Are you excited about your family holiday, but worried about how the kids will travel? I have been there myself and with 7 children I can say that I have experienced it all. I have dreaded the long flights with a teething baby and then arriving at the airport to discover that the rental car was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. There are tips and tricks though to ensure that the whole family has a positive holiday experience, especially when traveling in a hire car.
If you wish to have a good experience on a long family drive, then make sure you have covered the food aspect. Kids love food. Especially small packets that they can have individually. Having small packets of food will help you pass them out and will also cut down on waste. There will be no need to stop and eat, as the children can enjoy their little snacks in the hire car. Be prepared for mess though and a cheap packet of baby wipes will assist with sticky fingers or little spills. It is important to drink plenty of fluid on a long drive, in particular water.
Sometimes family holidays involve catching a flight and then collecting a car rental to drive to the final holiday destination. If you are arriving by plane and then driving, why not research the area that you plan to drive. This way you can easily stop at the local supermarket to purchase snack foods and drinks. It will not only provide a toilet stop but will also allow the driver to become comfortable with the hire car and adjust anything as needed.
Planning car games and having books to read will stop the kids from asking, “Are we there yet?”. Children will stay involved in a driving game longer if mum and dad join in. They will also pass these games onto their children, like a tradition. For everyone to enjoy such games and remain comfortable ensure you book the right size car rental. Saving a few dollars by choosing a smaller hire car will only create arguments and headaches. Space is important to kids and they will be more relaxed if they feel they have adequate room.
Nap time is a great time of day to drive. You will hopefully be able to enjoy some quiet time while the kids nap. You may find however that the kids are restless. If so, have a quick 5 minute stop for them to stretch their legs and take in some fresh air. This will make the children feel refreshed and 5 minutes will not stop the driving flow.
Memories are made on family holidays so enhance your family break away by planning ahead. By following these tips you can prevent little travelers from being unhappy. The most important thing to remember is to book the right size rental car that will keep everyone comfortable.
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