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Now that summer vacation is here you might be looking for fun activities if the whole family is feeling restless. A spontaneous day out or even weekend road trip could be just what you need. It won’t take much planning in advance and you can enjoy the freedom of the open road. You could drive to a nearby city for the day or explore an area of natural beauty near you. As long as you carry out a few safety checks beforehand, you’ll be ready to embark on your next family adventure. Here are a few quick tips for a spontaneous road trip with kids. 

Get maintenance checks out of the way 

Get basic maintenance checks out of the way in advance. It’s vital to stay on top of these as any maintenance issues could cause a breakdown or accident. Make sure you maintain your car throughout the year. If you’re planning on driving a long distance on your road trip it’s advisable to do a few checks beforehand, even if your car was in the shop not long ago. This will give you peace of mind that you’re safe to drive and will reduce your chances of a breakdown.

Be prepared for emergencies

It’s also essential to be prepared in case the unfortunate does happen. Pack an emergency repair kit, first aid kit, and any necessary documents you may need in the case of a breakdown or accident. You could also take a contact for expert legal representation in case you come into any insurance disputes. If you’re traveling far, it’s also worth looking up options for emergency stops en route.

Plan your rest stops in advance

Even though you have a nearby destination in mind, it’s always a good idea to plan your breaks in advance. This way if your kids ask you for a bathroom break you’ll know when this will next be possible. You can try using one of these rest stop locator apps, for example, if you do get caught out. If you’re going on a longer journey, plan for a proper break so that everyone can get out of the car to stretch their legs, eat, drink, and use the bathroom.

Keep your devices charged

Even though it’s fun to be spontaneous it’s good to have a contingency plan in place, especially with kids. This is why you should keep your devices charged so you can make the most of route planning apps and GPS, and call anyone if you need to. Check out the best car chargers in 2021, for example. These are portable, fast-charging, and some are even solar powered. You’ll have way less chance of running out of juice. 

Pack plenty of drinks and snacks

Small snacks and drinks are a great way to keep the kids calm and distracted so stock up on these. Here are some good road trip snack ideas. It’s important to stay hydrated, particularly during the hot summer months. Pack a refillable bottle of water for everyone, even if you’re going on a relatively short journey. You can top this up when you arrive at your destination, if you’re going hiking or exploring.

Bring along a few distractions

It might be time to relax those screen time rules temporarily and let your kids play games on a phone or tablet in the car. This will keep them quiet for a while which will be safer and less stressful for you in the long run. Alternatively, you could let them bring a book or toys for a longer journey. You could have younger children pack their own backpacks to make it a little more exciting. They’ll appreciate being allowed to choose a couple of items each to keep them entertained on the way.

Enjoy the scenic route

The best thing about getting out on the open road is the views. This means you’ve got to make plenty of time to stop and enjoy them together. You could plan stops on the way for pictures, or even visit somewhere spontaneously you pass on the way. You might find once you get off the beaten track you pass small farms where you can pick up some local produce, or traditional restaurants and cafes. Be prepared to take your time and don’t rush. You could end up having more fun this way. Now that the nice weather is finally here, it’s the perfect time of year to get out and explore as a family. You’ll create memories you’ll treasure forever.