Travel Article:

Planning the car trip

By: Laine Yates

Gone are the days of when we could throw a change of clothes together in five minutes, set off on a car trip across the state with not a care in the world. A road trip with kids just does not have that same "ring" to it! To some parents, travelling in a car with kids would be their worst nightmare! But it does not have to this way. I am a real planner and by doing this in advance, it has saved my husband and I asking the question "are we there yet?"... let alone our kids asking that! Here are some helpful travel tips on planning for a car trip with children.

1) Plan the majority of the driving during children's sleep/nap times
This is a great way of passing more time in the car without you having to hear the dreaded words "are we there yet?" from your husband and children!

2) Plan your car trip around traffic conditions
Kkeep in mind Friday night traffic, long weekend traffic etc. If you cannot leave work early on a weeknight, go after dinner when the kids are bathed and ready for sleep in the car. Before heading off, check out up to date traffic alerts from your local roads authority. These sites are great for highlighting road works, traffic accidents, time taken on freeways, cameras etc.

• Vic Roads
• RTA NSW
• Transport SA
• Road Report Northern Territory
• Main Roads Western Australia
• Queensland Dept of Main Roads

3) Search in advance for playgrounds, public toilets and rest stops to break the journey up.
Fast food restaurants with playgrounds are also a great option to stop at, as they have playgrounds, refreshments and toilets all in one (especially if it's raining)!

4) Remember to get your car serviced a few weeks before your car trip.

5) Check that your road side assistance membership is current and that you have your card with you (just in case!).

6) Can you break your journey up by staying overnight at a B&B?
This is a great way of starting your holiday early and much better than driving for 10 hours straight! Research what is available around the area for you to do:

• farms or interesting museums,
• little scenic towns to visit for lunch or to shop at,
• beaches along the way - this is always a great start to any holiday!
• wineries with lots of grass for the kids to run around in etc

I hope that thinking about these things in advance, will help ease the stress of going on car trips with your children.

Happy Travels!

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