Family Vacation Travel Tips

Family Vacation Travel Tips

Taking road tips longer than 30 minutes with kids can be very challenging. Depending on the age of your children road trips can cause several headaches for parents and add the need for extra planning. Young children need a lot of attention and older kids will constantly need to be entertained. Unfortunately, traveling to Gatlinburg Tennessee, which happens to be a road trip almost all southern families take, can create several of these problems. Listed below is several family vacation tips with Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains in mind.

Family Tips For Parents

1. Relax and Breath - Your kids are going to play off your emotions. If you are stressed and in a hurry it will be more difficult for your kids to enjoy the car ride.

2. Expect Mistakes - With kids something is going to go wrong. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Plan for car mishaps, lost money, and possible medical issues.

3. Take the Right Car - Consider renting a car. Renting a car will alleviate wear and tear created by mountains in Gatlinburg TN and possibly add a few amenities that will make your kids ride a little better. The extra money might be worth it.

4. Extra Toiletries - Inevitably, one of your kids or young teens will forget their deodorant or tooth brush. It might be a good idea to have some extra just in case.

5. Short Breaks - Depending on length you might need to stop a few times. Be creative on where you stop. Be sure to hit the popular destinations if they are on route. Some stopping locations in the Smoky Mountains make for great pictures and views.

6. GPS – Consider purchasing a GPS device. Plus, you will be able to search for local gas stations and restaurants. GPS systems are getting better around the mountains of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN, but, at times, they can still  be spotty.

Family Tips For Younger Children

1. Extra Necessities - Make sure you pack extra baby wipes, diapers, snacks, medicine, drinks, bottles (for babies) blankets and pillows. Some of these aren’t items needed if you have a child in a car seat.

2. Car Games - This is a must for all families. Simple car games can help occupy the kids for a few hours. Some possible games include 20 questions, the License Plate (finding 50 states) game, or I Spy.

3. Leave at the Right Time - Planning your departure time around your kids nap time can be huge.

4. TV/DVD Player - No parent wants to admit that they use the electronic baby sitter, but it really works on those long car rides.

5. Don’t Forget The Toys - Picking the right toys and books can help create some distraction time in the car. It might be a good idea to consider taking your kids favorite toys.

6. Baby Proofing - Consider some items for baby proofing your accommodation.

Family Tips For Young Teens

1. Portable Electronics - Teens typically do a great job entertaining themselves. Make sure you have extra batteries (or the ability to re-charge electronics).

2. Necessities - Much like younger kids teens will love to have pillows and blankets for napping and snacks for getting hungry.

3. Put Them in Charge – Possibly allowing the oldest to ride in the front seat and copilot with the driver. Giving an active child some responsibility will help occupy some of their time.

4. Flyers - Obtaining flyers about local cabins, attractions, and restaurants can entertain older kids. If you are interested consider asking your management company for advice on how to get flyers.