Top road trip tips from our Friends of Jayco, Going Here There and Everywhere

From planning the route, to booking caravan sites and keeping kids entertained on the road, there is a lot to think about when planning a road trip, which is why we love tips and hacks from fellow travellers!

In this blog post, we’ve asked our Friends of Jayco and travel experts, The Cartellas from Going Here There and Everywhere for their top road trip tips to help get you prepared for your next venture.

The Cartellas is a family of four who love to explore Australia in their Jayco Starcraft. From beach to bush, farm stays to caravan parks – the Cartellas love the caravanning lifestyle.

Tip 1: Pack your caravan the night before and hook it onto your vehicle
Having your van ready to go means one less thing to think of when trying to get out the door in the morning. In a perfect world, the entire van is packed, including linens, entertainment and dry goods, so we just need to add our clothes and any fresh food.

Tip 2: Make the most of Google Maps
We always put the address of where we’re going in Google Maps as soon as we’re on the road. There have been many times where we have had no service once we get close to our destinations and cannot access our maps. If you have it loaded, you can access it even without service.

Tip 3: Don’t underestimate the power of blankets and books
When driving long distance, we like to turn the aircon up as the kids love to snuggle in with their pillows and blankets and read their books – sometimes falling asleep. Happy kids = happy parents.

Tip 4: Pack snacks that help with road sickness
Our daughter Maddie tends to get car sick on longer trips, and we have learnt that this tends to happen more on an empty stomach, so we stock up on lots of high carbohydrates snacks. Our kids love fresh buns and butter, especially if we are on a time crunch to get out the door, as it tends to tie them over until we get set up.

Tip 5: Stop into the small towns
Not only are you supporting small businesses, we often find the cutest shops or places to dine along the way. Also, it’s always fun to stop off at a local park and stretch your legs – sometimes we even pack a picnic to enjoy while the kids make the most of the playground.

Tip 6: Always be prepared for traffic
There have been times, especially during school holidays, where a two-hour trip took close to four hours due to crawling traffic. Make sure your car is always fuelled up before you leave and you have snacks, magazines, books and activities for the kids handy.

Tip 7: Portable chargers can be a lifesaver
Having a portable charging bank can be a lifesaver while on a road trip. It is always nice to know you have a backup if your phone starts to run low on power during a long trip, and they are also handy if you are staying somewhere without power.

Tip 8: Use a walkie talkie
Walkie talkies are a great way to communicate with others in your group, especially if they are going to areas without service. These are also great for the kids to take when they go off on their ‘adventures’.

For more travel tips and inspiration, check out Going Here There and Everywhere on Instagram or Facebook.