can adjust your route to avoid them.
Preparing your vehicle
In the weeks before you set off, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for driving long distances. Remember to fill up with petrol before the day you leave to save a bit of money as motorway garages tend to be more expensive. For added safety, check key car parts and accessories, too. Inspect engine oil levels, brake pads, tire pressure, and windshield wipers (WindshieldWipers has a huge selection if you need to find the right model) to ensure they are in good working order. Additionally, check the battery, coolant levels, and lights, including indicators and brake lights, to prevent any issues during your journey. Proper maintenance of these components can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience.
Schedule a service at your local garage in advance to make sure they can fit you in with time for any repairs if necessary. If you don’t have a garage that you use regularly, search for “car servicing near me” to bring up local options.
Packing essentials
When you think of packing, you will naturally consider clothing, outerwear and things for your trip. Packing the car for the journey itself is important too.
For kids who like reading, audiobooks are a good choice. Many people, adults and children, get car sick when reading so an audiobook is a great alternative. Just remember to pack headphones and chargers for any devices to keep everyone happy!
Snacks are also an integral part of the car ride. For older kids, create snack boxes with a mix of healthy food and treats. They can have autonomy over their snacking and you don’t have to keep turning around to pass food and drink around the car.
