Tips for happy car travel

While the destination is hopefully worth it, the thought of making actual journey can sometimes be overwhelming. Here are some best tips to making your car trip as calm and stress-free as possible.

• Have the car serviced before you go. Make sure the windscreen water is topped up, the battery in tip top condition and the tank is full
• Have a water drink bottle on hand for each person
• Make sure you have a supply of baby wipes or a wet facecloth for each person in a resealable bag
• A box of tissues and a roll of toilet paper and spare plastic bags are useful to have on hand
• Have snacks and nibbles on hand
• If you are planning to eat Fish and Chips on the way, put in your own tomato sauce bottle
• If you don't have a good rubbish bin in the car, tear one handle of a plastic shopping bag and tie it to the headrest
• Plan to stop every 2 hours for at least 10 minutes - driver fatigue is a killer
• Don't forget nappies - you need to cater for one for every hour you are on the road
• Have a change of clothes on hand for each of the children and a spare top for you in case of spills
• Keep an ice-cream container on hand in case of car-sickness
• Cushions, neck support and seat belt adjusters make car journeys more comfortable and safer for children
• Buying a portable DVD player may be worth the investment - they can be a great time filler in the car and can be plugged in to the TV at your destination as well
• Music and story CD's are also great - your local library will have a good selection
• If the children are small, accept the trip could be slow

 

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