How to make driving holidays fun for the whole family

Make plans but be prepared to change them

Planning before you leave not only gives you a better idea of how to break up your journey, but it also helps the kids know what to expect along the way. Planning where you stop also helps make the trip more exciting. You might be keen to visit those out-of-town vintage stores you’ve been following on Instagram or stop at a pool that has a waterslide that the kids will love.

Holidays are best when planned, but this can also be done on the day. It’s important to stay flexible and try not to be too rigid as ideas can and should change. Plan around the weather, your kids’ sleep habits, your toddler’s capacity to sit still and your teenager’s capacity to stay positive, and above all fill your itinerary with exciting things to do.

Pick the best time to drive and pack your playlist

Finding the right time to drive will depend on how far away your destination is, what time of year it is and how old your kids are. For long journeys, a good time to leave is really early if you’re travelling with young kids. A good idea is to try and do most of the driving before lunch, so you have plenty of time to explore before bedtime.

If you’re a busy parent, avoid travelling too much at night as you’re more likely to be tired.

A road trip isn’t a road trip without a playlist. If you have ever been on a great and memorable road trip, you probably have a song, album or artist which brings it all flooding back. Just a few notes can conjure up the sights, the smells and the memories of that special time in your life. Create one before you leave and invite the whole family to add their favourite songs. It’s easy to create one with Spotify, and before you know it you’ll all be carried away singing!

Stop for breaks

As a general rule, it’s best to take a break of at least every two hours and to not drive for more than eight hours in a day, to ensure you stay alert and avoid the associated risks of driving for too long without a rest. Kids are also better passengers if they have regular breaks to have a run-around, stretch their legs and have some fun.

While it’s an easy option to take the most direct route, it pays to take the occasional exit or detour to find lookouts, parks and playgrounds. the web is full of tips on the best places to visit or ask a local.

And don’t forget about the 40+ Driver Reviver sites across NSW. These community-run pop-up cafés are a great way to take a break with a free cup of Bushells coffee or tea, an Arnott’s biscuit and most importantly, a chance to stop and revive.

Keep the kids entertained

Most parents will know that keeping kids entertained is the most important ingredient to a great road trip.

It’s a good idea to encourage your children to pack a backpack with a few toys, games and colouring sets to keep them occupied. If you’re keen to keep them off screens, family-friendly audiobooks are great. And it never hurts to pull out a new activity book when they get bored.

Games like spotto, eye-spy, quiet time and the singing game never seem to go out of style, so get acquainted with the rules. This blog post will give you plenty of ideas.

Make sure you’re insured in case of an accident

You won’t be surprised to hear us ask: is your car insurance up to date? Do you have the right motor vehicle insurance cover? If you’re towing a caravan, do you have caravan insurance?

If safer driving includes upgrading your policy to get roadside assistance, cover for your caravan, or windscreen cover in case you’re faced with damage on a dirt road, make sure you think about adding extras or adjusting your policies.

Compare car insurance Australia

There are a number of different types of car insurance and caravan insurance available and it is important to choose the right cover.

With 250+ years of combined experience, we’re trusted by thousands of Australians for car insurance.

We offer complete insurance solutions. Let us help you.

Talk to us or request a callback.

Important notice – NewSure Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

This article provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this article, including any information contained in it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.

Information is current as at the date the article is written as specified within it but is subject to change. NewSure Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NewSure Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd.