While waiting for the authorities to give us the green light to get back on the road, we can start thinking about our next trip. If your family is an adventurous bunch, taking your kids on an unforgettable journey at some point is a must. However, safety is of the utmost importance when travelling with little kids. Therefore, your preparations for the big journey should start with choosing the right destination.
The great news is that Australia is a top safety destination, making it perfect for a family trip around Australia. Here is what you need to know if you want to explore the Land Down Under with your little ones.
Choose the right vehicle
First, you will need a vehicle to get around this massive country. If you are residing in Australia, you probably already have a reliable vehicle that needs a checkup before it’s ready for a road trip. However, if you travel here, the first thing you will need to do is rent a car. Many people believe that you must go for a 4WD if it’s Australia. However, it’s redundant for the majority of the beaten path.
On the other hand, you will need to make sure you’re going for a solid family car with enough room and storage space. There won’t be many convenience stores along long stretches of highway to stop at if your kids are getting hungry, so you’ll have to pack extra.
Book appropriate accommodation
This is an essential issue if you want to ensure that you won’t drive each other crazy and that all of you will have fun. Choose accommodation in Norfolk Island that fits your family’s needs. If you’re a family that loves camping – why not go for a caravan? Australia has a slew of camping grounds all over its landscape, and it’s the best way to stay close to nature if that’s what you’re into. Just make sure you choose safe camping grounds that have the right facilities.
Booking accommodation is also a valid option if you’re not into camping. Instead of hotels, consider going for apartments or houses where you will have more space and independence. You’ll be able to cook your meals and have a proper rest.
Ensure the kids’ safety
As we already mentioned, your kids’ safety is the top priority. However, you cannot expect to create a completely safe environment for them out there. So, what you should do is teach your kids about safety thoroughly. Ensure they know they mustn’t wander away from you or talk to strangers and what they should do if they get lost. Make sure your kid has your phone number on them, just in case, and if you’re headed to a crowded area, dress them in bright-coloured clothes so that you can spot them easily.
Teach them about respecting wildlife, staying away from wild animals, and the dangers of cars. Needless to say, proper family travel insurance before setting off is crucial.
Create your route
As we mentioned, this country has a lot to offer. There are so many possible choices for a memorable family trip around Australia that your only problem will be deciding what to leave out of your itinerary. Don’t feel pressured to cover a long distance if that means that you don’t get to explore the places you’re travelling through fully. Still, you must create a solid itinerary to make the most of your time. You might be able to wing things when you’re travelling solo, but with kids in the backseat, you want more certainty.
Thankfully, you can find kid-friendly places and activities wherever you go; you just have to do your research beforehand.
Bring entertainment
Finally, you will need to bring along some entertainment for your kids. While you might not mind hours of driving on a deserted road, your kids will get bored after ten minutes. Remember that it will probably take you longer to reach your destination, too, as you will need to take frequent breaks with kids on board. So, if you don’t want your kids to drive you crazy during those long hours in the car, pack toys, download games on your kids’ devices, or get a portable DVD player that you can attach to the headrest of the front seat.
It might also be a good idea to look up games you can play with your kids while on the road.
While organizing a family trip certainly comes with a lot of preparation, there is no doubt that it’s more than worth it. Your child will experience things that will contribute to them developing as a person, and the whole family will cherish the memories for the rest of their lives. Make sure you are well-prepared and will have an adventure of a lifetime!