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“Are we there yet?”
We’ve all heard those words at least once during a road trip. Sometimes, we don’t even make it 5 miles before a, “how much longer?”, comes from the back of the car.
Family road trips create lasting memories, but they can also come with their fair share of challenges.
Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the beach, or just exploring new places along the way, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are 5 practical tips to help make your next family road trip smooth, stress-free, and full of fun.
1. Keep An Emergency Kit
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- Flashlight
- Spare tire with jack and wrench
- Multi-tool
Every car should have a basic emergency kit, especially for road trips. I also keep a portable electric air pump under my seat for emergencies as well. Having these items on hand can make a big difference if you get stranded or face unexpected delays.
2. Set Up A Variety of Entertainment
Consider goodie bags for every 50 or so miles
Download audiobooks, podcasts, and movies in advance. I like to set up little goodie bags for every 50 miles or so. These include a snack, a small toy and/or a hint at our next stop. My kids also have a portable DVD player that I tuck in between the seats.
3. Schedule Breaks Often
Plan for rest stops every 2–3 hours to stretch, use restrooms, and let kids burn off energy.
Look for parks or quirky roadside attractions. I also like to look for local events that might be happening along our route. This helps easy the tension of being stuck in the car for hours, making the car ride a little less overstimulating.
4. Pack An Essentials Car Bag
Include a travel pillow and blanket, snacks, wipes, and extra activities for the kids
Packing a car bag just for the kids can make a road trip much smoother. Fill it with age-appropriate snacks, refillable water bottles, small toys, coloring books, and a few surprise items to keep things exciting.
Having everything within easy reach helps reduce restlessness and keeps them entertained between stops.
Kid Tip: Grab a small cereal container and a trash bag for the backseat. The lid keeps everything secure so nothing spills if it falls over.
5. Plan (but Don’t Over plan) the Route
Map out your general path and key stops, but leave room for spontaneity
When mapping out your road trip, it’s smart to plan your main route and key stops—but leave room for flexibility. Overplanning every minute can lead to stress if things don’t go exactly as expected. Instead, allow time for spontaneous detours, unexpected finds, or longer breaks when needed. A loose plan gives structure while still letting the trip feel like an adventure.
Pro Tip: MapQuest allows up to 26 destinations on one trip and will organize your route according to efficiency.
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