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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Family Road Trip
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
A personalised itinerary, a killer playlist and a luxurious ride with ample space: it’s the perfect recipe for a family road trip.
Thinking about hitting the road on your next family holiday? Whether you’re planning to go off-road on the beaches of North Stradbroke Island, cruise the east coast of Australia with your furry friends and caravan in tow or explore the Gold Coast Hinterland, there is more to planning the perfect family-friendly driving holiday than ensuring the petrol tank is full. From buckling your brood into the ideal vehicle, like the Land Rover Discovery, to plotting your stops along the way, these are our top tips for your next family road trip.
Setting your sights on the Gold Coast already? Check out Natalie Bassingthwaite’s recent travels around the Gold Coast with her daughter Harper for itinerary inspiration.
Build your itinerary together
Don’t wait until you’re on the road – start planning your itinerary a few weeks or months in advance. By getting the whole family involved in the planning process, you can make sure everyone’s interests are included, avoid potential disagreements along the way, and guarantee everyone has something to look forward to.
Remember to allow some flexibility too. Schedule in at least one or two free days in case you decide to stay somewhere a little longer and discover a hidden gem along the way – unexpected discoveries and spontaneous detours can lead to the most memorable experiences.
Find your perfect vehicle
The secret to a bump-free family road trip isn’t the snacks or the playlist; it’s finding the perfect vehicle. The brand-new Land Rover Discovery is the ideal companion to family adventures, big and small. With seven full-size seats (complete with built-in heating and cooling), the whole family will ride in absolute comfort. Plus, with ample boot capacity and storage space, you’ll have room for everyone’s luggage as well as additional equipment like tents, surf boards and Eskies. You’ll even be able to tow the trailer or caravan thanks to its impressive 3,500kg tow capacity and Advanced Tow Assist technology.
Another reason to love the Land Rover Discovery is its sheer versatility. Equally as comfortable on the highway as it is on off-road trails and remote beaches, you can explore almost every part of Australia in style. Plus, with incredible fuel efficiency, you’ll spend less time at petrol stations and more time enjoying the journey.
Pinpoint places to stop enroute
When planning your route, consider where you could stop along the way for bathroom breaks or just to stretch your legs. You may want to allocate different legs of the journey to a different child or have one person select a different local cafe or picnic spot for lunch each day. Collate your stops in a list on Google Maps and connect your phone to the Land Rover Discovery infotainment system to get your route on the big screen.
Try to plan a break at least every two hours, even if it’s just at a local park where the kids can run around while you find a coffee. Allow time for lunch stops in larger towns or cities where you can explore local restaurants. Alternatively, take advantage of the Land Rover Discovery’s boot space and pack a portable camp barbecue and picnic rug for a scenic sausage sizzle in a stunning setting.
Pack accordingly and prepare for every eventuality
When you’re travelling with kids big or small, it’s essential to be prepared for every possibility and to pack accordingly. Use the Land Rover Discovery’s ample storage space and pack an easily accessible change of clothes for all, along with wet wipes, snacks and activity packs to keep the kids entertained. Top tip: the centre console fridge is a great place to keep a well-stocked selection of water, fruit juice and iced coffee.
Preparing for every possibility also means you’re free to pull over anywhere you like. When you find a picture-perfect spot, grab the picnic rug, select a few snacks and create a special family memory in a breathtaking location.
Preset your playlist
Much like pre-planning the route, pre-selecting a playlist is essential. Find a popular playlist (or two) or create a custom selection with songs to keep everyone in the car happy – whether it’s The Wiggles or Taylor Swift. If you’re travelling with older kids, you could have them each build a custom playlist to share on a different day of the trip.
Book accommodation in advance
If you’re travelling in the summertime or school holidays (and on a family road trip, chances are high), booking accommodation in advance is essential. Hotels and resorts in popular locations often book out in advance over peak periods and it’s much better to be organised so you can avoid stress or disappointment – especially if it’s somewhere you were really looking forward to staying.
When searching for accommodation options, use filters to search for family-friendly hotels with onsite parking. This will make it easy to grab your luggage and seamlessly transition from your spacious vehicle to your family room, ensuring a stress-free start to your stay.
Don’t forget your furry friends
Is it really a family holiday if the four-legged members of your troop have to stay behind? A road trip is the perfect holiday for families that don’t want to leave their dogs at home; you’ll have plenty of freedom to make regular stops for them and they’ll love being able to explore new places. The Land Rover Discovery’s spacious boot means there’s ample room for your pooch to lay down while driving, and foldable pet carriers or harness and restraints for their safety can also be buckled in. A range of pet accessories – access ramp, spill-resistant water bowl, portable rinse system – are also available to level up your furry friend’s road trip in the Land Rover Discovery.
This article was produced in partnership with Land Rover Discovery. Nat travelled in the 24MY Discovery R-Dynamic HSE P360. Explore Land Rover Discovery.
Check out all three episodes of Natalie and Harper’s itinerary and let their Queensland exploration inspire your own family-friendly road trip.
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