Even for seasoned parents, road traveling with children can be draining and stressful. Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or a quick visit to a nearby town, here are six travel tips to help make your next family adventure more manageable and enjoyable.

Prepare your vehicle

Having your vehicle serviced is a must before a family road trip. Inspect the tires for defects and make sure they’re correctly inflated. Top off all fluids and check the vehicle’s battery. Check if the signal and all essential lights are in good condition. Clean your vehicle thoroughly and remove possible choking hazards. Ensure the car seats are properly installed, and only use quality vehicle seats to ensure your little ones are safe and comfortable while on the road.

Pack your go-to bag

Anything can happen during road trips, so being prepared is vital. Aside from your luggage, pack your go-to bag filled with essential items such as a first aid kit, car sickness survival kit, snacks, clothes, and a few toys. Having an organized must-bring bag within arms reach can prevent frequent stops and make you more proficient in handling unforeseen circumstances.

Make a playlist

Listening to music can make driving for long hours less tiring. Ask your family for their favorite tunes and build a playlist before hitting the road. A well-curated playlist can help uplift your passengers’ moods and make the journey more pleasant. It can also prevent unnecessary meltdowns and keep your little ones from distracting you while driving. If some of your kids prefer quiet time, remember to bring headphones for each of them.

Give your kids car-friendly tasks

Children are less likely to act out when focused on a task, so giving them simple projects can help keep them occupied. Provide your kids with a disposable camera and ask them to capture anything interesting. Have them organize their pictures and create a travel memento, so they can easily relieve these happy memories afterwards. You can also give each kid a map and let them help you navigate the road. Make sure to do this only in places you’re familiar with to prevent you from going off course.

Offer various entertainment options

While managing screen time is unrealistic during road trips, you must not rely on their tablets to keep them distracted throughout the ride. Prepare several entertainment options, particularly non-screen activities, such as coloring books, playing cards, and simple car games. For older children who love to be productive, have them listen to engaging audiobooks or podcasts.

Create a seating plan

To prevent your kids from fighting, it would be best to create a seating arrangement beforehand. Figure out the best seat for each child and avoid seating those who bicker often. Assigning seats not only lessens conflicts but also ensures that everyone is comfortable throughout the ride.

With proper planning and the right mindset, family road trips can be fun and memorable. Take note of these travel tips and enjoy the process.

January 19, 2020 by James Adam

Do You Need Landscaping Help? 5 Landscaping Facts All Homeowners Should Know

Homes

Did you know that the US landscaping industry employs more than 1 million people and it has been valued at approximately $90 billion in 2018? This industry specializes in lawn care and maintenance for residential, commercial, or industrial properties.

If you require landscaping help, you should definitely work with a prestigious landscaping company. However, there are also a lot of tips and tricks you can put into practice yourself to make your lawn or garden more attractive. Keep reading to find out.

Invest in Automated Irrigation Systems

Automatic irrigation systems are not that expensive and they can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Such systems consist of a series of sprinklers installed around your lawn or garden. They come with timers, so you can program them to water your lawn at certain intervals throughout the day or night. As a result, you stick to a watering schedule, you don’t have to do it manually, and sprinklers also irrigate lawns more efficiently.

Fertilize the Soil on a Regular Basis

Soil fertilization is paramount when it comes to enjoying a lush, vibrant lawn or garden. Remember that nutrients are depleted from the soil each year. By fertilizing your soil, you put some of these nutrients back. To find out what types of fertilizers you need, go with a soil sample to the nearest gardening store. The specialists out there will tell you how often you should fertilize your soil and what products to use.

Add Hardscape Features

“Hardscape” features go hand in hand with landscaping features. For example, walkways, fountains, or block retaining walls are viable hardscaping elements. They complement your landscape, prevent soil movement, and add value to your property. You can begin with a beautiful fountain installed somewhere in your garden. Adding a few walkways through a floral garden will also make your property look sublime.

Have a Gazebo for Relaxation

Why go to a park for relaxation when you can sit down and relax in the comfort of your own garden? You can do that by installing a beautiful gazebo, preferably somewhere close to a tree. The gazebo offers you shade during hot summer days and makes you feel comfortable while you sip a coffee and read the newspaper in the morning. The market offers you plenty of gazebo variations, based on your budget, preference, and available space.

Care for Your Trees

A large tree also offers you plenty of shadow and oxygen, so it would be great to offer it something in return. Make sure that you trim the branches of your trees every year. Inspect your trees for signs of disease or pests. Do not add walkways very close to trees as this can prevent the tree roots from growing naturally. Contact Pat Calabrese & Son LLC for professional landscape maintenance at affordable prices.

Work With a Reputable Company If You Require Professional Landscaping Help

If you want to save time and effort, you can also collaborate with a landscaping company to get tailored landscaping help at an affordable price. Landscaping specialists know how to trim your trees and shrubs, how to install a gazebo, or care for your lawn, so you always have a stunning green area next to your house.

In the meantime, make sure that you also check out the other articles on our website to learn more tips related to gardening, landscaping, and how to improve your property.