As any parent knows, travelling with kids can be a challenge at the best of times so when you are facing a lengthy car journey, it is vital to plan ahead.

Going on a long journey with the kids in tow may seem like a daunting prospect, but a little forward planning can make life far easier for both you and the kids. So, let’s look at some of the key tips that can help to make travelling with children a breeze:

Have plenty of water and juice on hand

If your kids get thirsty along the way, they will make sure you know about it! The last thing you want when you are on the road is to be desperately looking for somewhere to stop off for drinks. So, make sure you take plenty of bottled water and fruit juice to quench their thirst.

Pack some snacks to combat hunger pangs

Hungry kids are generally noisy kids, so rather than risk the wrath of a bunch of hungry kids in the back of the car, think ahead and pack plenty of snacks. You can choose a wide selection of snacks to appeal to their tastes and preferences (but try to avoid anything too sugary!)

Turn to technology to provide entertainment

These days, kids don’t want to play Eye Spy and other traditional ‘car games’. What they want is to be clutching some sort of smart device to enjoy entertainment, message their friends, listen to music, and more.

While it is important for parents to be mindful of the amount of time kids spend on smart devices, it can help to provide them with access to this technology during a long car journey. You can consider tech such as portable DVD players or a tablet so the kids can all watch a movie together.

Make regular stops for toilet breaks

When you take a long car journey with the kids, it is inevitable that they are going to need the loo from time to time. The last thing you want is your kids constantly complaining because they can’t hold it in – and you certainly don’t want to run the risk of accidents! So, make sure you make regular stops during the journey so that the kids can use the toilet and also to enable everyone to stretch their legs.

Provide activities for the younger ones

While technology is ideal for keeping older kids amused, it may not prove very successful for younger ones. If you are travelling with a toddler, make sure you take along some suitable activities such as drawing and colouring books or other favourite toys that will help to keep them entertained and occupied.

Dress the kids in layers

Making sure the kids are dressed in layers for the car journey means that they can add or remove layers as necessary based on whether they are too warm or too cold. This will help to keep everyone happy and comfortable during the journey.

Pack some wet wipes

If your kids are eating and drinking in the back of the car during the journey, there is every chance that they will end up with sticky hands and mouths. Taking along some wet wipes means that you can make light work of getting them cleaned up. This will keep them much happier and means you won’t end up with grime and sticky handprints all over your upholstery.

Set tasks for the kids

Children love to feel important, so one of the ways to keep them engaged is to set them tasks. For instance, if you are heading off on your holidays, you can provide them with a guide book about the destination you are going to. You can then task them with doing some research and creating a list of the top attractions and sights they want to visit during the holiday.

Keep them comfortable

You need to ensure the children are comfortable if you want to boost your chances of a peaceful journey. So, don’t squeeze them into the back of the car with loads of clutter in the footwells and on the seats. Create plenty of space, so the kids can chill and relax during the trip. You never know, if they feel comfortable enough, they may even decide to get a little shut-eye along the way!

Pack some sick bags

If you have children who are prone to travel sickness, make sure you pack some sick bags. In fact, even if your kids aren’t normally travel sick, pack some just in case! While you may not be able to stop them from being sick on the long journey, you can at least make sure they are not sick over themselves or on the car seats!

Enjoy a far more pleasant drive

By taking these tips into consideration, you can look forward to a far more pleasant drive when you are heading off on a long car journey with the kids. This means that there is every chance you will arrive at your destination with your sanity still intact!