How to Plan the Best Road Trip With Your Extended Family

A road trip is a perfect way to see the country and explore new places. So when you choose to do it with your entire family, it can be a great experience for you all. However, that doesn’t mean that planning a road trip with your extended family may seem daunting. But with a little bit of creativity and organization, as well as ensuring you have all of the necessary road trip gadgets, mean that it can be a bonding experience for everyone involved. In this blog post, we’re going to run over everything you need to know about planning a road trip with your extended family.

First Things First… Where Will You Go?

Road trips are a great way to see the country and bond with your friends or family, but they can also be a lot of work. One of the most important aspects of planning a road trip is deciding which stops to make along the way. Maybe you know that you want to stop at the Bird-in-Hand Family Inn or that you want to be able to go to the zoo, planning makes perfect. Let’s take a look at how you can make this work.

Step 1: Do Some Research Ahead of Time

One of the best ways to ensure that you have a great road trip is to do some research ahead of time. Decide what kind of places you and your travel companions are interested in and look for destinations that have multiple activities or attractions. For example, if you’re interested in history, you might want to plan a stop in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which has several historical sites and museums. Or, if you’re looking for a more naturalistic stop, you might want to visit Zion National Park in Utah. By doing some research ahead of time, you can be sure that everyone in your group will find something to enjoy at your destination.

Step 2: Make Sure You Have Enough Time

Another important consideration when choosing stop-offs on your road trip is how much time you’ll have at each destination. If you only have a day or two to spend at each place, it’s probably not worth your while to drive all the way across the country. On the other hand, if you have a week or more, you’ll have plenty of time to explore different regions. Just be sure to factor in travel time when deciding how much time you’ll actually have at each destination.

Step 3: Choose Stops With Activities for Everyone

If you’re traveling with young children or teenagers, it’s important to choose stops that will be fun for everyone in your group. That might mean finding destinations with kid-friendly activities or choosing locations that are rich in history or culture. For example, one great option for all the family is the Great Ocean Road tour in Australia. The entire route hugs the sea to one side, giving breath-taking views the whole way. No matter what your group is interested in, there’s sure to be a perfect stop for you!

Next Up… What Should You Pack?

Packing for a road trip can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and the right mindset, it doesn’t have to be. Here are five ideas to help you get it right.

1. Make a List

This may seem like an obvious first step, but it’s important to sit down and make a list of everything you’ll need for your trip. By writing out a list, you’ll be able to visualized what you need to pack and avoid overpacking. Not sure where to start? Make a list of everything you’ll need for each day of your trip, from clothes and toiletries to snacks and entertainment.

2. Start Early

Don’t wait until the night before your trip to start packing—you’re bound to forget something important. Start packing a few days in advance so that you have plenty of time to double-check your list and add anything you may have forgotten.

3. Pack light

A road trip is a perfect opportunity to travel light. You’ll be doing a lot of driving, so you won’t need a lot of clothes or other bulky items. And since you’ll likely be staying in motels or campgrounds along the way, you won’t need to pack much in the way of toiletries either—just the basics will do. When in doubt, leave it at home.

4. Be Organized

Once you’ve settled on what to bring, it’s time to start packing. Be sure to pack carefully and thoughtfully so that everything fits snugly in your car and is easy to find when you need it. dividers and storage containers can help keep everything organized and within reach while on the road.

5. Bring Snacks

No road trip is complete without snacks! Pack plenty of healthy (and not-so-healthy) snacks to keep everyone fueled up for the long drive ahead. To avoid having your car turned into a junk food zone, put all of the snacks in one bag or container so that they’re easy to grab when hunger strikes but out of sight when they’re not needed.

And Finally… Tips for Making it a Success

Lastly, you may find that you’re able to enjoy things a little bit more by approaching your family road trip in the right way. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you enjoy it.

1. Talk to your family members about what they want to do on the trip. This will help you accommodate everyone’s interests and create a more memorable experience for everyone.

2. Make sure to budget for souvenirs, food, and gas. It’s always helpful to have a little extra cash on hand in case someone wants to do something unexpected.

3. Planning ahead is key to a successful road trip. Determine the route you’ll take and make sure to map out rest stops, hotels, and attractions along the way. This will save you time and frustration later on.

6. Keep everyone entertained by playing games, listening to music, or watching movies together while in the car. This will make the time pass by more quickly and leave everyone with fond memories of the trip.

5. Take lots of pictures! Not only will this capture the memories of the trip, but it will also give you something to look back on and chuckle about later on down the road.

Making the Road Trip Enjoyable for Everyone

Planning a road trip with your extended family can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. By following these tips, you’re sure to have a great time and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Bon voyage!