Outdoor Travel Tips For Families – Having a family as large as ours means that the logistics of preparing for an outdoor travel adventure can become quite daunting. Fortunately for us, it has become second nature, largely through trial and error. Our number one tip is the well-worn adage that “travelling light” is much better than being stressed about having everything packed.

Here is a list of what I believe to be essential for road trips with kids

Will & Testament

Ensure that your last will & testament is up to date. I know this isn’t something we want to think about when embarking on a road trip, but it’s definitely essential. Any travel comes with inherent risks, and pretending it doesn’t is simply foolish.

Medical Insurance

There have been a few times that we have had to stop in the middle of nowhere whilst enjoying our road trips and seek medical attention. Sadly, we know the state of our public hospitals here in South Africa, and I would not want to put my family in that position.

First Aid Kit 

Nothing is worse than not having a plaster handy when a knee is scraped. We keep our first aid kit under the passenger seat for easy access if needed.

– Plasters
– Anti-septic lotion
– Alcohol wipes
– Bandages
– Burn Shield – Trust me, I never thought I would need one until the day I did
– Thermal blanket
– CPR mouthpiece
– Anti-diarrhoea / Nausea medication
– Fever Syrup
– Pain Killers
– Allergy tablets
– Thermometer
– Ear Drops
– Eye Drops
– Cotton swabs

Perfect Packing

5 Kids, 1 suitcase. When we first started travelling with kids, I would pack everything, including the kitchen sink – just in case, right? Wrong! Overpacking often leads to more stressful trips, bickering between my husband and me, and the kids picking up on our frustration, leading to MANY a tantrum.

So, now we have a rule – 1 Suitcase. Whatever clothes the kids need have to fit into this. That said, my packing technique has improved drastically to fit everything in. The rule of thumb is to pack for 7 days. (Shoes in a separate bag.)

For a Summer outdoor trip, the bags would include.

7 outfits
Summer PJs
Warm outfit and a Jacket (just in case)
7 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
1 pair of Summer shoes
A pair of Winter shoes
And a pair of slippers

Since we started doing this, travel as we know it has become much more peaceful. FYI – Don’t make the same mistake I did one year… I forgot to check if the kids’ winter clothes fit… They didn’t, and it was a chilly couple of days. If you’re able to pop into a laundromat, wash by hand, or book accommodation with a washing machine, then that makes packing lighter so much easier.

Entertainment for the kids

We all know what children are like when stuck in a car for a few hours each day. To avoid tantrums, outbursts, and fighting (though those still happen), we make sure we have the following on hand.

1. Snacks

Snacks, and more snacks – not the sugary kind (we do keep a few – but as treats, not meals) – Healthy, filling food that keeps the hunger pangs at bay. We hand these out sporadically. I’ve found that if you wait 30/40 minutes between snacks, it snaps them out of the place they are in and gives them something different to focus on for a few minutes.

Cheese / Yoghurt drinks
Fruit Sticks
Biltong
Pretzels / Chips / Nuts and Raisins
Crackers
Sandwiches / Hot Dogs / Chicken Nuggets

And – WATER. Lots of water in their refillable bottles

I’ve found that if I give them too many sugary treats, they end up frustrated – and so do we.

2. Car games

READ: Tech-Free Road Trip Hacks for some great ideas.

3. Movies / Music

Our kids LOVE singing, and I usually spend some time putting together a few playlists to keep us going for a couple of hours. We also usually download a few of their favourite movies before we leave, just because I hate using up all my data on streaming.

4. Activity Books

Of every kind. Each child gets their own baggie with colouring-in pens, and these are whipped out when Mom needs a little peace. :)

I hope these tips help you enjoy your road trip. If you have any other tips, please add them in the comment section! I would love some fresh ideas.

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