Planning a Road Trip with Kids? Here’s How to Make It Easier!

As a mum, road trips can feel like a bit of a challenge—especially when you're in the car for hours with kids in tow! I recently took an 8.5-hour coastal drive from Melbourne to visit my in-laws in South New South Wales with my 5-year-old and 2-year-old. It wasn’t a total breeze, but we got through it. We left early, had a few short breaks, and kept the meltdowns to a minimum. But as always, I learned that with a little extra prep, the whole journey could’ve been a lot smoother.

So, in just a few weeks, we’re embarking on another coastal adventure—this time from Melbourne to Adelaide! And since I’ve gathered a few useful tips, I thought I’d share them with you. Road trips can be tricky, but with some thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility, you can make them enjoyable for both you and the kids!

1. Preparation is Key!

Knowing the route and where you can make stops is so important. It's one thing to have a pit stop for a quick rest, but the kids will love knowing there’s something fun to look forward to along the way. Whether it’s a park, a scenic view, or a quirky landmark, these planned stops can make the trip much more exciting.

Pro Tip: Look for "child-friendly" or scenic places along the route for some added fun! Giving your little ones something to anticipate makes the journey way less grumpy!

2. Surprise Bags—A Lifesaver!

Surprise bags. I cannot stress this enough! Fill them with small toys, books, puzzles, or even snacks. Let your kids unwrap them only when you're on the road, and trust me, it’ll be like a mini celebration every time they open one! It keeps them engaged without the mess.

Pro Tip: Keep the surprises simple and mess-free. A new coloring book or a small toy can go a long way in keeping them entertained for hours.

3. Car Organization Saves the Day

We all know how messy the car gets during a long trip. The endless toys, bags, and snacks can create chaos. But when I kept things organized—using a few travel organizers for the kids’ toys and snacks—it was SO much better. It really helped keep everything within reach and cut down on the stress of constantly digging around in the backseat.

Pro Tip: Grab some car organizers for each child. It will keep toys, snacks, and water bottles neatly stored and easy to grab.

4. Snacks That Work

Of course, snacks are essential for a road trip. But you don’t want to be cleaning up crumbs every 5 minutes. Go for individually wrapped snacks like fruit pouches, crackers, or granola bars—things that won’t get all over the car. And don’t forget the water bottles!

Pro Tip: Choose healthy, easy-to-eat snacks that won’t cause a mess. Hydration is key, so make sure to keep those water bottles handy!

5. AI: Your New Best Friend for Planning

Honestly, I didn’t expect much help from AI, but it made the trip planning so much easier! I used GPT to help me find child-friendly stops, recommend accommodations, and even suggest the best route for us. All I did was enter a few prompts like “best family stops on the way” and boom—amazing suggestions came through. I ended up keeping the prompts coming and got much more support than I anticipated!

Pro Tip: Use AI tools like GPT to help you plan your trip based on your family’s needs. It can suggest fun stops, places to stay, and more!

Final Thoughts:

The secret to a smoother road trip with kids is in the planning. Whether it’s scheduling fun stops, keeping the car organized, or making sure you’ve got plenty of surprises to keep the kids entertained, a little bit of prep goes a long way. And don’t forget—AI tools are an amazing way to customize your trip, making sure it’s exactly what you need.

As a busy mum, I’ve learned that preparation can make or break a road trip and help the family enjoy the process instead of enduring it! I’m excited for our next adventure and can’t wait to share how it goes.

Until then, I hope these tips help you in your travels. You’ve got this!

With love,
Steph xx

 Psalm 121:8 The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.