Road Trip Tips for Family Vacations

If you’re planning a road trip with kids, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re already a busy parent juggling work, extracurriculars, and family needs. However, if you plan ahead, your escape out of town and be fun, safe, and even – gasp – relaxing. Check out these road trip tips from Toyota of Orlando for hitting the highway with kids in tow. We’re “Making It Simple™” for you to have the best vacation yet!

Our Top Road Trip Tips for Travelling with Littles

Tip #1: Put safety first.

You always say it to your kids, and it should be your tagline when taking a family vacation – safety first. Here are some safety road trip tips to keep in mind before you head out.

• Have a safety kit in the car. Put together a road trip safety kit with elements like a first aid kit, flashlights, jumper cables, a small toolkit, flat tire tools, and anything else you might need to deal with a roadside emergency.
• Check your car seats and booster seats before you go. Make sure everything is buckled in tightly and that the seat doesn’t move more than an inch from side-to-side and front-to-back when you try to wiggle it.
• Activate child safety locks for the doors and windows before you leave Orlando.
• Make sure the adults have a plan if you face a roadside emergency, and how you’ll put it into motion. This helps everyone feel prepped and secure.
• Put any medication you might need in an easy-to-access place should you need to get it out during your drive.

Tip #2: Make comfort a priority.

If you’re going to be in your Orlando Toyota for a while to get to your destination, put comfort at the top of your to-do list – remember, happy kids mean happy parents. We recommend road trip tips like:

• Pack pillows, blankets, and favorite stuffed animals for napping.
• Bring snacks and drinks. You’ll want everyone to stay full and hydrated, but make sure to choose easy-to-clean snacks (nothing with too many crumbs and nothing sticky) and snacks that aren’t a major choking hazard. We recommend water in the car in case of spills, and a spill-proof water bottle is a must-have.
• Use seat organizers to get your backseat ready for a road trip out of Orlando. Be sure to pack wipes for cleanups, any supplies you need (like diapers and spare clothes), and have a trash bin or bag on hand to immediately dispose of trash and cut down on mess and clutter in the back.
• In the front, make sure you have the necessities for road trips with kids – more wipes, hand sanitizer, charging cords, and tissues.
• Keep everything within easy reach of kids or parents – snacks, drinks, toys, books, and anything else you might need during your trip.

Tip #3: Keep everyone entertained.

“Are we there yet?” Is a pretty common refrain on a road trip out of Orlando, and one that can get old quickly. Avoid it with these Toyota of Orlando road trip tips:

• If your kids are tablet kids, be sure to download plenty of shows, movies, games, and books for them before you head out (and don’t forget the headphones to save your sanity).
• Stock the backseat with car-friendly toys and games, as well as coloring supplies. We recommend games like bingo (and you can’t leave out I Spy) to keep kids engaged and distracted.
• Download family-friendly audiobooks and podcasts for everyone to enjoy together as the miles stretch on.
• Encourage your kids to navigate with you – teach them how to follow the route on a map or app and have them keep you updated on ETA or upcoming turns or exits. (Bonus: they won’t ask if you’re there yet.)

Tip #4: Make efficiency a cornerstone of your trip.

If you plan ahead of time, your trip will be much more efficient, and that means less stress, less money spent, and more time enjoying your actual vacation. Here are some Toyota of Orlando road trip tips for efficiency.

• Plan your route BEFORE you go and have an idea of when you’ll stop for rest breaks or to stretch your legs. Make sure you leave extra time for spontaneous stops or unaccounted-for delays. If you’re stopping for lunch, look for stops that have picnic tables or benches where you can eat (and a playground to burn off some energy never hurt anyone).
• Before you leave Orlando, check a real-time navigation app for any traffic or delays and adjust your route accordingly.
• If you’re stopping overnight, be sure to book your hotel ahead of time – you don’t want to end up not being able to get a room. You should also pack a “hotel bag” that’s easy to grab, so you don’t have to bring all your luggage in. Pack necessities like pajamas, a set of clean clothes, toiletries, and any medications you need.
• Get caught up on routine maintenance before you go. Schedule a visit at the Toyota of Orlando service center and let our techs do a multi-point inspection of your car. They can point out and fix any issues and ensure your ride is ready to hit the highway without issue.

What are the Best Toyotas for Road Trips with Kids?

A road trip is much more fun if you have the right ride for it. Toyota has multiple family-friendly options in the lineup that are perfect for hitting the highway, incorporating safety, comfort, and efficiency into their design. Here are our top picks for road trips with kids.

Choosing the right vehicle can make all the difference. Toyota offers several family-friendly models that combine safety, comfort, and efficiency, perfect for road trips with kids.

• Toyota Sienna: The ultimate family minivan, with space for up to eight, power sliding doors for easy access, and a host of comfort and entertainment features. The hybrid engine saves on gas, and all-wheel drive is available for all-weather confidence.
• Toyota Highlander: A midsize SUV that seats up to eight, with flexible cargo space and advanced safety tech. The Orlando Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers impressive fuel efficiency for long trips so you can save your money for souvenirs.
• Toyota RAV4: Perfect for smaller families, the Orlando Toyota RAV4 combines a compact footprint with a roomy interior and trunk. Multiple powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid, make it a cost-effective choice.
• Toyota Sequoia: For those needing maximum space, the Toyota Sequoia’s three rows and powerful engine make it ideal for big families or those who want to tow a camper or boat out of Orlando.
• Toyota Camry: Not every family needs an SUV or van. The Toyota Camry is a reliable sedan with a spacious interior and top safety features, perfect for families with one or two kids who prefer a car over an SUV and love that hybrid efficiency.

Get More Road Trip Tips from Toyota of Orlando

In sum, it’s all about the prep work – the more you plan, the more easy-breezy your road trip will be (especially if you’re bringing the kids along). Think you’re ready to hit the road, but looking for more tips or need to get your Toyota checked out? Contact Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia, and you can reach us at (407) 298-0001. Safe travels!

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