Summer is here and along with the blue skies and warmer weather come family road trips. Those good ole family road trips, you either love them or hate them. Either way, there is no denying that they are an experience not to be forgotten!Even a road trip of a few hours can still be torture if you don’t plan it right. Below are 5 tips that will help make your road trip awesome and ensure that you’ll be one of the people that “love them.”

5 Essentials for an Awesome Family Road Trip

Entertainment

If you’re traveling with children, then bringing adequate entertainment along is one of the most important things that you can do. Road trips involve long hours in the car and almost nothing is worse than listening to your kids complain the entire time! Books, magazines, games, and electronics are all essential in keeping your kids content (and reasonably quiet).

Treats

Before you leave, make sure that you stock up on a lot of goodies. Treats and snacks are an important addition to any road trip because, man, does the road make you hungry! Healthy snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-salt pretzels are excellent. We love ordering subs from our local Publix ahead of time so we aren’t tempted to eat greasy fast foods. Really, any snack that you can fit in the car is good to bring along as long as it isn’t messy. (Don’t forget to pack trash bags to keep your car mess free!)

Gift Shops

A family road trip just isn’t the same without a few stops at gift shops. Sure, they’re tacky, but your kids will likely love them. I used to LOVE anything from a gift shop as a kid (Ok, maybe I’m still drawn to the cheesy-ness of it all!) It really makes for a fun trip to have a few quirky collectables when you arrive back at home to show your friends.

Emergency Kit

No one wants an emergency to happen, but, then again, that’s why they’re called emergencies – they’re accidents, they’re unexpected. While on a road trip, the most likely accident is a flat tire or some other automobile trouble. Get together a small tool kit to perform minor repairs. It is also a good idea to consider a AAA membership. In addition, always have spare water in your car and a first-aid kit just in case you become stranded somewhere without a lot of passing traffic.

Solid Plan & A Backup Plan

Yes, here comes the not-so-fun part of a family road trip, planning. But having a plan is essential for success – just don’t let it control you! Having reservations for hotels lined up each night is a good place to start but make sure not to get carried away and have the whole trip planned to the minute. That’s no fun. Also include directions to/numbers of other hotels near the one you are staying at, just in case something comes up. Knowing the attractions (restaurant ideas, fun museums or place of interest, etc.) ahead of time is also a great way to spark ideas for your trip.

 

 

Family road trips are absolutely awesome when they’re planned right! They’re a great way for kids and parents to bond in a place that isn’t home. In addition, they create memories that last for a lifetime. By being smart, preparing for your trip, and taking heed of the 5 essentials mentioned above, your road trip is sure to be a blast!

GMC loaned our family a 2017 Yukon Denali for our family’s awesome road trip! Want to learn more about this amazing SUV? Click here.