Taking a trip to the seaside, zoo or theme park this summer? If you have kids, the chances are you’re likely to do at least one of these three things over the next couple of months. Whilst the attraction and adventure will to doubt be full of fun and memories, the journey itself can get quite tedious, especially if you live far from any top attractions.

If the journey gets tedious and makes you restless, imagine how your kids feel! If you want to ensure journeys with kids are happy and tantrum-free, here are a few things you should avoid:

Going the long way round

Sure, the scenic route might be prettier, and you might get to see some things that you like the look of, but in reality the trip isn’t about you. The trip is about the whole family and having a great day out. So in that respect, you shouldn’t take unnecessary detours and only stop for comfort breaks where necessary.

Forgetting snacks

You may have just fed your kids breakfast about 2 minutes before you hit the road, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t get peckish an hour or two into the journey. Kids can get thirsty, particularly if you’re travelling on a hot day, so ensure there’s enough to hydrate them and keep them satisfied. It’s not the end of the world if you forget snacks, as there will no doubt be service stations you can stop at along the way, but this will significantly add to your journey and could cost you an extra small fortune.

Ignoring kids’ grievances

Sure, you might have a child that says they don’t need the loo when you leave, only to proclaim ‘I need a wee’ a mere 15 minutes into your journey. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them, as a false alarm is better than the alternative! Similarly, ignoring cries of ‘I feel sick,’ could have disastrous consequences. If your child is a particularly bad traveller, take a trip to the pharmacy beforehand for something that could help settle their stomach.

Forgetting entertainment

Whether it’s the kids’ favourite film soundtrack (Let it go! Let it go!) or some innovative car games, be sure you’ve come prepared or else you could be in for a solid hour of ‘are we nearly there yet?’

Safety fears

Don’t underestimate how curious and confident toddlers are, especially when you’ve specifically told them not to do something. Always ensure your car is central locked, with a child lock on the back passenger doors where possible. Also, ensure your child is strapped into their car seat or booster properly, to minimise the risk of injury in a crash situation. If your child likes to remove their belt and wriggle around in the seat, a huggybelt could help keep them safe. By ensuring the seat belt rests at the correct position on your child’s body at all times, your child will be best protected in the event of a crash.

By following some of these tips, you can ensure your journeys with kids are happy and fun, almost as good as the day you’ve planned at your chosen destination!