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Family vacations are a mixed batch of lifelong memories, beautiful stories, but also a fair amount of stress (and snacking, to be completely honest). In the current circumstances, with travel bans still enforced in most countries as well as social distancing rules in an attempt to slow the pandemic, family travel has become riddled with challenges. Safety has become even more important, and taking various precautions is essential if you intend to enjoy your trip, and not spend every minute of it worried and stressed.
First of all, road trips are a go-to travel opportunity considering the situation, since they allow families to explore local natural wonders, find boutique accommodation or even spend a few nights in their RVs and camping, to avoid the crowds and stay in line with all the prescribed rules. To ensure that your little ones are safe and sound throughout the trip, here are a few tips to make your road trip preparations more seamless!
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Sanitizers and masks at the ready
As the pandemic is still a relevant factor in making all of our travel plans, it’s perfectly natural to invest more time in health and safety precautions that concern your hygiene and prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to essential medical supplies that will be helpful even in case one of your kids catches a cold, you should also bring face masks and hand sanitizers to use them when you’re interacting with others.
For example, if you’re about to make a pit stop for a cup of coffee, to load up on gas, or get more snacks for the road, you’ll need to reduce the risk of transmission.
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Prep your vehicle for your youngest travelers
When you’re about to embark on a road trip adventure with your little ones, you need to make sure that even your youngest are safely seated, protected, and comfortable for the drive. For starters, look into safe car seats that are suitable for your child and your vehicle, and preferably a model that’s easy to install. You’ll notice that different models come with different levels of adjustability, so perhaps it pays to check what kind of positions are available to keep your toddler snug and comfy.
Finally, you should always make sure that the seat in question is designed with the latest safety standards in mind and that it has been properly tested.
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Bring your emergency kit
A car without an emergency kit is definitely not ready for a road trip. Even if your mechanic has given you the all-clear and your vehicle is in pristine condition for a long ride, you have to check if you have enough of your emergency essentials for the whole family. Head to your nearest pharmacy to stock up on items such as Band-Aids and alcohol for disinfection, but you should also get ample gauze and bandages, just in case.
Double-check if you have everything in abundance and if your gadgets such as your flashlight work properly before you head out.
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Use tech to your advantage
Some of the most exciting road trips include traveling to unknown destinations, especially remote locations to see a nature reserve, or spend a weekend in a mountain cabin, far from civilization. For first-time visits to such locations, you shouldn’t just rely on road signs, but install a GPS in your vehicle to get the precise coordinates of your destinations and guidance on how to get there safely.
Add to that, if you’re taking an RV with you, a surveillance system with cameras to help you park and keep watch while you’re away hiking is a brilliant solution that can put your mind at ease.
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Keep distractions at bay
While these tips may seem like no-brainers for many of you, it seems that a large portion of the population will engage in unsafe activities while they’re driving, with their kids in the car. In fact, a study showed that 52% of parents with kids in the car talked on a hands-free phone, while 47% talked on a hand-held device. Distractions are some of the most common causes of roadside accidents, so it’s vital that you keep your own behavior in check before you hit the road.
Once you inform everyone of your destination and your travel plans, you should also turn off your ringtone, instruct your kids on the smartest ways to behave while you drive, and make sure that all distractions are out of the picture.
Now that safety is ensured, you can move on to planning your snacks, crafting a fun itinerary, and looking into fun road trip activities your kids can enjoy while you’re on your way to your destination. Consult this quick checklist before your next road trip, and you’ll have the necessary peace of mind to truly have fun, explore new spots, and bond with your little ones during your road trip.
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