Car holiday with children: the complete guide for a relaxed journey

A successful car holiday with children stands or falls with good preparation. By planning the journey smartly, choosing the right stops and ensuring entertainment along the way, you can turn a long car journey from a challenge into a pleasant part of the holiday. The freedom and flexibility of travelling in your own car make it worth taking the preparation seriously. A car holiday with the family requires careful planning, but the reward is great. The time you spend together in the car, the freedom to stop wherever you like and the memories you create along the way are valuable. By seeing the journey as part of the holiday and not as a necessary evil, you lay the foundations for a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone. With the right preparation and a flexible attitude, your road trip will become a journey never to be forgotten. Read on to discover how to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable for the whole family.

Going on holiday by car gives you the freedom to set your own pace and discover places off the beaten track. You can take exactly the things that matter to your family, without having to worry about baggage limits. This way of travelling opens up a world of possibilities, from the hills of Limburg to the fjords of Norway. Take a look at the many options for inspiring journeys by car and find a destination that suits your family.

The most important preparations before departure

A carefree start begins at home. Before you hit the road, it is wise to check and prepare a number of things. This prevents unnecessary stress and delays along the way. A thorough check of the car is the first step. Check the tyre pressure, oil level and fluids such as coolant and windscreen washer fluid. Take the mandatory safety equipment on board, such as a warning triangle, high-visibility vests for all occupants and a first-aid kit. The requirements differ per country, so check this for all the countries you are travelling through.

In addition to the technical preparation, the administrative side is just as important. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand:

• Valid driving licence and registration documents.
• Insurance papers and the green card.
• Valid passports or ID cards for the whole family.
• Any vignettes or environmental stickers for the countries you are visiting.
• Contact details of your breakdown service and insurer.

Planning the ideal family-friendly route

Good route planning takes children’s needs into account. Long, uninterrupted journeys are tiring for everyone, but especially for the youngest passengers. Break the journey into manageable stages of no more than three to four hours’ driving. Use a navigation app that provides real-time traffic information to avoid traffic jams and suggest alternative, quieter routes. Consider leaving at night or very early in the morning. The children will then sleep for a large part of the journey, and the roads are often quieter. Do not just plan your route from A to B, but also see whether there are fun places to visit along the way, such as a castle, a nature reserve or a small town that breaks up the journey.

Essential stops: the art of planning breaks

Regular breaks are not time lost, but an investment in a good atmosphere. Plan a stop of at least twenty minutes every two to three hours. This gives children the chance to move around, go to the toilet and burn off some energy. Look in advance for rest areas with good facilities. Many service areas along European motorways have playgrounds, lawns and picnic tables. This makes a break much more pleasant than a quick stop at a crowded petrol station. A short walk, a ball game or a quick run around works wonders for everyone’s mood and helps them cope in the car for another stretch afterwards.

Entertainment on the road: banishing boredom from the car

Boredom is the biggest enemy during a long car journey. With good preparation you can easily prevent this. Provide a varied range of entertainment tailored to your children’s ages and interests. A mix of active and passive entertainment usually works best.

Ideas for entertainment in the car:

• Games: Classics such as ‘I spy with my little eye’ and ‘car bingo’ remain popular. You can also make up a story together, with everyone taking turns to add a sentence.
• Audiobooks and podcasts: An exciting story or an interesting podcast can make time fly by. Make sure you have headphones so that not everyone has to listen along.
• Music: Create a playlist of favourite songs for the whole family and sing along together.
• Tablets and screens: A film or a game on the tablet can be a welcome distraction. Do make clear agreements about screen time to avoid arguments.
• Creative activities: A drawing pad, stickers or a magnetic drawing board can provide lots of fun. For older children, a travel diary can be a nice way to record the holiday.

Safety first: car seat rules and legislation by country

Safety is of the utmost importance, especially with children in the car. The rules for using child seats can differ from country to country. In most European countries, an approved car seat is compulsory for children up to a certain height or age. Before departure, check the specific legislation of your destination and any countries you are travelling through. The car seat must be correctly installed and suitable for your child’s height and weight. A properly installed seat and a correctly used seat belt provide the best protection.

Smart overnight stays: choosing the best stopovers

If you have a long journey ahead of you, an overnight stop on the way offers many advantages. Breaking up the journey ensures that everyone arrives at the destination well rested. Choose somewhere to stay that is not too far from the motorway, so you do not lose much time. A hotel with a family room is ideal. Some hotels offer facilities such as a swimming pool, which is a perfect way for children to let off steam after a long day in the car.

Home from home: finding child-friendly accommodation

At your final destination, choosing the right accommodation is just as important. A place to stay that is geared towards families with children makes the holiday much more enjoyable. Think of a holiday home with a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals and do not have to eat out every evening. An apartment with a separate bedroom for the children gives everyone a bit more space and privacy. Facilities such as a cot, a highchair, a swimming pool or a playground on site are practical advantages that make the stay more comfortable for the whole family.

Stress-free travel: coping with long journeys and challenges

A positive attitude is the basis for a relaxed journey. Accept that not everything will always go according to plan. A traffic jam, an unexpected diversion or a child getting car sick can all happen. Try to stay flexible and not cling too tightly to a strict schedule. Prepare for small inconveniences. A travel potty in the car can be useful in emergencies, and travel sickness tablets or a wristband against motion sickness can prevent a lot of misery. Involve the children in the journey by letting them follow the route on the map or by giving them small responsibilities, such as handing out snacks.

Packing list for the road: what to take with you for the children?

A separate bag with things for on the road is indispensable. Put everything you need during the journey in it, so you do not have to unpack the entire boot. Well thought-out hand luggage makes the journey much smoother.

Must-haves for in the car:

• Food and drink: Plenty of water, healthy snacks such as fruit and crackers, and a small treat.
• Comfort: A favourite cuddly toy, a small pillow and a blanket for naps.
• Care: Wet wipes, hand sanitiser, tissues and a set of spare clothes.
• Medicines: Paracetamol for children and any personal medication.
• Sun protection: Sunshades for the side windows are far from a luxury.
• Rubbish: A small rubbish bag keeps the car tidy.