How to have a stress-free family road trip

This year it's all about the family staycation, which is great news - there's so much to see and do in Ireland, and it's brilliant to be supporting local.  That said, travelling with the kids can be quite daunting at the best of times, even if you’re just spinning down the country for the weekend. The two-hour drive can seem like ten hours to mums dealing with cranky toddlers and moody teenagers. Luckily, we’ve had years of experience and dozens of family road trips under our belts.

 

These five tips will help make the family road trip way easier for all involved.

 

There is nothing more irritating than having to listen to the kids whine and whine for three hours. “Are we there yet?” is muttered again and again. They sigh when you tell them we’re only halfway there and sulk when you reach yet another old country town that isn’t your destination. The best way to combat this drama is to simply schedule stops along the route. Let them stretch their legs, pick up a drink or snack and breathe in the fresh air for 20 minutes, and then head back on the road.

 

 

Every mum has her own individual rules for screen-time in the home, but when it comes to road trips we let the kids run free. Allowing them to watch as many episodes of Paw Patrol or that new Netflix series all their friends are talking about will bless you with hours and hours of peace and quiet. Make sure they have headphones so they can tune out any other noise, and so mum doesn’t have to listen to the Peppa Pig soundtrack on loop for three hours.

 

This is one thing that’ll keep both adults and children entertained. We all grew up with these games so why not introduce the kids to 20 Questions or I Spy as you drive to your destination? It’s a great way to get them thinking and a sweet way to reminisce about the days when your parents took you on family adventures.

 

 

The last thing you need is your 15-year-old groaning about how cold the car is, despite the fact you told him to bring his jumper three times before leaving the house. Pack a couple of light blankets and some small pillows (that don’t take up lots of room) to ensure the kids are super snug. This will also help encourage little people to take a much-needed nap during your journey.

 

One thing that’ll make the journey whizz by is music. Why don’t you or your teenager put together a playlist that suits the entire family? Just beware of songs with swear words as little ears will be within reach. Pop on The Greatest Showman soundtrack, some Adele and maybe a few cheesy pop songs for good measure?

 

Driving with the kids may be difficult at times, but we’d be truly lost without our cars. We’ll forever be grateful to our teenage selves for completing the theory test many moons ago. Why not test your knowledge with AIG’s short rules of the road quiz (for fun, don’t worry)  and if you share your result on AIG’s Facebook page you could win a break away for two in a Clayton hotel in Ireland or an advanced driving lesson! We love our kids dearly, but I think we can all agree a break away just for two, would be much appreciated.

 

Enjoy 20% off AIG car insurance by buying online*. With all our car insurance policies you will also get a wide range of benefits including saving money with your partner, breakdown assist and protection for your possessions.