Tips for a Stress-Free Road Trip with Children
As good as that all sounds, we all know that travelling with children requires a little extra planning. So, before you get your rental car, get on the road, and get to the good stuff, we've partnered with our friends, the Budget team for their top trip tips for travelling with children.
Have a plan for car seats
Safety comes first, always. Child restraint laws in Australia vary slightly between states and territories. Before you travel, it’s best to check the laws in the state you are travelling to. If you require a car seat, we recommend you add it at time of booking, that way, it will be ready on your arrival. Parents, take note as well that car hire rentals are legally not allowed to install these child seats for you. Allowing an extra time to install it would be a good start for that road trip!
Have a “grab & go” bag ready
Even for domestic holidays, there is a lot of time in transit from home to the airport, terminal to rental car and then car to destination. A “grab & go” bag can be a lifesaver, allowing you to easily access things like car sickness bags, tissues, wipes, water bottles and most importantly, mess-free snacks! Having this bag separate and ready means you can put it in the front seat when you get your car without having to unpack and sort through your full holiday luggage.
Break the journey into small adventures
For longer road trips planning your breaks can be a game changer. Remember little legs (and little bladders) can only sit still for so long. Plan your stops around parks, playgrounds or other fun spots, so toilet breaks become something little ones look forward to. It keeps spirits high and takes the pressure off you, with no more anxious clock-watching before the next rest stop!
Seatbelt-friendly games works well, such as "I spy with my little eye", counting red cars (a nod to the Big Red Car) or guessing animal sounds, so everyone stays entertained and safely buckled up!
Pick a fun family playlist
A Wiggles sing-along makes the kilometres fly by. Build a playlist packed with everyone's favourites, from toe-tapping Wiggles classics such as 'Hot Potato' and 'Fruit Salad' to sing-along tunes like 'Sparkle!' or 'Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car' the whole car can enjoy. Before long, your little Wiggles fans will have you joining in with the actions (from the driver's seat, safely, of course!).
Keep snacks simple and tidy
Hungry kids are grumpy kids. Choose snacks that aren't too sticky or crumbly and pack a small cooler bag to keep things fresh. Save the messier treats for rest stops.
Prepare for the unexpected
Even the best road trips hit the odd bump, and that is all part of the adventure! Pop a little extra time into your schedule, keep your plans flexible, and download your maps and playlists before you set off, so a patchy signal on a country road never stops the music. A relaxed driver sets the tone for the whole car, so take a deep breath, enjoy the scenery and keep those good spirits rolling.
Choose the right vehicle for your crew
More space means less squabbling. Whether you need a roomy SUV for the luggage, a people mover for the whole family, or a ute or van for the gear, picking the right vehicle makes every kilometre more comfortable. At Budget, we're all about smart savings, so you can put more of your holiday budget towards ice creams and adventures.
Ready to hit the road?
A little preparation goes a long way toward making family road trips something everyone looks forward to. Safe travels, and happy singing!
Ready to book your family adventure? Visit Budget Car and Truck Rental to find the right vehicle for your next road trip.
