Planning a road trip with your kids? Whether you’re heading out on a family vacation or just taking a weekend drive across South Africa, a road trip with children can be a fun adventure – as long as you’re prepared!
Let’s look at some practical tips to help you make this venture with your children as smooth sailing as possible.
1. First things first – safety
Make safety your priority. Before hitting the road, double-check that your car is in good condition. This means checking your tyres, oil, and gas and ensuring your brakes are in good shape.
Young children must also have the correct car seat for their age, size, and weight. South African regulations are strict when it comes to car seat safety, so make sure your child’s seat is installed properly before starting the journey.
2. Keeping the kids entertained (and happy!)
The key to a peaceful road trip? Keeping your little ones entertained. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping kids entertained in the car and prevent the dreaded “Are we there yet?” moment from happening every five minutes. Let’s look at some of the top ways to keep them entertained.
Colouring books and craft packs
A colouring book or an activity pack with puzzles and games can keep kids busy for hours. Pack a bag with some crayons, colouring books, or even stickers.
Road trip games
Playing “I Spy” or “20 Questions” will help to keep the kids engaged. The licence plate game, where everyone in the car competes to spot as many different licence plates as possible, is another favourite. If your kids are old enough, a simple trivia quiz can be loads of fun.
Screen time
We’re all familiar with the magic of handing over a tablet or smartphone to keep the kids quiet, but too much screen time can cause motion sickness. Aim for a balance – use screen time for part of the journey, but mix it with activities like singing songs, playing games, or talking about the places you’re passing by.
Tip: Download family-favourite songs, movies, podcasts, and educational apps before the trip. You don’t want to be stuck with a buffering screen in the middle of nowhere!
3. Beat motion sickness (it happens!)
If you’ve ever had a child get car sick, you know how quickly a fun road trip can take a turn for the worse. To help minimise the chances of motion sickness on long drives, try to limit screen time.
If motion sickness is a frequent issue for your child, talk to your paediatrician before the trip to see if there are any recommended over-the-counter remedies to help.
Breaks are a must
Don’t wait until your kids start feeling queasy. Plan for regular breaks to let them stretch, walk around, and get some fresh air. Sometimes, a quick pit stop at a rest stop can do wonders for preventing that “sick” feeling.
Tip: If motion sickness is a frequent issue for your child, talk to your paediatrician or pharmacist before the trip to ask for any recommended over-the-counter remedies that help.
4. Pack like a pro
Ahead of your trip, pack a bag with wipes, hand sanitiser, a first aid kit, toilet paper, and a few easy-to-grab snacks. This way, you won’t be scrambling for road trip essentials when you need them most! Also, remember the following when packing.
Pillows and blankets
A cosy pillow or blanket can make napping in the car more comfortable. If your kids can get a bit of sleep during the drive, it’ll help pass the time, and everyone will feel more refreshed.
Favourite comfort items
Does your child have a favourite stuffed animal or blanket? Bring it along for the ride! Familiar items can keep your little ones calm and comfortable during long hours in the car.
Snacks and drinks
When it comes to snacks and meals, steer away from anything too heavy or greasy, as it can upset little stomachs. Pack light snacks like crackers, fruit, or nuts, but be sure to include your kids’ favourites. Make sure everyone stays hydrated, and avoid sugary drinks – stick to water or diluted fruit juice.
Tip: It’s also a good idea to cover the seats using seat covers or towels for the inevitable messing of crumbs.
5. Be ready for the unexpected
No matter how much you plan, things can always take an unexpected turn. Maybe your child gets a little carsick, or the weather turns bad. Be prepared for anything with a few backup plans. The following can help.
Emergency numbers and documents
Make sure your emergency contacts are up to date and that you’re aware of what your car insurance policy covers. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to have all the info you need right at your fingertips.
If your car insurer has a roadside protection app, download and set up your profile before leaving on your trip.
Plan for detours
Sometimes, the quickest route isn’t the best route. Remember to keep an eye on your surroundings. Keep a backup map or offline navigation ready, as you never know when you get stuck with a dead battery!
If you’re in a more remote area, you might need to take a detour or find a new petrol station or rest stop.
Get car insurance today
Before hitting the road, make sure your car insurance is up to date. You never know when you might need it, especially on a long road trip. For customisable and comprehensive car insurance that meets your family’s needs and budget, you can get a free online quote here.
Look for one that gives you benefits like a car insurance app including roadside protection and other benefits for further peace of mind.
Enjoy a stress-free family road trip
A family road trip can be a beautiful experience if you take the time to plan. Armed with these tips, your kids will be entertained, safe, and happy, letting you enjoy a stress-free journey.
Disclaimer
The article aims to provide South African motorists with tips to keep children safe and entertained on a family road trip. However, it’s not a complete list. Always do your independent research.
Please get professional financial advice from a certified financial advisor to ensure you select the appropriate financial services product. You can easily get an online quote to see what car insurance will cost for your specific risk profile and car. You can even buy car insurance online, and activate your policy by sending a few quick photos