CULLMAN, Ala. – Traveling is a large part of so many holiday plans. While many travelers may prefer to fly, large families or households with multiple children may run into a roadblock when configuring and planning holiday gatherings: cost. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that airline fare has increased over 25% in the last year alone. Flights are booking about 6% less seats and tickets than last year, as well, with many voyagers choosing to drive to their destination rather than fork out the extra cash and take to the skies.
While loading up the mini-van and making the most out of a road trip is typically cheaper for large families than flying overall, there are some costs that should always be factored in, like toll highways, fuel and unforeseen emergencies. Doing the bulk of driving overnight allows tiny passengers to sleep for a large portion of time, avoiding meltdowns and arguments between seats. However, in certain situations, schedule constraints or lodging and reservation times may make driving overnight impossible, requiring drivers to have more creative ideas along with some tips and tricks to keep little ones entertained on a long car ride.
Snacks
There are never enough snacks, ever. Individual bags of chips, cookies and crackers can be a welcome distraction for small travelers; giving them something to keep their hands (and mouths) busy is always a good idea. Animal crackers and alphabet cookies are great ways to integrate learning into a boring stretch of time, and multicolored Goldfish crackers and Fruit Loop cereal are welcome colorful additions to any road-trip snack box.
Frequent stops
When driving an endless road to a destination, the last thing anyone would want to do is prolong the drive by making multiple stops. But traveling with young children takes a little finesse; breaking up a long trip into smaller chunks can help a child settle in the car, allowing them to stretch, walk around and burn excess energy before continuing down the road. Using a road-tripping app or even a simple map can help pinpoint adequate stops along the way, with facilities that could be used for an impromptu playground for wiggly children. Pre-planned stops also cut down on mid-traffic bathroom emergencies, making a smoother ride.
Coloring and activity books
A cheap coloring book and a box of crayons or (if you’re brave) a set of markers could easily keep a child entertained for a few hours, allowing them to create and decorate their own masterpiece. Themed holiday coloring and activity sheets keep little hands and minds busy, leaving little room for sibling squabbles and spats. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku books and word searches for older children can earn a quiet stretch, at least for a little while.
The License Plate Game
For longer road trips that may cross multiple state lines and travel different highways, a classic road-trip game that has long been a staple is the License Plate Game. Each time a new state’s license plate is spotted, the spotter earns a point. At the end of the road trip, or when all 50 states have been spotted, the winner gets bragging rights, or a special treat could be given as incentive.
Surprise bags
Small toys, trinkets, candy, treats and stickers can all be put into surprise bags to be handed out at predetermined stops along the way, or handed out at timed intervals. Having a surprise treat to look forward to may help curb overly enthusiastic backseat riders, enticing them to behave and get along with one another, or risk missing out on a prize.
Electronic devices
If a child has any electronic device, bring it (and the charger!) along for the ride. Most children will play and be entertained for hours uninterrupted on their devices; creating worlds in Minecraft, reading their favorite novel or watching the latest YouTube reels, breaking the monotony and boredom of a long stretch of highway. Download educational games and favorite movies to their devices, plug in some headphones and let them relax and enjoy the screentime. Electronic devices such as iPads, Kindles, cellphones and tablets should always be used in moderation – except when on a road trip.
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