There is undoubtedly something special about piling into the car and heading out on the open road as a family. But let’s be entirely honest — around the third hour of “are we there yet,” the magic can start to wear off a little. Before you even load up the car and program the GPS, the smartest move you can possibly make is thinking about how you want the trip to feel, not just where you want to end up.
To ensure your journey is a smooth one for all family members, be sure to review these important factors first.
Set the Tone Before You Start
What are you looking for from your road trip? Fast-paced and packed with activities? Slower and more scenic, with plenty of detours? There is no right answer to this, but it helps to have everyone on the same page before you even pack.
Even if your traveling party includes younger kids, talking about how long you’ll be in the car, the kinds of things you are going to see, and what the plan is can set expectations and prevent grumbling later on. For parents, this also means leaving some room for maneuver in the itinerary. You might have been planning a hiking trail that becomes inadvisable due to rain, or your youngest might suddenly really need a nap just when the museum tour is due to start. Build in some buffer time and have alternative activities if Plan A doesn’t pan out.
Plan Your Pivots
Speaking of Plan A, it is generally a good idea to have at least A and B locked down for each day of the trip. Have an activity in mind, but also be aware of nearby parks, cafes and play areas if the initial plan falls through.
On a longer trip, it also makes sense to have a range of practical solutions nailed down. Make sure roadside assistance is up to date; download offline maps so you always have more than one source of direction, and consider what your play is if the trip needs to be curtailed or delayed. Travel insurance from sources such as Generali can make changes less stressful and more manageable. You can’t plan for every scenario, but you can defend against the possibility of scenarios.
Don’t Over-Schedule the Fun Bits
Planning a trip is exciting, for sure: not necessarily the essential admin, but looking at the places you want to go and sketching out your itinerary, full of the local attractions.
But it is possible to over-plan and end up having to cut something short that you’re really enjoying. Leaving the theme park because you might be late for the firework display? Maybe that’s the right call. But if everyone’s having the time of their life, you should at least have a vote on whether to stick to the plan or call an audible. You can’t be sure ahead of time what everyone will enjoy most — so don’t be bound to a schedule.
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A great road trip will be safe, harmonious and surprising — be ready for this and you’ll all have the best time. With the proper trip planning ahead of time, you can be sure the experience is nothing but smooth sailing!
