School Holidays are once again upon us and whether you’re embarking on an adventure Down South or just a day trip to visit some much-loved relatives, chances are a family road trip of some description is in your future plans.
But driving long kilometres in the car can be tiresome and stressful for everyone involved. From cranky babies, active pre-schoolers, moody tweens through to the exhausted adults answering the never ending barrage of “are we there yet? Here are some tips to make that road trip all the smoother.
Safety First
If you are travelling with children ensure that they are in the correct child restraint for their age, weight and height. This sounds like common sense, however in Western Australia alone, the leading cause of death and the third most frequent cause of hospitalization for children aged 0-14 years is transport related injury.
Plan Ahead
List everything that you are planning to take and have everything you will need on the trip at hand. Pack everything then try to cut it down by half, then when you have done that, try and half it again. Travelling light does not necessarily mean having to go without, it’s simply more practical.
Plan travel time around children’s sleep patterns and stop and regular intervals
If your children have a sleeping routine then trying to travel around these is always good. You can get in plenty of peaceful kilometres and the children can sleep through none the wiser and when they do wake up stop and take a break and let them have a run around.
By stopping at regular intervals it breaks up the monotony of driving and gives everyone a chance to take a breather. Everyone can stretch their legs, the driver gets their must needed break and the kids can burn off some of that unspent energy from being cooped up in the car.
Food, snacks and more snacks
Anyone with children will know that with boredom comes hunger. No matter how much a kid has had to eat, the appetite can be relentless when they are bored.
Packing food and snacks will help alleviate the boredom munchies and will also help in having to spend up big at service stations when you do need to stop for the toilet or fuel.
Prevent backseat meltdowns
Plan activities before you leave. In today’s world it seems the days are gone that children find the need to play the number plate game or the likes that we were once entertained with. With tablets, iPads, hand held gaming stations, portable DVD players and even vehicles with their own in built entertainment packages it seems that generally we don’t need to worry about planning activities before we leave. But even kids can have a technological overload. There are plenty of FREE resources available online for print outs and travel activities for kids. With a little time and effort, you can make up a folder of car game print outs, colouring pages and even car bingo.
The Best Cars for a Family Road Trip in Australia
When planning a family road trip, especially in a vast and diverse country like Australia, having the right vehicle is essential. Whether you're heading on a long journey down to Margaret River or up the Coral Coast, your car plays a pivotal role in ensuring everyone enjoys the trip. The right family car needs to offer comfort, safety, and plenty of room for luggage and entertainment. Here are some of the best car types to consider for your next Australian family road trip:
1. SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles)
SUVs are an increasingly popular choice for families because they offer a great balance of comfort, space, and safety. With higher ground clearance, SUVs can handle a variety of terrains, making them perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures. Additionally, they typically come with large boot space, providing ample room for luggage, camping gear, and all the essentials for a long trip.
- Top Picks: Toyota Prado, Mazda CX-9, Ford Everest
- Why it's great for road trips: SUVs provide spacious seating for kids of all ages, plenty of legroom, and often come equipped with advanced infotainment systems to keep the family entertained.
2. People Movers (MPVs)
People movers, or Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), are designed specifically with families in mind. These vehicles offer 7 to 8 seats, which is ideal for larger families or those who plan on travelling with extended family or friends. Their interiors are often designed for versatility, with foldable seats to create extra room when needed. MPVs tend to provide a smoother ride on long distances and are excellent for keeping the entire family comfortable.
- Top Picks: Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Tarago
- Why it's great for road trips: MPVs provide extra passenger space and can easily accommodate multiple child seats, making them perfect for families with young children.
3. Station Wagons
Station wagons have long been a staple for family road trips, thanks to their spaciousness and ease of handling. They may not be as high-riding as SUVs, but they provide a comfortable ride and generous boot space, all while maintaining a more car-like feel in terms of driving and fuel efficiency. They're great for long highway drives, and many modern wagons come equipped with the latest tech and safety features.
- Top Picks: Subaru Outback, Volvo XC60, Toyota Camry
- Why it's great for road trips: Station wagons offer excellent cargo capacity while being more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles, making them ideal for long trips where frequent refuelling can be costly.
4. 4WDs (Four-Wheel Drives)
For families planning an adventurous road trip across rugged terrain, a 4WD is the perfect option. If you're heading into the Outback or exploring Australia’s more remote regions, a 4WD will give you the capability and peace of mind to travel on dirt roads, cross rivers, and navigate uneven landscapes. With larger fuel tanks, enhanced suspension systems, and increased towing capacity, 4WDs are designed for long-distance adventures and tough conditions.
- Top Picks: Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero
- Why it's great for road trips: 4WDs are ideal for families looking to explore Australia's more remote, adventurous destinations. They provide excellent off-road capabilities while still offering a comfortable interior.
5. Hybrid and Electric Cars
As sustainability becomes more important, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an excellent option for eco-conscious families. These cars are perfect for road trips where charging stations are available along the way, and hybrids allow you to switch between electric and petrol modes, maximising fuel efficiency. While their range may not yet be ideal for very remote areas, hybrid and EV technology continues to improve rapidly, offering quieter rides and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Top Picks: Tesla Model X, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Kona
- Why it's great for road trips: Hybrid and electric cars offer impressive fuel efficiency and a quieter, more eco-friendly ride, perfect for families conscious of reducing emissions.
Conclusion on taking your next road trip
Whether you're gearing up for a road trip or just looking for a reliable family car, Westside Auto Wholesale has you covered. We stock a wide range of pre-owned vehicles, including SUVs, MPVs, 4WDs, and hybrids, ensuring there's something for every type of family adventure. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect car that fits your needs and budget, whether you're after spaciousness, comfort, or fuel efficiency.
At Westside Auto Wholesale, we make buying a used car a hassle-free experience. With our large inventory of quality vehicles, competitive pricing, and expert staff, we’re confident you'll find the right vehicle for your next family road trip. Visit us today and let us help you hit the road in style and comfort.
Don’t wait until the last minute to find the perfect vehicle for your family adventure. Visit Westside Auto Wholesale today to browse our extensive range of used cars, or contact us at [insert contact details] to book a test drive. Let us help you start your next road trip with the peace of mind that comes with driving a reliable, comfortable, and spacious vehicle!
