If you and your family are planning to travel by car with children this winter vacation, and you are already a little scared about spending so many hours with them in the car, this article is for you! Planning is the key to making this trip a good experience for your children, and of course, for moms and dads too.

Here we share 7 tips to make car trips with children a success!

1. Check the car before

Make sure your car is in perfect condition for the trip you have planned and that it has everything you need to get to your final destination. For example, mandatory insurance if you are traveling outside of Chile, chains if you are going to a place with snow, etc.

2. Load the car and chairs in advance

To save time with children on board (and probably a long queue at the petrol station), it is much better if you fill up with fuel the day before your trip. Also, try to have the car seats installed and the luggage ready in advance, so you can organise the 'tetris' of bags and suitcases calmly before the planned departure time.

Remember that according to the Traffic Law in Chile, all minors up to 9 years old (or who are 135 centimeters tall and weigh 33 kilograms) must travel in the car in appropriate child restraint systems (CRS). In addition, it is prohibited to carry children in the front seat until they are 12 years old¹.

1) Law 18,290: On traffic and its amendments, Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications.

Check out our car seats and booster seats HERE !

3. Plan to leave early in the morning or before nap time

For long car trips, it's best to leave VERY early in the morning, so that the children are rested. Another option, ideal for shorter trips, is to leave close to nap time, to 'gain' those hours of sleep in the car.

4. Bring enough water, milk and snacks

If you don't want to make extra stops beyond what you planned, plan the snacks, meals and bottles that your children usually consume during the time they will be in the car. Although always calculate extra, it is much better to have too much than not enough!

To transport food, discover the models of food containers and dispensers that we have in our store.

5. It is better to make varied stops, but short ones

Even if your children can handle a long time in the car, it is recommended to make a stop at least every 2 hours, and schedule them in advance so that you and they know how the trip is going.

In addition, these stops serve as small milestones that are entertaining for them and will make the trip much easier so that they do not arrive at their destination over-tired.

6. Don't miss out on entertainment on board!

Each family knows what works best for them, and based on yours, bring toys, educational activities, charged tablets (if they agree to their use), books and of course, games that everyone can participate in, such as the classic 'I spy', riddles or trivia.

And don't forget to make a playlist with your family's hits to make the trip more entertaining.

7. Always have on hand…

On a long car trip with children anything can happen, so it's best to be prepared.

Any must-haves?

• A first aid kit.
• Change of clothes (especially if your son or daughter tends to get dizzy and vomit).
• Garbage bags and/or hermetic bags.
• Wet wipes, a lifesaver!