Before you set off on a big adventure this summer, be sure to review these road trip rules for families.
Keep Active
Just about every rest stop in North America has a patch of grass somewhere. Using food and fuel breaks to get some physical activity will help keep spirits high. It doesn’t have to be a big, formal activity. Something as simple as kicking around a soccer ball for half an hour will go a long way to burn off pent-up energy and car-induced claustrophobia.
Pack Nutritious Snacks
Rest stop snacks are expensive! They’re also high in sugar and/or sodium and low in nutritional value. To avoid the grumps that inevitably follow poor snack choices and confined spaces, pack snacks that travel well and are easy to dispense from the front passenger’s seat. Think apples, baby carrots or dried fruit, and throw in a few wholesome grains for good measure.
Stock Up on Medications
If you take any prescriptions medications, be sure to pack enough for the whole trip. You may require special approval from your doctor or pharmacist to receive a vacation supply of medication.
If your medication requires special handling, like refrigeration, be sure to ask your pharmacist for advice on safe handling on the road.
Plan Your Route
Getting to your fist planned stop with a tired, hungry family is hard enough. If it takes a few extra hours because of an accident or road closure, that could mean the difference between fun and misery. GPS devices are great, but they’re not foolproof. It’s a good idea to keep old fashioned maps to your destination in the car in case you need to find another route.
Make Sure You’re Covered
Most of us know that you need to purchase travel insurance to be covered in a medical emergency if your trip takes you over the border into the United States. However, did you know that travel insurance is also strongly recommended if you’re travelling to another province within Canada? Government health insurance plans are meant to cover you while in your province of residence, however, travel insurance can cover you for all the out of pocket expenses you may incur while in another province.
Government health insurance plans are meant to cover you while in your province of residence, however, travel insurance can cover you for all the out of pocket expenses you may incur while in another province. Travel insurance can help protect you from unpleasant surprises on the road.
It’s Supposed to be Fun!
Being bored in the car is part of the fun! Remember life before the iPad and in-vehicle entertainment systems? Endless games of “I Spy with My Little Eye” and car songs are part of what this experience is all about. You don’t have to leave electronic devices at home but try to limit their use on the road.
There are a lot of places you can see within a couple of days’ driving distance from anywhere in Canada. Be sure to get out there this summer and see some of them!
