The Great Family Road Trip: Embracing the Outdoors

Things to consider on your next adventure

With the majority of airlines dramatically reducing their baggage allowance and prices for package holidays increasing extortionately during the school holidays, holidaymakers are turning towards the more practical option of a self-drive break – and it’s not hard to see why! Whether it’s a road trip around the USA or a tour of the British Isles, exploring the magnificent surroundings will always be even better from the comfort of a car rental or a campervan hire.

To help you find the best ride for your next adventure, make sure to check out VroomVroomVroom. They compare a wide selection of rental cars including SUVs and 8-seaters. You can also compare campervans, motorhomes, and RV rentals. This will not only save you a lot of time, but also money since they offer the best rates. Once you have booked a car hire or campervan rental in the UK, you are all set for an ultimate road trip adventure.

Today, we’re taking a look at some of the best ways to get in touch with nature on your family road trip. From getting your loved ones psyched for your getaway to planning the practicalities that come with long journeys, we’ll be with you every step of the way as you organise a trip your family will never forget.

Planning your trip: embracing the outdoors

Whether you’re exploring the country roads or covering great distances on the motorway, nothing compares to the feeling of freedom and independence that comes as you hit the road with your family. Breaking up the journey is not only vital for the safety of both drivers and their passengers, but it’s also a fantastic way to bond with your loved ones and try out new experiences. Our list of exciting adventures brings you some of the best ways to embrace nature – and they’re sure to keep the whole family entertained, too!

• Take a hike: with all that travelling, you and your family are no doubt going to want to stretch your legs – so why not combine your road trip with a walking holiday? From hiking in the hills to exploring the serene lakeside surroundings, there’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with nature on foot

• Go wild on the water: from surfing and sea kayaking to paddleboarding, getting out on the water is a great way to get all the family involved. Whether you’re by the coast or parking up on the lakeside, an adventure on the water will never be far away

• Take your adventure to new heights: for a family full of adrenaline junkies, climbing is a fantastic way to connect with your loved ones. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced climber, make sure you stop off to scale the rocks on your road trip.

Hitting the road: in-car entertainment

Exploring the country by road is one of the best ways to see as much as you can – and it’s certainly the most practical option for anyone travelling with kids. The ability to stop off whenever and wherever is ideal when travelling with little ones in tow, but that’s not to say it will be an easy journey without making the necessary preparations.

Piling into a fully-packed car with a long road ahead may be exciting, but this feeling can often be short-lived – especially with the kids bickering in the back. To ensure your journey is a success, don’t underestimate the power of packing some in-car entertainment. And to make this task a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of all the essentials that you should take!

• Car-friendly games: the thrill of ‘Eye Spy’ may be fleeting, but this old favourite is a must for any car journey – and it’s sure to get your little ones excited about the great outdoors as you travel through the different landscapes. For the motorway, bring a pen and paper with you and encourage your kids to write down as many vehicle number plates as they can. It’s surprising how many they’ll get – and how quiet it’ll keep them!

• Travel journals: as you make your way across the country, encourage your children to collect as many receipts and postcards as possible. Use the time during long journeys to add these collectables to their own ‘travel journal’, and suggest that they write down their favourite moments so far. Not only will this keep the kids preoccupied, but it’ll also be a fantastic keepsake to look back on in years to come.

• Technology: love it or hate it, technology has become part of the great family road trip. Families are relying on Sat-Navs to make it through their journey, and DVD players are also helping to keep peace on the backseat. Make sure to pack a selection of films, and don’t forget earphones to avoid distracting whoever’s driving.

• Comfort breaks: as any parent will know, hunger and tiredness can have a dramatic effect on the mood of your little ones. Taking regular comfort breaks will be beneficial to everyone in the car, so take this opportunity to remind each other about the excitement of your holiday. Instead of stopping at service stations, why not take a detour to stretch your legs in a national park?

Whether you’re driving through Europe or embracing the Great British staycation, a road trip should be fun for all the family. Plan ahead to get the kids excited about your outdoor pursuits, and the long car journey will take care of itself.

VroomVroomVroom would like to thank Jay Connelly of Wilderness Scotland for this useful article and beautiful images.