If you’re planning a domestic break this year or a long weekend away, the chances are that it will involve a long car journey. If that’s the case, make sure you’re well prepared – if you and your family are comfortable and content en route, you will arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to have a good time.
Prepare the car
The first thing to think about is the car itself. Have you checked the engine oil and filter? Are the tyres at optimum pressure? Are your wiper blades in tip-top condition? Is the air-conditioning working? Do you have a spare and is it up to the job? Is the family car big enough for the sort of trip you are embarking on, or should you hire a more appropriate vehicle? Have you taken out the correct
Car Insurance policy?
Prepare yourselves
Once you are happy that the vehicle is up to the job, it’s time to get yourself ready. Prepare a checklist of all the things you need, being sure to take into account every member of your group, adults as well as children.
For the children you should include suitable in-car toys, ideas for shared games, audio books, headphones and, just this once, be prepared to let them vegetate in front of a DVD if you have one installed – if you are hiring a car, this is one luxury to insist on!
For the adults, make sure you have plenty of reading material, a fully charged iPod, a book of crosswords and some suitable music. Spare clothes for all should be stored where they will be easy to access in an emergency.
Prepare a picnic
Making sure everyone is well fed and watered will go a long way to keeping them content. Pack a wide variety of small bits and pieces, some healthy, some real treats, and dole it out along the way so they don’t scoff it all in the first five miles and get car sick.
Keep everyone well hydrated. Regular stops for toilet and exercise are a must anyway, and you’ll save a small fortune by not needing to eat at roadside service stations.
Prepare your route
Now that the packing is under control, you can turn your thoughts to the journey itself. You might be relying on your sat nav to get you there, but the shortest route isn’t always the best option. Take time to pour over a map and see what exciting places you might be passing.
Prepare everyone else
Involve the whole family, and if there’s something you or the kids would love to see, factor that into your planned rest stops. Give the kids maps so they can visualise where they are along the way – it will make the journey a real part of the holiday, rather than a trial to be overcome before the fun can really begin.
With the car in good working order, all your provisions in place, the children and yourselves well-catered for and a little excitement planned into the route, your journey should be safe and enjoyable for all the family.
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