14 Jan Planning An Epic Family Road Trip: Budgeting, Packing, and More
Planning a family road trip takes a lot of thought and preparation, but if you’ve always wanted to take several days off work and forge some family bonding time while seeing some sights, it can be well worth it. The key is to get organized from the very beginning; start by thinking about how much time you can afford to take off. The longer, the better, as this will allow you to fit in all the things you want to do. Consider what your accommodations will be, and do some research to check out all the options available to you.
You’ll also want to make sure you plan out a budget and a timeline. While you don’t have to schedule every moment of every day, you can certainly create a basic timeline for the trip that will help you and your family stay on track, and there are several apps and online tools that will help make it a breeze. Having a backup plan will be helpful as well, especially for outdoor activities. Check the weather, or better yet, download a weather app on your phone that will help you stay on top of things.
Read on for some great tips on how to plan an epic road trip with your family.
Prepare
One of the first things you should do when planning a long trip is to ensure that your home will be well taken care of. Hiring a house sitter or asking a friend or neighbor to come over and check on things will give you peace of mind and may prevent issues. While it may seem like an added expense, it could actually save you money should an unforeseen event occur, such as a burst pipe (which would create a lot of costly damage). It will also help to keep your home safe from would-be burglars.
Plan a budget
The budget for your trip is one of the most important aspects, and you’ll need to make a detailed plan before you make any final decisions. Think about what your accommodation needs will be: how many people are included, whether you need something accessible for a senior or disabled individual, and whether you’ll be able to cook your own meals there. Speaking of food, you can save a lot of money by making some meals yourself rather than eating out, and while you’re on the road, you can bring along a cooler full of snacks and drinks to prevent having to make frequent stops.
Figure out where you’ll stay
These days, there are many more types of accommodations than there used to be. No longer are travelers stuck with hotels as their only option; there are all kinds of choices out there. AirBnB, cabins, and campsites are just a few of the places you can choose to stay. Depending on your budget and the number of people who will need a room, you can find something that suits your needs just about anywhere you go. Look online for some options in the area, and don’t forget to compare prices.
Pack smart
Packing is one of the most complicated parts of planning a trip, especially if you have several people to get ready. Make packing lists for each member of your family, and create a plan for each person. For instance, if someone needs to bring medication, it’s important to make sure they’ll have enough for the entire trip or that they’ll have access to a refill while you’re away. If you’ll be stopping overnight before moving on, pack a small overnight bag for the family that includes toothbrushes, pajamas, and a change of clothing. This way, you won’t have to haul several suitcases out of the car only to take them back the next morning.
Planning an epic road trip for your family takes some time, so make sure you start preparing early. This will help to reduce stress as you get things ready so you can just enjoy the process. With a good plan, you and your family can create a trip that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
About the Author
Lisa is passionate about educating people about what it’s like to move to Australia. She enjoys spreading safety and wellness advice to Aussies and those visiting Australia.
Website: http://aussiewell.net/