Travelling
as a family can be adventurous and fun. It can be a wonderful way to spend
quality time together and away from the stresses of daily life.
It can also be very challenging and a good way to ensure
that a trip is a successful is by making sure your vehicle and the journey
itself is as comfortable as possible.
Here are a few tips to help make your travelling time
together enjoyable.
A clean car should make everyone feel more
comfortable so give the car a thorough clean inside and out.
Try and remove any odours or pungent smells
that will bother people during the trip. Having a fresh smelling vehicle
is pleasant and may also help passengers who suffer from carsickness.
Only have in the car items you will need along
the way. Put the rest in the boot to ensure that there is as much legroom
as possible.
Distribute pillows, neck pillows and inflatable
back pillows inside the car. This is especially good for long journeys
so that people can nap comfortably.
Have blankets to hand in case of temperature
changes and for night driving.
Make sure you have proper car seats for all
toddlers and babies and make sure they are fastened in securely and
comfortably.
Ensure everyone wears loose clothing which
doesn't cling to them or make them sweat a lot.
You may want to take a comfort pack for each
passenger. This might include a damp Washcloth, lemon twist and a couple
of ice cubes tossed in a zip bag, a great way to feel refreshed during
a car journey.
Pack a cooler in the back with drinks and
snacks for the kids. Make sure it is easily accessible for them so that
you don't have to turn around every five minutes to give them something.
A shoe box or segmented organizer that fits over the backs of your car's
front seats is a very convenient way to store things for them.
During the trip
If you are travelling with toddlers or babies, try and schedule your route
as much as much as possible around naps. Have blankets and their favourite toys next to
them so that they feel comfortable, secure and have something from home they can
relate to.
Be sure to stop every couple of hours to re-fresh, take a break and let
the kids run around. It's important for them to get rid of excess energy and for you as the driver
to rest.
Arrange to rotate the seating order at the back so that each child gets a
window seat.
Don't forget booster chairs for younger kids so that they can look out of
the window.
Make sure everyone uses armrests. This will make them more comfortable and
will certainly help your fatigue as a driver.
Most importantly, take a break whenever you need to as the driver. Fatigue
causes thousands of accidents a year. If you need to take a nap, stop and do
so.
Travelling
as a family can be adventurous and fun. It can be a wonderful way to spend
quality time together and away from the stresses of daily life. 
