Traditional road trips are the most popular type of vacation most families take. According to Travel Agent Central, almost 80 percent of the families who took a vacation in 2016 chose a road trip instead of another type of vacation. Road trips are cost effective, and they give families the freedom to stop when and where they like, for as long as they like. With the cost of air travel and airline baggage fees increasing all the time, driving also allows families the choice to pack more of what they need and pick up souvenirs along the way.
Traveling together in the car is also a great way for families to bond with one another. This is especially important these days, when many parents struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Read on for some helpful ideas you can use to plan an unforgettable vacation on the road.
Consider What Type of Vehicle You Will Use
If you will be traveling for a week or more, you may want to think about using a trailer or RV for your road trip. The benefits of traveling in a larger vehicle like this are several, particularly if you have small children who get impatient after long hours on the road. Traveling with an RV or trailer will make it possible for you to stay at campgrounds along the way, which can save you money on places to stay. You will also be able to cook your own meals, which is another potential money saver, as eating out can often burn up more than half of a family’s vacation budget. Cooking your own food can also give your family healthier options for meals than what you’ll find in many restaurants.
If you don't plan on renting an RV, then renting a car might be better for you. It will allow you to not put miles on your own car and you can rent a bigger car to give you a more comfortable trip. If you're traveling in Santorini, then make sure to look up a Santorini car rental company.
Plan Your Stops Before the Trip Begins
One of the fun things about a family road trip is planning it. Once you know where you’re going, find out what attractions are along your route. Maybe there’s a hiking spot you’ve always wanted to try, a great aquarium, or an amusement park where you can all enjoy a fun afternoon. Don’t forget to look for interesting museums along the way, too.
Knowing what you’d like to see before your trip starts will help give your vacation some organization, as well as give everyone some things they can look forward to seeing. But remember that often the best things about a road trip are the unexpected adventures. Advanced planning doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make unplanned stops along the way.
Know Where You Will Stay
The last thing you want is to arrive at a hotel or campground after a long day of driving to discover that there are no accommodations available. Whether you’ll be camping or staying at hotels or in rental homes, it’s smart to make reservations for the places you’ll be staying ahead of time. Having reservations will also help give your trip some structure, as you will have a set destination at the end of each day.
Research Your Destinations Ahead of Time
It is always worth it to find out about the destinations you will be going to before you arrive. Doing this will help you and your family get more out of your road trip. If you will be visiting a wildlife reservation, for instance, you may want to look up what types of animals and plants can be found there or find out about scenic areas your family might want to see. If you will be going to an urban area, find out what the best attractions are and see about purchasing tickets in advance. You might also consider making reservations for tours ahead of time so you will be sure to get the bookings you want.
Make Sure to Pack Appropriate Clothing
No matter what the weather is like when you leave home, it’s important to remember that the weather can vary greatly from one location to the next. Before you leave for your trip, look up weather forecasts for the locations you will be visiting on your road trip and make sure to pack appropriate clothing for everyone in the family. If you will be traveling to a location with damp or cold weather, merino wool clothing can be a great option. Merino wool products wick moisture away from the skin and can help keep everyone warm and dry. You should also make sure that everyone in your family has a warm jacket, long pants, a bathing suit, and comfortable walking shoes.
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