DealDash’s Ultimate Guide to Family Road Trips
Road trip season is coming. Last week we explored some international destinations. This week we will look at some road trips for your family.
Family road trips are a unique opportunity to bond, discover new places, and create lasting memories. The journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination if you choose the right places to visit, pack wisely, and have a plan to keep everyone entertained. This guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable family road trip. Read on for some tips and suggestions from DealDash.
Choosing Your Destination
When planning a family road trip, selecting the right destination sets the tone for your adventure. National parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon offer beautiful scenery. However, they also offer educational opportunities and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.
Coastal drives, such as the Pacific Coast Highway in California or Florida’s Overseas Highway provide stunning ocean views. Additionally, they offer beach stops and unique attractions along the way.
Historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg, the Freedom Trail in Boston, and the Alamo in San Antonio combine fun with learning. This allows children and adults to immerse themselves in the past. Another fun place to visit if you make it all the way to Boston is Salem, especially if you and your family like spooky things.
Consider the travel time to ensure the destination is reachable without causing fatigue. This is especially true for younger children. Choose a place that caters to various interests, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Look for destinations that provide educational value, enhancing the trip’s significance beyond mere sightseeing.
Packing Essentials
Well-packed luggage is crucial for a smooth road trip. Start with clothing, packing layers to accommodate varying weather conditions. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for exploring different terrains. Ensure you have extra outfits for kids, as they often need changes more frequently. Include toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any necessary medications. A well-stocked first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications is essential for handling minor injuries and illnesses on the road. Healthy, non-perishable snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and plenty of water keep everyone nourished and hydrated. Gadgets such as chargers, power banks, and possibly a portable DVD player or tablet can keep everyone entertained and connected.
To keep your car tidy and ensure essentials are accessible, use space savers like vacuum-sealed bags to reduce the bulk of clothing. Car organizers can hold snacks, toys, and gadgets, keeping them within easy reach. Make sure frequently used items like snacks, wipes, and chargers are accessible, preventing the need to frequently rummage through packed luggage.
Must-Stop Locations
Taking breaks at scenic spots provides a rest from driving and also enriches the journey. Look for vista points with panoramic views where you can stretch your legs and take memorable family photos. Parks and picnic areas are perfect for a relaxing lunch and outdoor playtime for the kids.
Break up the drive with stops at fun, child-friendly locations. Amusement parks such as Disneyland, Six Flags, or smaller local amusement parks provide excitement for the whole family. Museums, especially interactive children’s museums, science centers, and natural history museums, can be fun and educational. Animal sanctuaries and zoos are always a hit with kids, offering a chance to see and learn about wildlife while providing a nice break from the car.
Ensure your route includes clean and safe rest stops. Look for rest areas with playgrounds and picnic facilities, offering a place for kids to burn off energy and families to relax. Service stations with clean restrooms, restaurants, and convenience stores can be lifesavers, providing necessary amenities and a chance to rest and refuel.
Keeping Everyone Entertained
Keeping the journey fun with activities is essential for a pleasant road trip. Classic car games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” and license plate bingo can keep everyone engaged and entertained. Playlists with family-friendly books and music can create a shared listening experience. Portable board games in travel sizes are perfect for playing during breaks, adding to the fun.
Encouraging creativity with fun activities can make the journey more enjoyable. Travel journals and scrapbooks are a wonderful way for each family member to document their experiences and thoughts. It can be a great keepsake of the trip. Photography challenges, where kids are given a camera or smartphone and a list of things to photograph along the way can keep them engaged and observant. A travel-themed scavenger hunt, with a list of items to find during the trip, like certain road signs, animals, or landmarks, adds an element of adventure to the journey.
DealDash Has Items to Make Road Trips Fun
No matter if your family is taking a short in-state road trip or a long cross-country trip DealDash has items to make the journey more fun. One of the best things that DealDash has up for bid for a road trip is the Nintendo Switch! The Switch is one of the best handheld game consoles ever made, and you will frequently find them up for bid. Another item that you have to bring on your road trip with children is headphones. Everyone needs a break from each other on a long trip, so be sure that you have a few pairs of headphones on hand for the passengers. Another item to consider getting for the kids is a digital camera. This way looking out the window will be a lot more fun, as well as being able to take photos to make a scrapbook later on.
Thanks for Reading
Family road trips are a fantastic way to discover new places together and create lasting memories. With thorough planning, the right destinations, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, your journey can be as enjoyable as the destination. Remember to stay flexible and embrace the spontaneous moments that make road trips truly special. We’d love to hear about your family road trip experiences! Share your stories and additional tips in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading, and happy bidding everyone!
This sponsored DealDash blog article was written by Dawn E, a mother of 3 who loves DealDash. Dawn was compensated for writing this article. Check out Dawn and her cats on Instagram! This blog is written by real DealDash customers. The opinions and advice shared here represent our customers’ views and not those of the company.
