5 Essential Tips for RV Traveling With Kids
Traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. An RV vacation offers the perfect opportunity to bond as a family, explore new places, and create lasting memories. By following these tips, you can be sure your journey is more than just a long car ride but an adventure that everyone will enjoy.
1. Pack Smart and Stay Organized
Although RVs offer ample storage space, not everything will be easily accessible while you’re on the move. With this in mind, prepare a carry-on bag, just like you would for a flight, with items you’ll need during the drive. This bag can include charging cables, batteries, sunglasses, water bottles, and an extra change of clothes. You may also want to pack a communal bag for the whole group, so consider items like sunscreen, hats, travel pillows, and small blankets to keep everyone comfortable inside the RV and out.
2. Bring Games for the Family
In the digital age, it’s easy for everyone to retreat into their screens, but an RV trip offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect through traditional games. Board and card games are excellent for family bonding and can help alleviate the boredom of long drives. Classic games like Uno, Scrabble, and Monopoly are great options, and travel-friendly games like magnetic chess or checkers.
Interactive games that don’t require a board, such as 20 Questions, I Spy, or the License Plate Game, can also be entertaining and engaging for the whole family without the stress of a mess. These games encourage interaction and can make time pass quickly. Plus, they provide a welcome break from screen time and help build family memories you can’t save on an SD card.
3. Make the Most of Your Meals
Snacks are an essential part of any road trip. Non-perishable foods like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers are ideal for long drives, especially if your RV doesn’t have a refrigerator. Be sure to pack a variety of snacks to keep everyone satisfied and to prevent hunger-related crankiness.
When you are not snacking, try to experience the local culture by stopping at local diners, cafes, or restaurants for meals. Sampling regional specialties can be a fun and educational experience for kids, giving them a taste of the local flavor. Not only does this break up the monotony of the drive, but it also provides a chance to rest, recharge, and relish in the local cuisine.
4. Maintain a Routine
Long drives can have their dull periods, especially when traveling through large swathes of open fields without much to see. To avoid boredom, plan regular breaks for meals and stretching your legs, and incorporate visits to local landmarks or points of interest. These pauses can help break up the drive and give everyone a chance to explore and enjoy new surroundings.
Sticking to a routine can also include maintaining regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and other daily activities. Consistency helps children feel secure and can reduce the stress of traveling. So make sure to include downtime in your routine, allowing everyone to relax and unwind after a day of adventure.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Culture and History
One of the great joys of RV travel is the opportunity to explore areas that might otherwise be overlooked. While often branded as drive-through or flyover states, everywhere you explore is rich in history and culture, offering fascinating sites and stories for those who can appreciate them. Take some time to research family-friendly activities like famous sights, historic landmarks, and local attractions along your route.
Sharing stories about the areas you travel through with your children can make the journey more engaging and educational. While they may not always be interested, these shared experiences add depth to your trip and form the foundation of lasting memories. Someday soon, they will be in the driver’s seat with their own families, so give your children a travel experience they will remember for generations.
With a little planning, everyone can remain in high spirits as they travel down the highway. Store your RV at a Honey Bee RV facility near you, and make your next road trip a journey your children will cherish.