Children are hard to please. Especially while travelling with kids on adventures in the Australian outbacks and wilderness. If you are planning to travel with kids around Queensland some time soon then here are some pointers from individuals who have been there many times to ensure that your next family outing is just as memorable as the last.
1. A Cheat Sheet For The Family Car Trip
Prepare yourself for the unexpected when traveling with kids. The three-hour trip might take up to five hours. Water, munchies, wet wipes for sticky fingers, and a complete first-aid kit should always be within easy reach in your vehicle.
2. Digital Devices Entertainment
You should plan for online and offline activities as well while traveling with kids. In places where the Internet is available, and while it’s available, turn on cartoons or games for them to enjoy. But if their favourite cartoons are geo-restricted in Australia you can download VeePN VPN which unblocks sites so they can watch their cartoons. You can search and find out which cartoons or sites are blocked and plan ahead with VeePN to unblock websites. Not only does VeePN unblock geo-restricted sites but it also provides a faster connection, which is handy especially while traveling with kids.
3. Pit Stops And Preparation
The stress level of a trip can be greatly reduced by carefully planning when to leave. Get the youngsters involved in the preparations especially when traveling with kids. Get them involved so they are excited for the trip as well from the start. Show them the map and route and have them circle the locations in and around Queensland that most interest them. It may be in the morning when everyone is fresh, or it could be midday to take advantage of everyone’s nap schedule. The trick is to plan reasonable travel hours, with some buffer built-in for unavoidable or enjoyable stops (like getting ice cream, having a picnic by a billabong, or running down a large sand dune).
When it comes to snacks, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and bring more than you think you’ll need. You don’t want to be hungry and have to stop in the middle of nowhere. Put some apples, grapes, dried fruit, cheese sticks, crackers, and muesli bars inside a small cooler bag so that you can snack on them with your fingers. What is our number one recommendation? If you don’t want kids bouncing off the car doors, steer clear of messy foods and excessively sugary treats.
4. Audiobooks
An automobile drive is an ideal time to introduce your children to audiobooks that the whole family can enjoy together and that will also entertain and educate them. The Tripp Diaries series by Stig Wemyss, which is set in Australia, comes highly recommended as a hilarious family road trip read. In case it is restricted, you can use VeePN VPN to unblock it. Listening to an audiobook is a great way to keep the kids occupied and quiet while on the road. You can search specific Queensland-related audiobooks as well. Don’t forget to have a backup plan in place in case the kids get bored with one activity. Before you leave, stop by the library to check out some CDs or download some audiobooks to enjoy on the road. And don’t forget the earplugs in case they decide they want to hear something other than the story being told.
5. Nature and Environment
Queensland’s outback is a great area for youngsters to get out and about and learn about the world around them. Inspire kids to keep an eye out for and gather natural curiosities like feathers, flowers, and stones. Explore National Parks and Heritage Trails, go fossicking, have a dinosaur encounter, and learn about the local history as you travel across the area. The older kids can make a vacation journal by collecting tickets and pamphlets to paste into a scrapbook they decorate before they depart.
6. Empower Them
The more choices your kids have, the more they’ll feel like they have a say in their lives. “Would you prefer to stop at this park to play, or continue going to the caravan park to go for a swim?” When they have a stake in selecting your outings, they’ll enjoy them more and appreciate feeling like they’re a part of the trip and that you’re listening to them and their suggestions.
7. Keep Necessities on Hand
Wet wipes for babies, and enough of them. Simply using a baby wipe to clean anything. Take additional bags for keeping waste or leftover food. Plenty of tissues. When traveling, it’s always a good idea to have a spare roll of toilet paper in case you need to make an unexpected stop along the way. Packing a sturdy table is a must if you have older kids who want to do activities like colouring or reading while on the go. Don’t leave home without some hand sanitiser!
8. Fun Games for the Car
Keep a list of fun board games or traveling games that you can play with kids of all ages. There are many games like Ispy, Mad libs, mix, and match games. You can even make up games on the spot. Anything to keep the young ones entertained while holding their attention.
Overall, Queensland is a really fun place to romp around and take your children for a traveling experience. Hopefully with these tips and tricks to make traveling with kids a fun experience, you will have an enjoyable time while traveling around Queensland.
