Tips if traveling with young kids on long trips /drives!!!

We all want our children to enjoy holidays, going on road trips. We want to do everything for them but when they’re young we also need to keep them entertained, contain the tantrums due to tiredness, being hungry or bored maybe. 

I’ve put together some tips:-

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• • Stop frequently at service stations. Ok I don’t mean like every 10 mins but if you can every hour. This will give children time to use the loo and also stretch their legs. One thing I found when traveling with my children is once we reach the one hour mark, I’m constantly asked how long left so imagine it’s a 4 hour journey!!! stopping is a good idea. 

• • Take snacks and a packed lunch for a long road trip in a handy snack box. You could be on a long motorway and no service station at sight. You don’t want to be hearing tantrums or children getting upset if you’re the driver because they’re hungry. 

• • Take a colouring book and some colouring pencils. I try not to use felt tips as my children would just write on the seats. Colouring helps keeps children busy for a little while. Of course ensure you are confident they will not poke themselves especially if you are driving !!!!

• • I know we say limit screen time but I found this Amazon tablet for children very handy. You can put parental controls and it keeps children entertained potentially for hours. 

• • Taking a blanket for long drives is useful. Kids will feel Cosy and if they’re sleeping you can concentrate on the road.

• • Take spare clothes for the children that you can easily get to without having to dig into your suitcase. There can be accidents!!

• • If your child loves opening windows, put that child in the middle so you don’t have to worry about them opening and sticking their hands out when you are driving on a busy road or on motorways. And don’t forget to child lock your rear doors. 

• • Once you get on the road depending on whether you travel light or pack a lot. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you can’t carry luggage and the children, you could ask your hotel staff. You will be surprised how helpful people are even strangers to be honest. Investing in a ride on suitcase for children is a god send for a lot of single mums, me definitely. 

• • If you need to go up and down stairs and you have a buggy do ask a stranger to help, it’s what I do. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

• • Most of all don’t forget your camera to capture the amazing memories with your children. You could use the tablet i recommended earlier, it takes pictures too.