

Moving on the holiday route
23 June, 2022 • Par Sarah, Bougeotte and Placotine
I don't know about you, but here, when summer comes, we often want to escape! We want to see other faces and other landscapes. Of course, taking long car journeys is not always convenient. Sitting for long hours is not easy, neither to temper the children's energy nor to temper the parents' patience. After a few hours of inventing guessing games or delaying the moment to take out the tablets, everyone is tired. So I offer you little tips to make your trips more enjoyable and to succeed in using the children's energy wisely.
Tip number 1
Before the big departure, television is a no-no! When planning to go on the road, the hour before should be active . While you finish filling the car, let your children run, play in the yard or jump on the beds. Let them use up as much energy as possible before sitting in the car for a long time.
Tip number 2
Plan strategic stops on the road. If you can, depending on the patience of the children, plan stops after 1h30 to 2h of driving. If your little ones are still young and it is more difficult to predict the duration of the nap, take a break at most 30 minutes after waking up from the nap.
Tip number 3
Stop at strategic locations. At each stop, whatever the reason, plan to expend some energy. If you were planning to stop for a meal, it might be a good idea to opt for a picnic near a park or green space. This will allow the children to expend their energy before or after.
Tip number 4
Discover new places! When you're on the road, for example towards Gaspésie or Maine, get into the habit of opening Google Map and looking at where you might find BMX trails or parks. Get your bikes or scooters ready and make an active stop. While parents go for a little jog, the kids follow on a scooter or bike or discover a new BMX track.
Tip number 5
Every stop is an opportunity to move. Your oldest is eager and you stop at a gas station? Take 5 minutes to get everyone out of the car and get moving. Jump, dance, roll, whatever, be creative and playful. These micro-breaks can make all the difference. Also, remember to get down to the kids' level and not try to convince them to think like adults . Don't forget to present your plan to them so that everyone's expectations are met, or at least so that the kids understand that stops are already planned.
Finally, don't stick to your plan, don't forget to adapt and tell yourself that traveling can really be a great family moment, and even an active one!
This blog post is part of our special “On the Road” feature. To see all the content in this feature, which offers tips and advice to make your next nature getaway easier, check out this article !