12 Things You Should Never Do on Family Road Trips.
Family road trips are a cherished tradition for many, filled with unforgettable memories, bonding moments, and lots of laughs. Whether you’re headed to the beach, mountains, or just on a scenic drive, there’s nothing quite like an adventure with your loved ones. But, as anyone who’s been on a family road trip knows, it’s not always smooth sailing. With a bit of planning and the right attitude, you can avoid common mishaps that can turn your trip from fun to frustrating.
1. Don’t Ignore the Weather
It’s easy to overlook checking the weather before you hit the road, but this is an essential part of trip planning. Road trips often take you through different climates—one area might be sunny, while another could be hit with a storm. Make sure to pack for varying weather conditions and check the forecast for your route. Being prepared for sudden weather changes like a snowstorm or extreme heat can help keep the trip on track.
2. Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether you need directions, advice on where to stop for gas, or local recommendations, asking fellow travelers or locals can make your journey go much more smoothly.
3. Don’t Skip Planning Your Stops
While driving straight to your destination might sound appealing, it’s a recipe for disaster. Long hours of driving without breaks can leave everyone feeling tired and irritable. Frequent stops to stretch, refuel, and take a breather are crucial. Studies show that taking a break every couple of hours reduces fatigue and helps everyone stay refreshed.
4. Overpack the Car
It’s tempting to bring everything but the kitchen sink, but overpacking your car can create chaos. A cluttered trunk makes it harder for passengers to access essentials and can reduce space, leaving everyone feeling cramped. Avoid turning your car into a disorganized mess by packing only what you truly need and keeping things neatly arranged.
5. Ignore Your Kids’ Comfort
Your kids’ comfort should be a priority during the road trip. Think about seat arrangements, clothing, and packing a travel pillow for added support. Each child has different comfort needs, so make sure everyone has what they need to stay comfortable throughout the journey.
6. Skip the Snacks
There’s nothing worse than a car full of hungry kids. Instead of stopping at every fast food joint, pack a variety of healthy snacks to keep everyone satisfied. Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and veggie chips are great choices that help keep energy levels up without the inevitable crash that comes from sugary snacks.
7. Forget to Take Pictures
Family road trips are memories you’ll want to keep forever. While it’s tempting to just enjoy the moment, be sure to take lots of pictures along the way. Whether it’s a beautiful landscape, a funny moment, or a candid shot, capturing these memories will make looking back on the trip that much sweeter.
8. Forget Entertainment
No matter how stunning the scenery, there will be moments when the car ride feels endless. Tablets loaded with movies, games, or audiobooks can be a lifesaver, especially for young children. Keep everyone entertained to avoid the inevitable “Are we there yet?” chant.
9. Expect Silence
If you’re hoping for a quiet, peaceful road trip, prepare to be disappointed. Families, particularly those with kids, are noisy. Between songs, stories, and the occasional squabble, the car will likely be far from silent. Instead of aiming for quiet, embrace the noise as part of the experience—it could be a silly joke, a sing-along, or just a lively conversation.
10. Drive When You’re Tired
Driving while fatigued is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Drowsy driving leads to thousands of accidents every year, so if you’re feeling tired, it’s essential to take a break. Whether that means swapping drivers, grabbing a coffee, or taking a short nap, rest is crucial for your safety and enjoyment on the road.
11. Rely Too Much on GPS
While GPS is a helpful tool, relying on it exclusively can be risky. Signal loss or wrong turns can lead you off course. Always have a backup plan, such as a physical map or a printed list of directions, especially for key stops along your route.
12. Forget to Use Your Sense of Humor
Things will inevitably go wrong—drinks will spill, arguments will happen, and traffic delays will test your patience. The key to surviving a family road trip is keeping a positive attitude. If you can laugh off the small setbacks and stay in the moment, you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way.
