As a family of eight, our approach to travel has always differed from that of other families. Much of this variance stems from the fact that what may seem like a minor expense quickly escalates when multiplied by eight individuals. Take, for instance, the seemingly insignificant $5.60 tax on a “free” award ticket: For our group on a round-trip journey, that amounts to nearly $100. Then, there are the often exorbitant fuel charges, commonly referred to as “carrier-imposed surcharges.”
Given these considerations, our family tends to lean more towards the “drive” option in the classic “drive versus fly” debate. The economics of transporting eight people in a single vehicle make family road trips a recurring feature in our travel plans, even when gas prices are high. (For those interested, here’s a curated list of the best credit cards for road trips and gas purchases, along with advice on maximizing points and miles on road trips.)
Regardless of the season, a family road trip can be an attractive option if you’re looking to explore nearby destinations or wish to bypass the expense of airline tickets. Over the years, we’ve honed several family road trip tips, which I’ll delve into below.
Establishing Screen Time Guidelines
When I inquired about her top road trip tips, my 12-year-old daughter summed it up succinctly: “screens, snacks, and space.” While our family typically maintains strict limits on screen time, road trips are one occasion where those rules are relaxed (at least to some extent). While we make an effort to incorporate other forms of entertainment (as discussed below), the reality is that a significant portion of a lengthy road trip often involves kids engrossed in various screens.
Our approach to road trip screen time has evolved over the years. In the past, when our children were younger, our solution was a portable DVD player affixed to a platform attached to the headrest posts of the front seats. However, as the kids grew older, we encountered a new challenge: finding a movie that both a 14-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl could agree on proved to be a daunting task.
With advancements in technology and the aging of our children, we transitioned to individual screens. The older kids typically occupy themselves with their smartphones, while we provide tablets and other devices for the younger ones. During our most recent road trip, each child had their own Nintendo 2DS system, which proved to be a resounding success.
Prioritize Snacks for a Successful Road Trip
Ensuring an ample supply of snacks for the journey is one of our non-negotiables. We come prepared with cups to distribute “messier” snacks such as Goldfish, pretzels, Cheez-Its, or oyster crackers. This ingenious system allows the designated “snack master” up front to pass out treats effortlessly, reaching all the way to passengers in the back. The more snacks you pack, the more self-sufficient your road trip becomes, meaning fewer stops along the way. (For inspiration, check out TPG’s curated list of healthy snacks perfect for travel.)
One of my fondest road trip snack memories dates back to when my oldest daughter was around 5 or 6 years old. She occupied the back row of the minivan, and our other children were too young to assist with snack distribution. During snack time, our only option was to literally toss snacks backward and hope they landed within her reach without necessitating her exit from her car seat.
Upon reaching our destination, we discovered a comical scene in the back of the van: approximately 20 sandwich cookies (and various cookie parts) scattered throughout the back seat, evidence of our unconventional snack distribution method.
Factor in Space Considerations
Space is a crucial consideration, albeit one over which you may have limited control. Often, the vehicle you drive is the only one available for your journey.
When embarking on a road trip, the state of your vehicle’s interior serves as a harbinger of the space constraints you’ll face. If your van is packed to the brim before you’ve even hit the road, you know that space will be at a premium throughout the trip.
If you’re opting to rent a car instead of using your own, there’s a potential solution to consider: renting two cars instead of one larger vehicle. This alternative, which we explored in detail in our article on selecting the right rental car company, offers several advantages. Not only is the two-car option typically more cost-effective than renting a minivan or larger SUV, but it also provides the flexibility to separate quarrelsome children. However, one drawback is that both my wife and I must drive continuously, as we cannot alternate between drivers as easily as we could with a single vehicle.
Optimize Your Rest Breaks
Depending on the duration of your journey or the ages of your children, multiple stops along the way may be necessary. If you’re traversing a familiar route, such as the one to grandma’s house, you likely have preferred rest stops already identified. We seize these opportunities for food, fuel, and restroom breaks, transforming them into rejuvenating mini-exercise sessions.
Instead of simply rushing to the restroom, we make a point to pause at rest areas, seeking out a grassy spot where we can engage in anything from calisthenics to a spontaneous game of hide-and-seek. While the older kids may grumble (as teenagers tend to do), the younger ones revel in the chance to stretch their legs and burn off some energy.
If your schedule allows for a bit of extra time, take advantage of the opportunity to explore unique and cost-free attractions along the way. Here are some pointers for discovering these hidden gems to enhance your journey.
Seek Entertainment Wherever You Can
As previously mentioned, individual screens—such as phones, tablets, and game systems—have become our primary source of entertainment during family road trips. However, we’ve also found enjoyment in a few other activities to help pass the time. Here are some of our top picks:
- Books on CD: Listening to audiobooks, particularly the “Harry Potter” series narrated by Jim Dale, has become a beloved tradition for our family.
- The Classic “Alphabet Game”: This timeless game challenges players to spot words beginning with each letter of the alphabet, progressing through the alphabet sequentially.
- “I Am Something in the World; What Am I?”: A family-favorite game resembling an enhanced version of 20 Questions. One person thinks of any object or concept, and the rest of the family asks yes-or-no questions to deduce its identity. It’s remarkable how even the most obscure items can be guessed with enough inquiries.
- License Plate Scavenger Hunt: When our children were younger, we printed sheets featuring license plates from all 50 states and tasked them with marking off each plate they spotted during the trip. Bonus points were awarded for identifying plates from states with county-level stickers, such as Ohio.
By diversifying our entertainment options, we’ve managed to make our family road trips more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
Establish a Feasible Driving Plan
One crucial piece of advice for road trips is to set a realistic driving schedule tailored to your family’s needs. While you know your family’s dynamics best, it’s essential to consider factors such as the timing of your departure and the route you’ll be taking, especially when passing through major cities. I still vividly recall the stress of navigating rush-hour traffic in Chicago with a wailing infant in tow.
While some families opt to drive through the night to maximize vacation time, my own experience taught me the importance of assessing the feasibility of such plans. On one occasion, our attempt at an overnight drive was marred by our toddler’s incessant crying, prompting us to turn back home. Naturally, she fell asleep just as we returned, leading to a delayed arrival at our destination.
For those of us familiar with the miles and points realm, breaking up long road trips with a hotel stay can provide much-needed respite. It’s crucial to take frequent breaks during extended journeys; spending hours confined to the back of a minivan can quickly become tiresome.
If you’re unsure how to structure your itinerary, consider utilizing resources such as the Roadtrippers website, which offers tools and insights to help plan your route effectively. By setting a realistic driving schedule, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable road trip experience for your family.
In summary, I trust that these family road trip travel tips will prove invaluable as you prepare for your next vacation. When uncertainty arises, prioritize packing sufficient snacks, ensuring you have ample activities to keep the kids entertained, and allowing everyone ample time to stretch their legs at each stop along the way. With these considerations in mind, you can embark on your journey with confidence and create lasting memories with your loved ones.