The countdown is on! In just seven days, our family will be embarking on our European leg of our adventure. And wow planning a family road trip with young kids takes serious prep, but it’s all part of the excitement, isn’t it?
This week, we’re double-checking, packing, and organising every detail so we’re ready to hit the road and keep everyone (including us!) entertained. If you’re planning a family road trip, check out how we’re gearing up, and pick up a few tips along the way to make your next adventure easier!
Day 7: Decluttering the Car for Prime Road Trip Storage
It’s amazing how much stuff two kids need in fact how much we all need, especially on a road trip! We’re getting strategic with space, making sure essentials are easy to grab, and organising the boot for maximum storage.
- Packing Essentials First: Must-haves like nappies, wipes, snacks, and spare clothes are front and centre—easy to grab at a moment’s notice.
- Creating Grab-and-Go Bags: Georgia has a bag by her seat packed with a colouring book, storybooks, and favourite toys and kindle, while Dotty’s bag has soft, sensory-friendly toys and a snuggly blanket for extra comfort.
- Organising the Boot: The suitcases and bulkier items are tucked in the boot, while jackets and a small cooler are within reach for easy access.
Tip: Think about creating individual “road trip kits” for each child to keep essentials close and minimise the need to search for things mid-trip.
Day 6: Planning Kid-Friendly Entertainment for the Drive
Keeping the kids entertained (and sane) on a long drive is key, so we’re loading up on fun activities that cater to both of our daughters’ personalities.
- Sensory Toys for Dotty: Dotty’s favourites are squishy, textured toys she can explore with her hands. We’re also packing some calming music and nature sounds to help her relax if she starts feeling fussy.
- Travel Journal for Georgia: Georgia loves to draw, so she’s bringing along her travel journal, crayons, and coloured pencils to document our adventure. We’ve also downloaded a few audiobooks for her to listen to on headphones, which keeps her entertained for stretches without filling the car with toys.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of an audiobook or music playlist! They’re compact, mess-free, and can keep kids engaged for hours.
Day 5: Prepping Practical Road Trip Snacks
Road trip snacks are crucial. They can be the difference between a smooth ride and countless “I’m hungry!” interruptions. Here’s our snack plan:
- Familiar Favourites: Dotty’s favourites, like fruit pouches, cheese sticks, and crackers, are easy to eat without making a mess.
- Shareable Snacks for Georgia: We’re packing bite-sized treats like grapes and mini sandwiches for Georgia, along with a few treats.
- Spill-Proof Water Bottles: Both girls have their own bottles, which we’ll refill along the way. This keeps hydration within reach and limits spills.
Tip: Packing snacks in small containers makes them easy to hand out and keeps portions manageable for little hands.
Day 4: Planning Scenic and Kid-Friendly Stops
We’re mapping out the route with fun, family-friendly stops to break up the drive and give everyone a chance to stretch their legs.
- Playgrounds and Parks: We’re marking playgrounds for Georgia to burn off energy while Dotty enjoys watching the other kids play.
- Snack and Scenic Stops: Even a quick stop with a nice view can turn into a memorable mini-break, giving everyone a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
Tip: Look up a few playgrounds or scenic areas along your route in advance so you’re ready for a quick and engaging stop.
Day 3: Getting the Car Ready for the Road
With just a few days to go, we’re focused on making sure our car is road-trip ready for a smooth and safe journey.
- Car Safety Check: A quick tune-up to check the tyres, oil, and wipers makes sure we’re ready for anything the road might throw our way.
- Organising the Interior: A clean and organised car is easier to navigate, and we’ll know exactly where everything is from the start.
Tip: If you’re doing a big road trip, consider a quick car service to be safe. Checking the essentials now is a small task that pays off later.
Day 2: Family Day – Building Excitement for the Journey
With everything packed, today’s about spending quality time together and getting everyone excited for the adventure.
- Talking with the Kids: We’re sharing photos of the places we’ll visit to help the girls visualise our journey.
- Relaxing at Home: A low-key family day before a big trip is the perfect way to get everyone in a positive mindset.
Tip: Show kids photos of your destination! It helps build anticipation and excitement for what’s to come.
Day 1: Final Countdown and Last-Minute Essentials
It’s nearly go-time! We’re ticking off the last items on our list:
- Final Additions: Chargers, last-minute snacks, and any last essentials get loaded into the car.
- Double-Checking the Packing List: A quick scan of our checklist ensures nothing’s forgotten.
- Family Selfie: One last snap before we hit the road, marking the start of our world adventure.
Ready for the Road!
With a week of careful prep, we’re ready for an unforgettable family road trip. Planning and organisation have helped turn what could be a stressful experience into something smooth and enjoyable.
Your Turn!
Got any road trip tips for travelling with young kids? We’d love to hear them in the comments—every little idea helps!