10 Fun Family Vacation Driving Tips

Posted by kim on February 9, 2010

Make your drive time on the road to your vacation spot (and back home again) with the kiddos go smoother with these recommendations…

1. Pack a Cooler. The kids can’t verbally fight (as much) with food in their mouth. Plus it’ll save a ton money by packing your own soda and snacks instead of buying them at a convenience store.

2. Movies. If you have a built-in or handheld DVD player, a new movie can keep them quiet for quite awhile!  You can even rent Redbox movies for $1/night and return them to any Redbox on your route.

3. Word Games. When I grew up, we passed a lot of time looking out the window looking for objects for the A B C Game where you wanted to be the first one to see an object along the trip that started with A, then B, then C… you get the idea.  In metropolitan areas with lots of signs, we’ll switch to finding words that start with A, B, C, etc.

4. Paper Games. I have picked up several Suduko, word search and crossword puzzle books at Dollar Tree that I keep in my van for the kids. Even a blank notepad and pens (for tic-tac-toe) or coloring books and crayons are good.

5. Batteries. A must have for the DVD headphones and electronic hand-held games.

6. Pillows & Blankets. Just in case you get lucky and the kids sleep part of the way.

7. Car Care. It is best to make sure your car is recently checked over so you don’t encounter any break-downs. I always make sure the windshield wiper fluid is full after driving through muddy snow one time.  Not only did I run out, but all the gas stations along the interstate were out as well.

8. Do not add “cheap” gas to your vehicle. Because your mechanic may not tell you this. I learned this the hard way.

9. GPS Navigational System. Getting lost only adds to more time spent in the car.

10. First Aid Kit. Because you know someone is going to need a Band-Aid. And usually Mom or Dad gets a headache.

TwitterMoms asked bloggers to create and post ten great tips for creating a fun family vacation free of distractions for a chance to win a gas card courtesy of Alamo Rent A Car.