With the holidays fast approaching, you’d be forgiven if the festive jitters were beginning to set in. If it’s your turn to do the traveling this Christmas, the chances are that you are heading to your parents, sibling or even your cousin twice removed for a slap up festive dinner with your nearest and dearest. The only slight downside to this scenario is the need for a six-hour car journey driving in holiday traffic in order to arrive at your destination. With the presents wrapped, the car full, and a goodwill spirit to all humankind in your heart, you are ready for the off. There’s only one problem: the kids. You know that there will be an incessant whine of ‘Are we there yet?’ the moment you venture past thirty miles. Take a look at this ultimate guide to help make your festive road trip more bearable.
Comfort
Just like when you take a flight or hot foot in on the train, you inevitably enjoy your journey more when you are sat in business or first class. Economy is tough for long haul journeys with uncomfortable seats and minimal legroom. The same can be said of a road trip. You need to make sure that your little darlings are comfortable in the back seat. This means choosing the correct car seat, inserting mobile armrests and dishing out travel pillows. The great overview of this seat here shows that you can have a luxury car seat emulating first class that is comfortable and safe.
Boredom
The reason why kids misbehave is generally because of boredom. If you simply sit your little cherubs in the back seat with nothing to occupy them and expect them to sit silently for six hours, then you are in for a rude awakening. Consider investing in some portable DVD players so your kids can enjoy some festive movies while on the road. Relax your curfews and time allowances for their tablets when traveling, so that they don’t descend into wild banshee like behavior.
The chances are that your kids will be ridiculously excited about the holidays and will value the quality family time this affords. Talk to your kids, play old school games with them and enjoy relaxing in a traffic jam or two before you hit your destination.
Food
Coupled with boredom is hunger. You don’t want to be stopping off every three hours for a spot of junk food. Your kids will fill up on E numbers, their blood sugar levels will spike and then rapidly drop, and your brood will generally feel sluggish with a low mood. Instead, pack healthier snacks and graze for the whole journey. Trail mix, fruit, the smallest candy bars, sandwiches and pitta pockets are perfect for when your offspring develop hunger pangs. Ensure that you stop at regular intervals for toilet breaks and a stretch of the legs. Your kids will still need to run off their energy at a service station or two.
Driving to relatives for Christmas can be rife with pitfalls that can ruin a festive family trip. However, at the back of your mind never forget that it could’ve been you cooking the dinner!