Motor abroad with children and your car may not be the only thing driving you round the bend. Follow these tips for a happy family holiday on the road.
With no baggage limit, a door-to-door route and the option to stop off along the way, it’s no wonder driving to one’s holiday destination is becoming increasingly popular. Over eight million of us did it last year alone, and with easy access via the Channel Tunnel or cross-Channel ferries, it’s a lot less hassle than flying.
Whether it’s just across the Channel, the South of France or beyond, a driving holiday can bring a shared sense of adventure, precious time with the family and is a great way for children to learn about a different country. It might seem daunting, but get it right and you’ll have a great holiday and some fantastic memories the whole family will treasure.
Be prepared
- Make sure your car is properly equipped for the journey. Click here for more info.
- Pack realistically – do you really need the full set of golf clubs if it means your brood will be hemmed in at the back?
- Use space wisely by giving the kids a box to pack their favourite toys in.
- Get them involved by helping to navigate or crossing off towns as you pass them.
Setting off
- Leave early in the morning, or if you’re brave enough, in the middle of the night. The kids will be tired and are more likely to doze while you make good headway.
- Keep natural exuberance under control by offering dried fruit or boiled sweets every time you stop – creating less mess than other options.
- Take a break every two to three hours to recharge your batteries or switch drivers. Use the time at the service station to let the kids run around – there are hundreds of picnic stops along the autoroutes with child-friendly facilities and green spaces.
- Separating squabbling older children can diffuse flashpoints, but remember it’s illegal for under-tens to travel in the front.
- Hand out lunch boxes to keep mess to a minimum.
- Cover the back seat with a towel or blanket to protect your upholstery.
- If the kids have treats they can’t live without, stock up in the UK.
In-car entertainment
- Equip the kids with an MP3 player, portable DVD player or portable games console – it should keep them entertained for a good part of the journey.
- Or if technology’s not your thing, opt for traditional games like I-Spy, or compiling top ten lists of countries, animals, football players or pop groups.
- Have a family sing-a-long.
On the road
- The roads in France are very well maintained in comparison to the M25 or M6. This is down to the péages (tolls) paid to the French government to keep them in good condition. Keep loose change handy (credit cards are accepted at some tolls), and if you want to avoid tolls, you can take the Routes Nationales (similar to A-roads). The downside is the journey will take longer.
- Petrol and especially diesel are a lot cheaper on the Continent – almost half the price of the UK – so it’s a good idea to fill up once you’ve crossed the Channel. You’ll find petrol stops every 40km or so.
Stay safe
- Lock all doors at all times, park in a well-lit place and don’t leave any valuables in the car.
- Drive carefully. Don’t run the risk of on-the-spot speeding fines or losing your license.
- Don’t lose concentration and be especially careful when setting off from service stations to leave on the right side of the road.
- Continental drink-driving laws are stricter than in the UK, so the best advice is not to drink alcohol at all. You’ll have time to enjoy the local vino when you reach your destination.
