Hi Folks,
In June I posted two articles about low cost family fun trips: http://www.retirement-on-a-budget.com/active-seniors-low-cost-family-fun-day-trips.htm and http://www.retirement-on-a-budget.com/active-seniors-low-cost-family-fun-trips-part-two.htm. I have had a lot of visitors to these two posts so I thought I should follow up with some more low cost family friendly vacation suggestions.
The following article about family road trips (read kids and grand kids) should really get your creative juices flowing. I still have wonderful memories of all the road trips I went on with my dad and mom back in the 40s and 50s. Some were long rides and some were two or more days long but all were lots of fun. . . . Thanks for the memories dad and mom.
Send us a “report” about your road trip. I’m sure all of my readers would enjoy hearing about it.
Happy roading,
Woody
Time for a Family Road Trip!
Deciding on a family road trip can be a daunting challenge, not to mention an exercise in patience. However if you prepare ahead of time, the trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of your family’s life.
Here are some quick and easy tips for making your family road trip a fun and safe one.
First, prepare a checklist of items you will need. This will include first aid kit, food, snacks, drinks, and lots of toys, coloring books, paper and crayons, a portable DVD player so your kids can watch their favorite movies; and a cooler. A good idea is to ask the kids what games they would like to take, within limits of course.
Ensure that the snacks are healthy in nature. Too many sugar snacks can have the kids bouncing off the car seats. Remember, this is a relaxing family vacation and you want to avoid the kids getting bored or repeatedly asking you when you are going to arrive.
Check online to print out games for the road that you and the kids can play along the way. There are an assortment of puzzles and riddles as well.
In addition, if you have very young children or grandchildren you will need to take the diaper bag and wipes for the occasional spills, blankets and pillows if applicable and a favourite item or stuffed animal for the young ones is a good idea as well.
Second, decide on the destination and then contact AAA for a trip ticket. Ask for the scenic route, one that is much more calming and pleasing to the eye, especially the driver!
Third, as you check out the planned route you may want to check online to find gas stations along the way that offer the cheapest gas. Also if there are any points of interest along the route mark them on the map and plan to stop at these sites.
Fourth, while on the road ensure that you make pit stops regularly. This will allow the kids to run around and let off some steam, while allowing the adults to stretch and reenergize. Bring along a football or soccer ball so that the entire family can have some fun while exercising at the same time.
Finally, it is very important that safety concerns are met. This includes having the car checked at your local mechanic or gas station. Ensure that the oil and filter are changed; the tires are well inflated (don’t forget the spare tire, too); the windshield wipers are replaced (if needed); and the car is in great condition before you head out.
In addition, you may want to place the following items in your trunk: a lawn chair, extra blanket, emergency road kit, umbrellas, water, flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, and windshield wiper cleaner. In the glove compartment include a first aid kit and cell phone charger. Keep all medications in a Ziploc bag in the glove compartment as well.
Another good idea is to take a list of telephone numbers including the hotel or motel where you are staying as well as those of family and friends you may need to contact.
If you enjoy scrapbooking, this road trip may be a perfect opportunity to add new treasures to the book. As you make stops at some scenic sites, ask the kids to find an item they would like to include in the scrapbook. Or if the kids point out something along the way that they find fascinating, take a picture of it to include in the scrapbook as well.
Engage the kids in the decision making, age appropriate, and allow them to decide what they would like to bring. Have them pack their clothes (check the suitcases afterwards) so they feel part of the overall experience. Planning ahead of time for a family road trip will save you time, stress, and money. And the kids will enjoy this adventure, too!
Ever hear of a Staycation?
Paul Arnold, author of The Bumper Book of Staycation Ideas, loves to travel. But with the economic storm clouds laying waste to the planet he had to curtail his travel plans and stay at home. But he still managed to go on several fantastic vacations this year – without leaving his neighbourhood. And it’s all because he learned how to take a staycation. So, if you’re short of funds but still want to have a fabulous vacation you can, and it’s so easy to arrange.
Want to know how a Staycation may well be the best vacation of your Life? Click Here!
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Tags: family vacations
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