Are you excited about your family holiday, but worried about how the kids will travel? I have been there myself and with 7 children I can say that I have experienced it all. I have dreaded the long flights with a teething baby and then arriving at the airport to discover that the rental car was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. There are tips and tricks though to ensure that the whole family has a positive holiday experience, especially when traveling in a hire car.
Food! Glorious food is so important when trying to keep the troops happy, and so is having a good variety. Small individual packets will give your children the idea that they don’t have to share and therefore will save you from any arguments. Kids love finger foods and small portions will also prevent unnecessary waste. Inevitably with food comes mess, so a packet of baby wipes or travelers wipes will allow for clean hands in no time. Kids drinking water on a long drive will equal toilet stops. This is unavoidable but if you provide water rather than soft drink the children will be less likely to have sore stomachs.
Sometimes family holidays involve catching a flight and then collecting a car rental to drive to the final holiday destination. If you are arriving by plane and then driving, why not research the area that you plan to drive. This way you can easily stop at the local supermarket to purchase snack foods and drinks. It will not only provide a toilet stop but will also allow the driver to become comfortable with the hire car and adjust anything as needed.
To delay the kids asking “Are we there yet?” you can organise to bring games to occupy the kids, or books to read. You may also have a few fun driving games that your family can enjoy. Children will generally stay involved in games for longer when mum and dad join in. To ensure your family is comfortable and there is enough room for the essentials, make sure you know the size car hire that you have booked. There is nothing more annoying then if you arrive to collect your vehicle and you have to squash everyone in. Although you may save a few dollars, it is best to be realistic about the size rental car you need.
The best tip is to drive during the kids nap time. This will give you at least a few minutes of silence as your precious little ones have a nap. If you find that the children are restless and over tired then simply stop for a 5 minute break and let them stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air. You will be surprised at how well this will work.
Memories are made on family holidays so enhance your family break away by planning ahead. By following these tips you can prevent little travelers from being unhappy. The most important thing to remember is to book the right size rental car that will keep everyone comfortable.
Traveling with children and need car rental, then visit www.webbcarr.com to find the best advice on discounted car rental for you.