7 Road Trip Mistakes To Avoid

Posted: June 2nd, 2009 | Author: jason | Filed under: Road Trip Tips | Tags: avoid, tips |

We all make mistakes sometimes, but mistakes on a road trip can really escalate fast due to tight quarters and lots of “are we there yet”s. Here are a handful of mistakes to avoid to make the most of your upcoming road trip:

1. Covering Too Much Ground

You can always travel a long distance, but make sure you have a solid ratio of miles to smiles. Simply put, don’t go too far without having solid destinations to visit and enjoy. Too much travel and no fun is just that - no fun (especially for the kiddos.)

2. Staying in the Car

This is part of the “smiles” mention from mistake number 1… how many fond memories do you have of driving across Death Valley? Probably not very many. Avoid making the entire trip a Death Valley memory; get out and enjoy the scenery. Spend a couple hours outside of the car for every 4 to 5 hours in the car, even on the distance days, that will keep a balance and the kids should nap in the car from outside play.

3. Not Making Reservations

Regardless of tough times and a slow economy, don’t think there aren’t lots of other families out trying to make the most of their Summer vacations too. Avoid last minute arrivals with no reservations - hotels and motels fill up fast, and you don’t want to be stuck with only a double bed and handful of cots in your room for the 5 of you.

You can always hit up Priceline too for the best prices on hotel reservations.

4. Spending Too Much Money

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good time… there are so many sights to see and facts to learn, that your kids won’t miss the 4 star breakfasts and 40 mph rides. Ok, they might miss them a little, but the point is, you can find so many great parks, beaches (ocean or lakefront) and museums to keep really busy.

Buy snacks from the grocery store, and don’t be afraid to have a picnic lunch or dinner now and then too. It doesn’t all have to be about 5 dollar kids meals and cheesecake desserts.

5. Not Planning Ahead

You will want to avoid Sergent Slaughter mode, but having a solid plan for each travel day is important, otherwise you will find a general lack of discontent and lagging morale among your crew. Planning can be a pain, but keep it simple and you’re sure to hedge your bet against road trip frustrations.

Also, leave a little room for delays, extra fun time a family hot spot and longer than expected goodbyes - flexibility will be your friend too.

6. Only Doing the “Kid Stuff”

Find time for you… 10 days of just kid stuff can wear on parents. Part of planning ahead should include a family member caring for kids for a half day or work in a late show or something. Don’t rule out the importance of an adult “breather” or two in your vaca.

7. Too Tired to Capture

The camera and camcorder and get heavy and become a burden, especially when the thoughts “I’ve already captured tons of great memories” creep in. Just go get the camera - you’ll be glad you did. So you’ll have 40 hours of photos and footage that may never see daylight for 10 years to come, at least you will have it - that’s what’s important.

And when you are ready to showcase your road trip memories Snapfish is a great place to print and deliver photos of the family standing on the dock or sitting by the campfire. And they will cover your first roll for free!

Far from all inclusive, and a bit of common sense, but a good reminder non-the-less of things to avoid to stay busy, stay active and have fun on your next road trip.