(NC)—With the heat of summer upon us many families are looking forward to one of the most iconic Canadian experiences –the family road-trip. Whether you are heading up to the lake for a long weekend or braving a coast-to-coast adventure, a road-trip allows families to spend quality time with each other in an economical way.
However, without proper planning a road-trip can mean long hours in confined spaces with the constant echo of “are we there yet?” from the back seat. Here are the top three tips for creating an unforgettable road-trip this summer:
1. Bring healthy drinks. Pack a cooler with bags of cut-up veggies, plenty of cool bottled water and a bag of trail mix. Avoid giving your kids sugary drinks as they can cause mood swings and irritability, which makes for an unpleasant drive for everyone. And remember, according to the Dieticians of Canada, the human body needs 8 – 12 cups of liquids a day to stay well hydrated - just include plenty of bathroom breaks along the way.
2. Who says you can't stay active on a road-trip? Playing games will not only help the time fly by, but will also allow you and your family to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery. Map out your route ahead of time and pick scenic spots for a quick half hour walk to truly appreciate your surroundings.
3. Be prepared. Plan ahead for unforeseen emergencies to ensure you aren't trapped in a hot car with no supplies. In addition to a road-side emergency kit, bring non-perishable meal replacement bars and bottles of water – making sure to remind children the bottles are recyclable. By ensuring that your family always has food and clean water available, your unplanned road-side stay won't be a trip ender.
The family road trip is one of the greatest ways to travel and can truly bring a family together. Being equipped with the “are we there yet” survival kit will ensure every road trip is a vacation to remember.
- News Canada