It doesn’t matter if your foster child has just come to live with you in Gloucestershire recently or they’ve been with you for a while now, planning their first road trip is a big event. Road trips can be a wonderful way to see the countryside, take in various attractions, sample local cuisine, and make fabulous memories, but they also require a little planning. To ensure their first trip is a success, here are some simple tips you can use when planning a road trip departing from Gloucestershire.
How Far Do You Want to Travel?
The first consideration is how far you want to travel. The child’s age should factor into this decision as the younger they are, the closer you will probably want to stay from home. A few hours may be all you want to venture with a toddler or young child. It will still give them a taste of road-tripping but in a way that is comfortable for them and you.
On the flip side, if you’re fostering an older child or a teen, you may find they can happily sit in the car for hours on end, which opens the door to more locations. You can even make stops at different villages, towns, and cities and stay for the night.
Make Reservations and Bookings Before You Leave
After spending a few hours driving, you want to know that you have accommodations waiting for you on the other end. And not just any accommodations but child-friendly ones with the amenities, features, location, and budget that suit you. This is why it’s essential to make reservations before you leave.
Take Advantage of Discounts That May Apply
Depending on the agency you are using for fostering in Gloucestershire, you may be given access to discounts for family days out, restaurants, and shops. This can come in handy when you’re planning the road trip and choosing the attractions and activities.
Be Sure to Pack Entertainment Options for the Car
While you may think that staring out the window and taking in the sights is enough to keep your foster child amused, you may be in for a surprise. Sure, that may last a short time but it won’t be long until they start feeling bored. For that reason, it’s wise to pack entertainment options. These should be based on the child’s age and likes.
Some great ideas for keeping kids entertained in the car include:
- Colouring books and crayons/pencil crayons
- Word search book
- Travel board-games
- Deck of playing cards
- Portable DVD player
- Tablet preloaded with games and fun apps
- Journal
- Books and magazines
Rather than give them everything at once, you may want to rotate their options to keep things fresh and exciting.
Snacks and Beverages Will Keep Kids Extra Happy
And finally, no road trip is complete without snacks and beverages they can enjoy in the car. This will ensure they don’t get hungry, thirsty, or worse – grumpy during the hours on the road.
By using these tips you’ll be able to plan the ultimate road trip with your foster child.
