How to Get Ready for a Family Road Trip

Family road trips can be plenty of fun but there’s lots to organize before you head off. To ensure that your next trip runs smoothly these four simple tips may come in handy.

1. Plan Your Route in Detail

Before you set off on a family road trip it’s important to plan your route in detail. Now, we know Murphy’s Law rules anytime you try to do something as a family (or is that just our family?) but these apps can really help you minimize any possible disasters along the way.

• Roadtrippers: With the Roadtrippers app you can plan your trip, whether you’re looking for the scenic route or the quickest route, Roadtrippers has got you covered. Using the free version of the app you can choose up to seven different waypoints. There’s also a Roadtrippers community where you can exchange tips.

• Waze: Once you’ve planned your route make sure you also download the Waze app. The application helps users to share information about road accidents and traffic jams. Waze helps you to find and plan an alternative route if this is necessary, and beeps to notify you when you’ve gone over the speed limit (cough, cough). Waze is a Life in a House favorite – they also report where your friendly neighborhood police officers are hiding or the state police on highways!

With a detailed route plan, you’ll reduce distractions and have a stress-free trip. When you aren’t too sure where you are going it’s easy to take your eyes off the road.

It can also be a good idea to invest in a Car HUDS display, these work by projecting info from the dashboard right into the glass of your windscreen.

2 . Entertain the Kids

Nothing will ruin a road trip and have you wanting to rip your hair out more than a backseat full of screaming kids. If you have young children, load up all the entertainment you can fit into the vehicle!

You could try bringing along activities such as audiobooks, digital drawing pads or soft toys. There are plenty of games you can play in the car simply using your imagination, whether it’s I-Spy or a simple guessing game. When your kids are restless and bored it’s more likely that they will distract your driving, or tempt you to abandon the road trip alltogether.

3. Service Your Vehicle Beforehand

It’s important to get your car serviced before you go on a family road trip. You won’t want to run into any maintenance issues on the roads, so it’s vital to make sure everything is in good working order. While you’re on your trip apps like SenAiry can be helpful to ensure that you have the correct tire pressure.

You may also like to use dashcam apps such as ‘witness driving’. Dashcam footage can be useful after a car accident.

4. The RIGHT Supplies

Create a road trip checklist before you get going, you should take a first aid kit, jump-start cables, and a torch. You should also take de-icers, extra clothes, and food. It’s also a good idea to take an electronic battery pack, blankets, and your car documents.

There are also several apps you can use to stop you from becoming distracted while driving:

• Drive Smart: The application analyzes your driving habits by recording your braking, accelerating, speeding and reactions. DriveSmart mutes any messages and offers auto responses, it also sends any calls directly to voicemail.

• Drive Safe.ly: The Drive Safe.ly app works by converting your texts to audio messages, so there’s no need to look at your phone. Once the app has played you the audio it sends an automated response.

These apps could help you to reduce your chances of being in an accident. Unfortunately, even the most careful drivers can end up getting into accidents. In the aftermath of such a situation, you may find yourself needing the help of a personal injury firm. We also have a handy guide you can download and keep in your car on what to do if you’re involved in an accident.

Views: 74