How To Make Roadtrips With Kids and Pets Easier This Summer

With the summer months slowly creeping up on us, and with warm sunny months without any lockdown restrictions within touching distance, travel plans are well underway for families, friends and solo travellers. 

Travelling with children and pets can be a rewarding experience, however, can seem daunting and a little stressful when finding the right sort of holiday to embark on! Whilst brilliant fun, it can also bring a few challenges along with it. In this article, we are going to be offering some industry expert tips on how to make road trips with kids and pets easier this summer. 

It’s a great idea to have a secure plan in place before your family holiday to avoid any very miserable drives home. Our first tip is: 

Get Pet and Child-Friendly Accommodation 

Ensuring your accommodation allows pets and children is something that is extremely worthwhile double-checking before your road trip begins. There’s nothing worse than pulling in after a long drive to realise the entry requirements are not correct for your trip. Some holiday locations are either adult only or no pets allowed and can cause more than a little bit of stress if you are unprepared. It is also advised to check your accommodation allows for the type of pet you are bringing with you. For example, our fluffy four-legged dogs or cats are not a rare sight at holiday locations, however, if your pet is slightly more on the exotic side, you should enquire by phone or email beforehand to see if certain pets are or are not permitted. 

Plan for lower stamina/shorter patience for children or pets

Of course, depending on how long your road trip is, it can be an adventure. However, if an all-day road trip is on the cards, it is important to be aware that that same stamina and enthusiasm you have for the long drive may differ when it comes to children and/or pets. Some children thrive on long car journeys and thoroughly enjoy them, whereas others may struggle with sitting still for so long. Pets also vary when it comes to enjoying car rides. Some may feel calm and relaxed, sleeping for hours, and others may find a car journey more stressful. Unless you know from previous road trips, it is safe to assume otherwise. In order to avoid any problems, it is advised to plan multiple breaks throughout the trip. It may mean a longer drive in the long run, but everyone will be a lot happier if the journey is broken up along the way.

Be Mindful Of Varying Conditions

If the weather is hot and muggy throughout the summer, it is important to be prepared for your vehicle and your plan for the road trip is going to be a comfortable one for both pets and children. Pets can overheat in cars very easily, so it is important to have a window or two open as you drive, and have easy access to water at regular intervals for your pet. If the car is too cold for children, they will certainly let you know about it, so if your road trip requires a drive through windy, wet and cold conditions, it is important the whole family is dressed appropriately. What you pack is also important for the destination. Ensure the dogs have extra blankets/coats if the pets spend some nights outside and your family is prepared for the heat with bathing suits and summer accessories. 

Road trips are a great way to spend a holiday, and it is important to consider all factors in order to have a smooth and happy break and road trip this summer.