It’s school vacation in France and the time when some families pile into cars and go to ski resorts or to grandmother’s house. For argument’s sake, let’s assume you’re a family of four — two adults and two children. I’ll skip infants, who require diaper changes and more.
Would you stop overnight if the drive were nine hours long?
Most people say no: They’d go for it in one shot. Others claim that breaking up at trip into two days is part of the adventure. Plus, it saves wear and tear on vocal chords and on nerves from requesting the younger set (or driving partner) to behave.
One person said he leaves around 7 p.m. (after rush hour) and he and his partner drive for four hours to a pre-reserved hotel on the highway. Their children generally sleep part of the way and remain asleep after arriving at the hotel. Jean-Luc qualifies that one of their secrets is having their children wear outfits that can double as PJ’s so the need to change clothes is negated. The family stokes up on breakfast the following morning and is at their destination in time for lunch. The hotel room may cost but Jean-Luc feels it’s worth it.
What to bring on these trips:
• Books for the children
• Electronic gadgets that preferably don’t make noise
• DVD players with ear-phones
• Paper and colored pencils – skip crayons since they can stain upholstery
• Children’s own pillows and blankets
• Food and drinks: some people are adamant children are allowed only to drink water inside of the car. Others are more liberal regarding what’s consumed.
• Granola bars, fruit and bags of potato chips are up for discussion. Some drivers allowed them to be eaten in the car, while others insist they’re eater at rest stops.
What to do:
Stop every two hours to stretch, use rest rooms, avoid fatigues and factor in a few minutes to breathe. If the children are young, it’s a plus if there’s a playground at the rest stop.
Some people say children should not be stuck in the back seat but the passengers should rotate places. It may be a chance to have some quality time with your seat partner.
Have pre-set games such as spot the red Ferrari.
Must haves:
• Tissues
• Trash bags
• Hand wipes
• Socks
E.A., a UK resident wrote:
“I don’t have children, so I have no idea of what it is like traveling with children in the back, I can imagine it must be a nightmare.”
Absolutely Don’ts in my car:
No smoking
No food or any drinks at any time. (exception bottled water only to be consumed outside the vehicle at a pre-scheduled stop).
No sat navs or any devices that will leave marks on the windscreen, be a distraction, cause unnecessary light pollution or any cables cluttering the interior.
No mobile phones (only allowed it securely switched off)
No clutter
No muddy shoes
Things to have in my car:
Enough petrol in the tank
First aid kit
Warning triangle
Hi-visibility vest
Spare bulbs and spare fuses.
Tools to change a wheel
Battery starter cables
Torch (flashlight)
Glass cleaner, quick detailer and microfibre cloths to keep windscreen, windows and headlight clear.
Plastic bag to put any rubbish
If traveling to Europe:
passport, international driving license, insurance certificate with European coverage and road assistance.
In Winter:
Snow boots
Shovel
Blanket
The above is an extensive list. Clearly, there are many things that aren’t included that would make your drive easier. Please feel free to add items and ideas, which have been omitted. I know I’d need a GPS system to help me get to my destination. Not that the directions are always right or the shortest distance between two places. But, that’s another article.
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris.
Karen Fawcett loves to travel anywhere. Karen was a founder & president BonjourParis.com while living in Paris for more than 25 years. She has traveled across Europe and the rest of the world. She is now based in Washington, DC.
