Planning a school holiday road trip

We’ve got a few ideas on how to get road trip ready with ease.

It’s the end of the school term, so you know what that means…Road trip! After a term full of keeping the kids focused and worrying about packed lunches, we’ve got a few ideas to get your family road trip ready. Minimise last-minute stresses with this helpful guide before getting your holiday going.

1

CHECK YOUR CAR

Before you even plan where you’re going, it’s important to know your car is up for the journey. Prep your car properly by taking it to a service centre for a full-service check or even giving it a check yourself. You can also try stopping at your nearest petrol station for a tire pressure, oil, brake fluid and coolant check. Nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yeb7zft_79k

2

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

Now that your car is prepped, it’s time for the fun part! Pick a destination that’s suited to you and your family’s interests. Are you keen to catch a hike, walk around a small town or interested in relaxing by the seaside? South Africa is full of places perfect for a sho’t left! Wherever you plan on going, be sure to research any guided tours or activities to add to your itinerary. 

3

HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT

It’s important to be prepared for anything that might come your way on the road. From a flat tyre, spills or boo-boos, make sure you have an emergency kit fit for your family and your ride. You can find pre-packed roadside emergency kits online, fit with basic car necessities and a first aid kit. Alternatively, you can kit your car out on your own! 

4

PLAN WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO STOP

The journey can be long. It’s important to plan your stops ahead of time and have them as regularly as possible for some fresh air, bathroom breaks and even just to take in the view! There are plenty of unique dorpies across the country, making for amazing pics. Avoid missing your stops by adding them as to your route on a navigation app. Try to keep your stops between 10 – 25 minutes to avoid arriving too late at your destination.  

5

HAVE YOUR ENTERTAINMENT READY

As great as it is to have a moment of peace with the kids watching something on their devices, batteries only last so long. Make sure you pack in your favourite road trip snacks and plenty of water to keep the little ones from getting hangry. Road trips are a wonderful opportunity to connect over conversation cards to prompt some meaningful chats, sing along to the perfect playlist or play a game of car bingo!