Many people have fond memories of family road trips from their younger years, and you may have big plans to hit the open road with your loved ones soon. If you are planning a road trip for the first time, you may be wondering what it takes to ensure that everyone has a great time. These tips can help you to enjoy the most comfortable and fun experience.

First time family adventures: what it takes to make a road trip fun

Choose a Spacious Vehicle with Ample Storage Space

One of the first things you should do is determine if your vehicle is ideal for a road trip. Your vehicle may be older and in poor condition. It may be small and lack all of the storage space you need for your family, luggage and other gear. Some vehicle styles, like those from Woody Sander Ford, are more well-suited for a road trip than others. For example, a hatchback may have ample storage space in the trunk as well as a roomy interior.

Pack All of the Essentials

Then, you need to think about everything you will need to bring to ensure that your family is comfortable on the road. In addition to clothes, thing about snacks and drinks for the car, road trip games, books, music and more. Sunscreen, jackets, pest spray and other items may be needed as well, depending on where you plan to stop.

Schedule Numerous Stops

Some people will plan a lengthy road trip across the country, and their intent is to spend 10, 12 or more hours in the car each day. This may be feasible, but it can also be uncomfortable and dull. A smart idea is to look for points of interest that you can visit in the various cities and towns you pass through. The adage about getting there being half the fun holds true in the case of road trips.

Make Your Time on the Road Fun

Even when you schedule numerous stops along the way, you may still have stints of three, four or more hours in a row in the car together. Cat naps are one way to spend the time, but your crew may also need to be entertained during this time. Round-robin stories, jokes or riddles, car travel games and more are great ways to pass the time. Research some of these options so that you are prepared once you get in the car.

As you can see, there are many steps that you can take to make your road trip more comfortable and fun for everyone. Now is the perfect time to start planning your next road trip.

Author bio: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.