Creative planning can forestall difficulties for families attempting a first-time cross country road trip with children. Traveling by car is a great way to experience Americana, whether traveling to visit family, heading to a vacation resort, or trekking across country. Planning does not exclude spontaneity, but makes it easier to include the unexpected. Roadside attractions and natural regional landscapes, with proper preparation, can transform a road trip into a historic and geographical adventure the family won't soon forget.
Things You'll Need
Map
Access to Internet connection
Reliable car garage or mechanic
Library or resource book on road trip games for kids
Nutrition guide to listing healthy non-refrigerated snacks
Hotel reservation websites
Back-up rental car information
An emergency first aid kit
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Instructions
1
A map is an essential tool in planning a cross country road trip
Decide on an itinerary. Use an Internet map such as MapQuest to chart a route including days, hours, rest stops and hotel resources.
2
Inventory what needs tuning up in your car before the trip.
Estimate the cost of new tires and tune-up, if needed, with a local mechanic. Arrange for the car to be serviced for the trip.
3
Reservations for a campground can make a road trip an overnight adventure .
Reserve hotel rooms along the way in advance for overnight stays or reserve camp facilities so the trip is made in a relaxed manner.
4
Portable video games can travel alongside non-electronic play
Anticipate the children's needs and prepare accordingly. Create a bank of children's road trip activities such as counting object games or story songs. Interspersing live games with electronic devices such as videos or CDs can keep kids engaged interactively with the family.
5
Pack a first aid kit as a precaution.
Prepare a simple first aid kit and if possible plan to include a CPR class as a precaution against sudden emergencies.
6
Choose road trip snacks wisely. Shop for healthy trail mixes and low or no sugar juice packs.
7
Create a day-bag that goes in the car with the family. Fill it with face wipes, lotion, bottled water, snacks, toys, books, hand sanitizers, aspirin, extra charged cell phone and other quick comfort items for immediate or intermittent use.
