How to prepare for the ultimate summer road trip

SCHOOL’S out, work’s over for the year and it’s time for an adventure. When it comes to a family road trip a little bit of preparation and planning can get you a long way.

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Here are five things to think about before you hit the road.

Your destination Part of the fun of a road trip is getting excited about your destination.The whole family can get involved with the research. You could challenge the kids to look for two or three things each that they would like to do. Planning the route, using Google Maps or the old-fashioned paper ones, can also be fun and can help find some interesting things to see on the way. Think about when your kids usually eat or nap when you’re planning and bear this in mind. Breakfast on the go can often help clock up the kilometers early in the day and give you more time at your destination. Service and recovery for your car Even if you’re not driving hundreds of kilometers, get the car serviced before you go and give yourself time for any necessary repairs to be completed. For ultimate peace of mind, make sure you know what you’ll do if there’s a mechanical hitch. Keep a note or membership card for your roadside assistance service in the glove compartment and make sure you have a mobile phone charger. Packing To avoid frustrating pit stops, and repacking, think about things you might need during the journey. Pack them last for easy access. They might include; rain jackets, sunhats, sunscreen, insect repellant, thongs or first aid kit. There are a few essentials to keep handy in the car like snacks, tissues, wipes, device chargers, camera, travel sweets and water. Ask each child to pack a small bag or backpack, containing only things they might need in the car, like books, comforter or pillow. Remember journals or sktech pads, as long journeys are a perfect time to reflect and write or draw about where you’ve been or where you’re going. Rest stops When planning a long trip make sure the driver has had a good sleep and factored in some places for everyone to stretch their legs. Road safety experts advise stopping at least once every two hours. Think about the elements for your ideal pit stop - they might include toilets, playground or a meal stop. Do some research and ask friends for recommendations. Sometimes it’s worth driving a couple of blocks off the main road to find a hidden gem. Or perhaps plan to stop somewhere with a fun selfie opportunity like a giant tourist attraction (think big prawn) or scenic view. Always have a supply of tissues and wet wipes handy (see packing). It’s also great to have some simple play equipment handy to stretch those little legs. A frisbee or an inflatable ball are perfect. Playlist Consider a partial or complete ban on individual devices and instead listen as a family. You could create a playlist that has some of everyone’s favourite tunes. Audiobooks and podcasts are also a great idea for family listening. Be sure to download a selection before you set off, so you don’t need to worry about being out of mobile reception range.

Originally published as How to prepare for the ultimate summer road trip