Ah, the family road trip - is there anything better?
We absolutely LOVE the idea of rounding up the whole family and piling into a car for a long journey.
However, you know that saying 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail'? Well, when it comes to family road trips, it couldn't be more relevant.
It is crucial that you pack everything you may possibly need (a large boot is a godsend!).
Here are our 7 MUST HAVES for any family road trip:
1. An emergency kit.
When on a family road trip - you just never know what could happen. We suggest having a little 'emergency kit' with first aid, a power bank, emergency snacks, wellies, a torch, emergency treats (for you!) and anything else you may need.
2. Music.
Before ANYTHING else is placed in the car, make sure you have your family-favourite music ready to go. It will actually be the cutest thing ever to sing along to Let It Go, or Hakuna Matata, while driving down the open road. It is also so handy to have a media player such as Apple CarPlay at the ready.
3. Wipes. Loads of them.
Kids are just naturally sticky creatures, no matter how many times you wash their hands and faces. It is actually baffling sometimes. Inevitably, there will be a bit of a mess made while you drive to your destination - arm yourself with baby wipes. Modern societies greatest invention, right?
4. Screens, screens, screens.
Usually, we would advise against popping your little ones in front of screens, however, road trips might just be the exception. A portable DVD player may just be your new BFF, or even an iPad or phone - anything that they can watch something animated and fun on.
5. SNACKS.
'Muuuuuuum, I'm STARVING!'
Sound familiar to anyone else? Whether you're in the car for an hour (or 6), those little tummies will start to rumble, so be sure to have some delicious and nutritious snacks on hand. Chopped fruit and veg is a handy (and typically mess-free) snack. Slice some apples, and enjoy.
6. Blankets and pillows.
They've had their yummy snacks, sung their hearts out, and now they're wrecked. SUCCESS. Make sure you have their favourite blankets and pillows piled into the boot so that they can nap in comfort.
7. Patience.
Last, but not least - take a deep breath. You are going to have a wonderful trip with the family, you just need to prepare a little. Make lists, tick things off as you pile them into the car, and you'll be flying.
Remember folks - half the fun is getting there.
