Collaborative Post¦ Holidays with young children can be beautiful. Most parents today work incredibly hard. We juggle jobs with keeping our homes clean, side hustles and social lives, on top of looking after our children. It can often feel as though life is passing us by. You might find that your children are growing up without you getting time to enjoy them. A holiday is your chance to stop. To take some time away from the stresses of home life and to enjoy your family. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time together, enjoying your little one’s quirks and passions, as well as tourist attractions, beaches and the occasional cocktail by the pool. It’s also a rare chance to see the world through a child’s eyes. As adults, we’re often a little grumpy. You might find travelling stressful, or find yourself annoyed by things like queues and the other less glamorous sides of holidaying. Kids don’t. They see the world with excitement and joy. They see only the pleasure in a new location, and they take everything in their stride. Letting yourself get carried away with their enthusiasm can allow you to see the world in a way that you haven’t for a long time. It’s amazing.
But, holidays can be expensive. Especially if you’ve got an older child and you are tied avoiding term-time breaks. Many young families can’t afford package holidays or exotic trips abroad. Some families go years without more than a few days away because they simply can’t afford the high costs of travelling as a family.
A road trip can be a fabulous alternative. There are plenty of gorgeous locations in this country that are perfect for family breaks and travelling by road means that you can enjoy the journey, as well as saving money. The idea of being stuck in a car with a toddler, who may well be delighting you with the terrible twos, can be off-putting, however. But, if you approach it in the right way, you won’t just survive a road trip with a toddler, you’ll love it.
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Stay Safe
Whoever you are travelling with, safety should always be a priority on any road trip. You certainly don’t want to contemplate travelling a long distance in your car if it’s in poor condition, or overdue for a service. So, make sure it’s serviced and it’s MOT is in date, as well as performing a few safety checks such as checking tyres, fluid levels under the hood, and brakes. If something happens on the road, experienced car accident attorneys can help, but you won’t want to take to the road with your child without being confident that you are doing all that you can to keep them safe.
It’s also crucial that you check your driving. Over time, bad habits can set in, which might not hurt you on short local trips, but could prove costly on a long journey. If you passed your test a long time ago, you might want to consider refresher lessons before a long trip, or at least take the time to refresh your own knowledge of your car and the rules of the road.
Pack Snacks
When it comes to hours in the car with a toddler, snacks can be your friend. But, remember that even if your child has never been car sick, a longer journey can be a little different and you might want to stop for snacking instead of eating on the go.
Pack snacks like fruit and crackers that are easy to eat, as well as water and some naughty favourites to boost everyone’s mood.
Keep the Essentials Close at Hand
Packing for a road trip isn’t always easy if you need to fit strollers and other child paraphernalia around your luggage. But, it’s crucial that you plan it carefully. The last thing that you want if to find that nappies and wipes are underneath everything else in an emergency. Keep the things that you might need close to hand for an easier trip.
Find Fun Stops
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A long time sat in the car can be boring for anyone, but more so for a toddler with a short attention span. Check your route before you set off and plan some fun stops where they can stretch their legs and occupy their minds. Playgrounds, parks, and free museums can be ideal.
Plan an Hour at a Time
Those short attention spans mean that you shouldn’t plan activities that last for more than an hour. Download short cartoons on to a tablet, pack some crayons and a colouring book and make sure you know plenty of nursery rhymes.
Pick Your Battles
You might have strict rules at home, but when you are on the road, it can be easier to let some things slide. Pick your battles, relax the rules and you might all be happier when you arrive.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.