The brightest time of the year is here.  What better way to celebrate summer than a family road trip?

There are tons of places for the whole family to go – a national park, to visit relatives, or even checking Disney World off your bucket list. No matter where you go, the family road trip starts, ends, and relies upon the level of preparation you make before hitting the road. Here are some foolproof tips to make sure your family road trip this summer is as smooth and fun as it can be.

 

Make sure everyone is comfortable

Whether you’re in the car for a few hours or a few days, comfort should be on the top of everyone’s minds. And there are a number of factors that combine to make the trip comfortable.

It starts with the car. How large is your car? If you have a family of at least four, the more space you have the better. Consider renting a roomy car that has enough storage for everyone to be comfortable and bring all the bags and supplies you need.

The next step is seating arrangements. If the car has enough space, each passenger may have the chance to spread out for naps and avoid cramping their necks. Make sure the older kids who need more legroom have the space to stretch out.

Speaking of stretching, remember to schedule plenty of stops to let everyone out to stretch their legs. Nothing drives riders more insane than the cramped, stale air of a packed car. Make use of the beautiful rest stops all along the highways across the country and take in that fresh air.

And, of course, be sure to bring plenty of blankets and pillows. Naps are a great way to pass the time away, and it’s hard to doze off without the comfort of a makeshift bed. Pillows can even be used when you’re awake, and make the general experience drastically more comfortable.

Remember to do your research

“Are we there yet?” This classic road trip line can have devastating consequences if you don’t have an answer. Are you anywhere close to being there? Did you even check a map before you left?

It may seem like an obvious step, but remember to do plenty of research before hitting the road. Look up the best routes (scenic and timewise), the traffic reports, the weather reports, and the towns you;ll be passing through. Maybe even look up some fun activities to stop at along the way.

If the ride is long, look up some interesting places to stay the night in. Find hotels near famous eateries, or bring camping gear if you’re the outdoorsy type. Nothing should ever throw the driver off guard, so it’s always a good idea for the whole team to do their research beforehand.

Bring plenty of entertainment

The number one enemy of road trips? Boredom. Come prepared with an arsenal of entertainment for the whole family.

Some entertainment is obvious, like bringing along cell phones and tablets to play games, watching movies, or read books. Make the auditory experience pleasant for the whole family by downloading fun audiobooks or podcasts that everyone will enjoy. And don’t forget to bring plenty of chargers!

While these aides may do wonders for the long stretches of highway, it’s still important to spend some time out of the car. When you stop at rest stops, play a few games of tag or race to keep the body stimulated. This can make stopping at rest stops worth the loss of time.

And don’t forget lunch!

No road trip would be complete without road trip snacks. Chips, fruits, juices, and candy are all great ideas for the family on the go. Be sure to head to the store before heading on your trip to avoid any whining at gas stations for treats. Invest in a water cooler to keep items cold, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Of course, snacks aren’t the only thing you’ll eat on your trip. Look up restaurants along your route for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Or bring along some hotdogs and burgers and make use of the bbq pits at parks and rest stops!

Road trips are one of the most exciting trips a family can make together. Typically inexpensive, families may go on several trips throughout the summer. Don’t let fear of a trip going awry prevent your family from having the most fun and memorable trip of your lifetimes!