Like most families, you may be preparing for Memorial Day weekend travel. Whether you’re visiting family or heading to the beach for a weekend getaway, there are a few things to keep in mind. Below are my best tips when traveling for Memorial Day weekend with your family.
5 Best Tips for Memorial Day Weekend Travel
Although this isn’t quite the busiest holiday of the year, it still has its fair share of traffic, crowds, and the unexpected. Use these strategies to help you be prepared for smoother travel this Memorial Day weekend.
Make sure your car is ready for the trip.
Nothing is worse than hitting the road for a nice road trip and having a mechanical breakdown or flat tire. Prevent these disasters to the best of your ability by making sure your car has been serviced. With the changing of weather and temperatures, ensure the tire pressure meets your vehicle’s standards. Double-check all fluids from the oil to the windshield wiper fluid. It’s also a good idea to keep extra fluids in the trunk of your car just in case you need them down the road.
Related: Spring Cleaning Tips to Get Your Car Road Trip Ready
Pack an “in-the-car” bag.
This is also known as an emergency kit that will be stocked with things you may need in the event something happens. This bag will also stay “in the car.” If you are the super-organized type, you may want to consider having two of these in tow. In one bag you can put personal items, such as extra diapers, wipes, face masks, disinfectant wipes, a change of clothing for all family members, blankets, and so on. The other bag could serve as a maintenance-type bag filled with:
- a tire gauge
- tire iron
- jumper cables
- road flares
Check these bags often and make sure they are replenished and stocked at all times.
Related: Things to Keep in Your Car If You’re a Mom on the Go
Prepare your kids for the ride.
No matter how long you and your family will be in the car, you’ll want to make sure your kids are occupied. Take into consideration the ages of your children and plan plenty of entertainment, games, and activities accordingly. Although most parents’ go-to are electronics, consider opting in for using the road trip itself as a chance to play games. “I Spy” and “Do You See?” are popular for any age (including adults!).
Related: Road Trip With Kids: 10 Useful Tips For Your Family Adventure
Use technology to your advantage.
Thanks to technological advancements, you can use a variety of apps to help you find the cheapest gas prices, avoid traffic, and more. These come in handy if you plan to be on the road for any amount of time. Here are a few apps to consider downloading on your iPhone or Android to help you stay ahead of the road travel game:
- Road trippers- plan your journey, the spots, coordinate with family members and friends and find attractions along the way. Check my Road Trip Planner: Printable Safety, Preparedness and Budget Worksheets
- Google Maps- this is most likely already on your phone so take advantage of it.
- Waze- provides real-time updates to help you avoid road construction, traffic jams, and more.
- Gas Buddy– just like its name suggests, this app will help you find the cheapest gas prices.
Have a travel plan.
Whether you have your entire trip planned from beginning to end or you plan to wing it, having a plan will make traveling with your family much smoother. Consider having a talk with your family about what you’ll do in case of emergency. Have a plan in place for when you stop at rest stops, gas stations, and the like. And you’ll definitely benefit from knowing what you’ll be doing once you arrive at your destination. At the same time, don’t hesitate to make updates or changes to your plans as needed.
Final Thoughts
Use my best tips to help make your Memorial Day weekend (or any time) travel a breeze. I would love to hear from you! What are some of your best tips for making road trips comfortable and smooth for your family? Let me know in the comments below.
Related: Memorial Day Weekend Travel Tips for Traveling with Kids
