Something about summer seems to scream "road trip with the kids." Maybe it's idyllic visions of miles of scenic roads, stunning sights and quality time together. Sadly, it can easily turn into torturous days crammed together, fighting and swearing to never try a road trip again. Here's some ways to make the journey psychologically survivable for everyone involved.
So much stuff to bring…
Edibles
Must-Have Item: Cooler
A cooler filled with a bit of ice is perfect for keeping drinks cold and storing perishables.
Light Snacks
One of the worst things about a road trip is the temptation to just nibble on something all the time (one of the effects of supreme boredom). Try choosing mostly healthy, light snacks so that if the urge to eat arises, at least it’s not just sugar and fat.
A bag of mini carrots is perfect for the cooler, just don’t leave them out in the heat because hot carrots are truly nasty.
Drinks
There’s always a battle between keeping hydrated and drinking so much liquid you’re stopping at every single rest area along the way. Definitely keep plenty of liquid in the car, getting stranded without it would be terrible, but make it a little hard to get to.
In-Car Distractions
DVD/Video Player
In today’s world of high-tech devices, many cars have built-in DVD players. What? Not yours? How about a portable player – even an iPod will do the trick. Something with a good battery life (there’s no point if you’ll only get two hours of distraction out of it) and headphone plug-ins. Honestly, even if the point of the trip is family time, children get bored and whiny without something fun to do.
Books
With any luck, the kids don’t get carsick while reading on the road.
A quick guide to some of the top stories for kids and general children’s book-buying strategies.
All the Other Things
There are a thousand things you could take on your trip, but here are some of the necessities.
First-aid kit
Blankets and pillows (for napping or getting stranded)
Water
Spare tire & jack
Motor oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid (just in case)
Flashlight and batteries (you never need it until you don’t have it)
Plan A Route
Side Trips
Taking a few planned detours along the trip is fine, stopping to see every “Point of Geological Interest” on the road is simply irritating. Plan around everyone’s energy levels and try not to count on seeing anything after mid-afternoon when all day in the car has brought on lethargy.
If the sign is this generic, the site probably isn’t worth it.
Spectacular Places to Head
Whether it’s your ultimate destination or just a long stop on the way, here are places all over the country worth a visit.
The Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, some millions of years old. The national pa...
The Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, some millions of years old. The national park is located 3.5 miles north of Moab, near the Canyonlands National Park. For the more active, long hikes are available, many ending at some of the parks more spectacular sites, including the famed Delicate Arch and the Devils Garden Campground.
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