Long drives with little ones and furry companions can either be wonderful or wildly chaotic, and most of the time, it’s a mix of both. If you’re planning a family road trip soon, this checklist is your new best friend. It’s made up from real-life experience.
Snacks That People Eat
No matter how short the drive is, if your snack is not organized, you are only minutes away from the grumbling in the backseat. The trick is to choose foods that are mess-free or don’t require utensils. Think oat bars, rice cakes, mini cheeses, grapes cut in half, and small tubs of popcorn. Individual compartments on a lunchbox are best for mixing things up. Do not play with sticky or crumbling foods; you will be happy you did not when there’s no mysterious orange dust clinging to the car seats.
Drinks need a mention as well. Spill-proof bottles are the only option, and we always keep a few additional bottles of water in the boot for top-ups. Wipes, napkins, and a small bin bag stowed behind the passenger seat go a long way when things inevitably get sticky.
Entertainment Lasts Longer Than Ten Minutes
Children will inevitably question how much longer it is going to take, even if you are within a five-minute radius of home. To keep ahead of the whinge curve, we provide a combination of something familiar and something new to distract them. Audiobooks are fantastic for all of the car, as long as you find a narrator you all like together. Try Roald Dahl, David Walliams or Julia Donaldson for young children. Sticker books, bingo cards on the move, and watercolour pads that can be reused are all gold here. Then we’ve even come up with scavenger lists of our own with items such as red tractors, windmills, or lying down cows. If you’ve got tablets to use, get a few new episodes downloaded before you set off and don’t forget the earphones. Otherwise, you will be hearing the same cartoon theme song ad infinitum.
The Animal Aspect Of Things
When pets are part of the journey, they deserve just as much thought as the kids. Our dog has her own mini kit: a collapsible water bowl, poo bags, a few treats, and her favourite blanket. We plan to make a few proper stops, not just petrol stations quickly, so she can stretch her legs and have a sniff around. One thing I always check before we set off is whether there’s an emergency vet near you somewhere along the route. It’s one of those things you hope never to need, but being ready makes all the difference.
Extras You’ll Be Glad You Brought
This is where experience comes in handy. We never fail to add spare clothing for the children (yes, even the grown-up children), a sheet of toilet paper, as well as a power bank and a minimal first aid kit. Sunglasses all around, particularly if you are experiencing shaded sunlight on the motorway.
If you are travelling with toddlers or babies, consider the time of day. Navigating during nap time can smooth out the ride; however, always keep your plans open to change. Some of your best memories are often from unplanned lay-bys, by-chance snack breaks, or seeing a rainbow just out of Lincoln.
