Hit the road for family and savings
The US Department of Energy has stated that overall travel is rising every year. It is expected that even more folks will be on the road this year. Traveling with the family is a wonderful opportunity to spend good quality time together, but it can also stress everybody out. Follow these easy strategies to increase your chances of having a safe, happy, and affordable vacation.
1. Boredom can be alleviated by engaging in activities with the kids. Keep your children engaged with fun games, improv, and songs in the car. No matter how lengthy the ride, video and magnetic board games, along with timeless classics like “I Spy” and the license plate challenge, will keep hyperactive youngsters in high spirits and distracted from being cooped up. The most fun can come from the things you make up and they’re usually free!
2. Make sure it’s just the family going back to the car after each stop and not the bacteria they picked up in the restroom. Bring germ-killing wipes and sprays, such as hand sanitizer and Lysol. Keep paper towels on hand for the spills and messes which are bound to happen on the road. When eating out, grab extra napkins and put them in the glovebox. They’re free and will come in handy when you least expect it.
3. Opt for healthy eating whenever possible. Hey, we get it. Part of traveling is enjoying delicious and convenient fast food. However, roadside eating isn’t necessarily your healthiest option if you’re trying to cut back on salt, sugar, and fat. Keep everyone’s stomach full with munchies like nuts, trail mix, cheese, fruit, bottles of water, and other items that you can enjoy in the car. Pack a cooler with some sandwiches and a few goodies. These quick and easy snacks are tasty and probably more nutritious than most options off the nearest exit. Remember, the more you prepare and bring with you, the more you save.
4. Try to make everyone happy. Choose a location that offers interesting activities for people of all ages. While it may be tempting to go to a site where the kids will have fun, be sure there is also something for mom, dad, and the grandparents to do. Orlando, Anaheim, Williamsburg, Hershey, and Yellowstone National Park are examples of great family vacation destinations. Visiting monuments and historical sites, as well as natural wonders, are among the most affordable things you can do. One of our favorite strategies is to highlight some of the best aspects of our upcoming trip before we leave. Our family starts getting excited about them on the way and it helps build the anticipation upon arrival.
Family trips might be hectic, but they are also very rewarding. Regardless of where you go, practice an attitude of creating good times and great memories (which doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money) and your vacations will always be enjoyable!
