ALT-3 Family Road Trip Preparation and Safety
In preparing for a road trip with the family takes some time. It is important to be organized and to pack wisely. First thing to do is to write down on a notebook the amount of clothes that you will need for the time gone. Make sure that you include the special functions that you are planning to attend.
Make a list for everyone that is going. Young children will need extra clothes especially if there is no laundry facility. If you can do laundry then you could go a little lighter and plan on doing a couple of loads in the middle of the week. Once you have established a list you can start to pack. Make sure that you have your car checked out before leaving on a road trip.
Keep an air gauge in the glove box for you to keep an eye on the pressure in the tires. You should also check out the spare tire to be sure that it is in good shape. Also check the jack and the 4 way so that you could use it in emergency. It would be a good idea to get a can of fix a flat at the local hardware store to have on hand. Make sure that you have the basic tools in case of emergency.
Take some extra water for the radiator and make sure all fluids are full. Once the car is secure you can start to pack the night before. Make sure that you have your list and that you haven't forgotten anything. Make sure that your insurance card and registration are all up to date and handy incase you may need them. Also make sure that everyone that had ID is caring it with them. Check on your money and be sure that it is secure. Check for directions and make sure that you have your maps and emergency numbers with you. Be sure to charge the cell phone or else purchase a car charger so that it doesn't go dead.
With young children or teenagers you have to have something for them to do. If it is a long trip try to start out in the evening or night hours. Hopefully the drivers have gotton in a nap before heading out. Kids will generally sleep through the night hours, but if they don't be prepared to keep them busy. Take coloring books with a box of crayons. Maybe if they have favorite books this will be the time to use them. Someone can read in the back with the kids like a older sibling that way they both are entertained.
All snacks and drink you take be sure that it is caffeine free so that no one is awake and all stung out. Also take along a favorite blanket or pillow and let each one take along their favorite toy. Sometimes you can take along a favorite tape or CD to play to keep the kids happy and calm. Don't take anything that will get them wound up with loud beats and such. Another great thing is a portable DVD player.Everyone get to take along a movie or two and take some extra for the hotel room on those nights when you want them to wind down. Don't take along violent movies that could scare kids.
One last thing, make sure that you have an emergency kit. These can be put together with things that you have at home. Make a check list to be sure not to forget anything. Be sure to pack benadryl in case of bee stings or allergic reactions. Take band-aids, antibiotic cream, hydrocotizone cream,gauze, ace bandage,peroxide, and any medicine that you will need. Be sure to pack Tylenol or aleave in case of accident. These things cost alot when in a tourist area.
