Of course, it will be good if you ask for advice from friends who have already traveled by car with children, but if you have a chance to become a pioneer in this area – you need to be well prepared. Consider the pros and cons, think through all the scenarios that can happen along the way, prepare yourself and your child and feel free to go! And we’ll help you with that.
The first thing you need to determine for yourself, going on a long trip, is whether you are capable of this step. It is good if the trip will go not one parent, and both – so the child will have someone to watch, to look after, to entertain, to calm down during a long road. If you are going on a trip together with the baby, you will have to stop constantly to perform all these actions. Therefore, in addition to a driver’s license, you need to have strong nerves.
Before you go on a trip for long distances, see how the child behaves on short trips. Take it with you to the store, to the cottage, in the woods, make sure that it does not get carsick, sit comfortably, and watch how it reacts to the road in general, to the change of scenery, machines, harsh noises around. If something goes wrong all the time on the way to the countryside, be sure that on a long trip it will multiply several times, so the trip should be postponed or canceled – do not risk your mood, and most importantly, your health.
Which car to choose
Before you start looking for a suitable family travel car (preferably with a sleeping compartment), you should carefully consider what features are most important to you and the other travelers, as well as in what conditions the car will be used.
Before the trip is sure to send the car for a complete inspection. Make sure that all the temperature control systems, locking doors, and windows work in the cabin. Check the seat belts – not only your own but also the one that will buckle the child’s seat. On the road, fill up only at familiar gas stations.
Also, remember that you can always rent a car with the help of Evolve. Renting a car is a great way to travel with your family. You can afford to choose from a wide range of SUVs and minivans for hire at an affordable price. The latest cars from famous manufacturers are also available for daily rentals!
City touring
If urbanism (cities with their unique architecture, culture, and recreation) is more your thing, you most likely won’t have to put your vehicle to the test.
You will travel on autobahns, highways, and city streets. Travelling will take a lot of time. That means, in addition to comfort, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- the car’s ability to confidently hold the road at high speeds;
- controllability;
- availability of equipment (programs) for comfortable driving on a track, such as cruise control, ESP, distance control, and blind spots;
- multimedia equipment for passenger entertainment;
- spacious trunk;
- economy
Off-road Wilderness
Those Soviet-type tourists, for whom the architectural extravagances will not replace the splendor of sparkling ice peaks, and flavors in an expensive restaurant are not equal to the smell of the fire, should pay attention to other characteristics of the “iron horse”:
- four-wheel drive, preferably permanent, with a differential lock (for maximum cross-country capability);
- large trunk, which can be turned into a sleeping place or a dining table;
- large wheels with wide tires, and high ground clearance.
The list of devices to improve cross-country ability can continue for a long time: winch, a snorkel (a special air intake, with which you can force water obstacles wading), etc.
It is important for the future traveler to understand that all-wheel drive is useful not only off-road. It significantly increases the stability and controllability of the car on the highway, so it is welcome not only for off-road vehicles.
The main recommendation – do not focus on the disadvantages, take care of safety, and the trip will be fun and interesting. Such an experience is sure to be remembered positively both for you and the child, and if you take into account the above tips for planning such a trip, it will be perfect.