How You Can Give Your Family the Perfect Road Trip

We all want a break from stress to spend some quality time with our loved ones. One of the best ways you can achieve this and create many wonderful memories is with a family road trip. Here's where you need to focus to give your family an unforgettable vacation.

Planning an Adventure

You may be tempted to wing your road trip, but the best experiences happen when your focus is entirely on fun. Knowing where you’re headed goes a long way, so come up with an itinerary that satisfies everyone involved. Do you plan on a coast-to-coast trip or city tours? The latter can be a perfect way to punctuate a road trip, as there is plenty to see and do. You will also want to be certain that you can replenish supplies along the way and that your planned route is a safe one with interesting diversions. Thankfully, some apps can provide you with details and let you involve the whole family in planning the perfect trip.

Use House and Dog Sitters

Home is where the heart is, right? No matter where we go, we have a sanctuary to return to, but we need to keep it secure when away. While a neighbor could pop in to make sure everything is in order while you’re gone, hiring a house sitter can keep your house occupied and safe from would-be burglars. Hiring a house sitter may not seem an obvious solution, but they can ensure issues are dealt with as they happen. For instance, they can maintain your pet's schedule or notify you if your home suffers damage — and then possibly oversee any repairs. They can ensure your garden stays immaculate, keep dust under control, and sort through junk mail.

Transportation

Your mode of transportation will figure prominently in your budget, but can also enhance your experience. After all, you will need a vehicle that can handle all manner of terrain while providing enough room for first aid kits and food, along with clothes, games, and leg room. If you are renting or buying, you should focus on vehicles that offer good mileage and comfort to avoid claustrophobia. 

Safety is crucial so make sure to have a mechanic check your vehicle’s fluids, brakes and brake rotors, and tire pressure. Keep in mind that if your car has more than 50,000 miles on it, you may need to replace your brake rotors. Convenience also matters, so consider if GPS, charging ports, or climate control are non-negotiable features. Lastly, think about what you as a driver will want in a car, from cruise control to sensors, and thoroughly research safety ratings. The right choice of vehicle can often make or break a family road trip.

Factor in Meals

Eating on a road trip is expensive, but you can easily mitigate these costs by packing plenty of car-friendly snacks, from trail mixes to nutritious bars. In fact, you can even transform sandwiches into fulfilling meals to help sustain your family by adding healthy ingredients such as avocados, hummus, and almonds. However, try to budget for additional food expenses, including drinks, as you may have no choice other than to dine out. An aforementioned itinerary will help with this process, as you can anticipate places where you can eat or shop for food and calculate costs accordingly.

Where to Stay

While scenic routes are amazing, everyone still needs to recuperate. Depending on your itinerary, you can stay at hotels, camping sites, or luxury lodges. Ask yourself what will be most comfortable for your family, as little ones may prefer a hotel's creature comforts. Your budget should anticipate potential additional fees, as some websites, like Airbnb, may charge them. If you go camping, confirm if you need to reserve in advance, how family-friendly it is, and what amenities there are. While your buddies might love nature, they may also benefit from distractions, so make sure there are activities around. 

A road trip is a fantastic opportunity to bring the family together. All it takes is some planning to realize it on a budget and make the experience a positive one. It's time to take to the road.