How to road trip with kids (and still come home married)

Note: This post is for families vacationing with children. If that is not you, enjoy your sleep-in mornings, peaceful silences and know that some of us are quietly hating you.

School’s almost out and that means your hard-earned vacations are about to begin. Don’t let driving to your destination this summer suck all of the fun out of it. Traveling with children can leave even the happiest couple in shambles.

With that in mind, Rent By Owner has put together a list of Road Trip Tips to get you to your destination (and home), happily married.

1. Expect to get nowhere quickly– The first step towards success in family travel is being prepared for a late departure, late arrival, extra stops, medical care, poo explosions and everything in between. If you’re lucky enough to have a smooth ride then consider it a bonus. Plan to fail and be thrilled if you don’t.

2. Now is not the time to go device free – Just because we were forced to count telephone poles along the road as children, doesn’t mean that today’s parents need to put up with 4 hours straight of “are we there yet?”. Plan a few games of “I Spy”, then let your backseat beasts binge-watch some cartoons. For those of you worried about screen time, toss them some books (or colouring books) and call it a day. Driving with your partner while your children are engulfed in the latest, greatest Disney flick may be the first time you’ve actually caught up in months. Important Note: Invest in some earphones – We promise you it’s pure bliss!

Important Note: Invest in some earphones – We promise you it’s pure bliss!

3. Pack a lunch and snacks – Leaving prepared with a mini cooler full of snacks and drinks keeps everyone happy and helps avoid the inevitable sugar crash that follows a gas station stop, not to mention it’ll save you loads of money along the way. Happy tummies equal more naps!

4. Try a vacation rental! – Obviously, Rent By Owner is biased; however staying in a vacation rental really is ideal for parents. A vacation rental has all of the comforts of home: separate bedrooms with space for everyone (so you can stay up after the kids are in bed), a full kitchen (because eating out with kids is as much fun as the dentist) and a washer/dryer. Once you do your first vacation rental with the family you’ll never go back.

5. Have wine waiting at your destination – Consider wine one of the most important grocery items to stock up on for any trip. Nothing is better after a long day of adventures, travel, and probably a few tears, than arriving at your vacation rental and relaxing with a glass of wine.