This is a sponsored post in partnership with Hum by Verizon, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Over the past few years, we’ve really learned to embrace road tripping with the kids. It’s just so convenient with all seven of us to pack up the car and go, versus trying to get through security lines, dealing with thousands of people etc. Plus, the major bonus of traveling by car is that we get to explore along the way.
Check out some of the tricks that we’ve learned through trial and error below. I think they can really help ensure that your next road trip will go smoothly.
My 5 Best Summer Road Trip Tips
Service Your Vehicle
It is always a great idea to have your car serviced before heading out on a road trip with kids. You don’t want to run out of fluids or find out that your battery is exhausted halfway through the trip. Trust me, I speak from experience. My dad once took my brother and me to Yosemite and on the way our radiator had issues. We were stuck in Lone Pine for several days waiting for the part. Trust me- not fun!
Thankfully, technology has come a long way and we can now ensure our vehicle is working properly while on the go thanks to Hum by Verizon. HumX allows you to easily connect to your car’s diagnostic information even while you are on the road via their app (available at Google Play and the App Store for both current and new customers), which can help you avoid breakdowns and potential problems. Plus, HumX also provides drivers with live help and emergency services.
HumX is also super simple to install. You literally download the app and create your account and then plug in the OBD reader and clip the Bluetooth speaker to your visor. That’s it!
Once installed and set up, you now have tons of awesome features right at your fingertips, including:
- Emergency assistance
- Maintenance reminders
- Pinpoint roadside assistance
- Mechanics hotline
- Vehicle location
- Stole vehicle assistance
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Boundary alerts
You can find more info about Hum by Verizon here. It is compatible with more than 150 million passenger vehicles 1996 and newer.
Put Together a Roadside Emergency Kit
No one is completely immune to a roadside emergency, so it is always necessary to travel with a well-stocked roadside emergency kit. Below are some suggestions on what you might want to include in your kit:
- Portable cell phone charger (make sure its fully charged)
- General first-aAid kit
- Flashlight
- Flares
- Jumper cables
- Basic repair tools
- Duct tape
- Extra water
- Paper towels
- A paper map
- Non-perishable food (we usually just grab some extra bottled water and energy bars)
Check Car Seats & Booster Seats
Of course, car seats and booster seats should always be placed in the car in the correct positions, but it is always good to check and make sure they didn’t move or adjust over time. You can never be too safe!
If you are unsure whether your seat is installed properly you can have it inspected. Many highway patrol stations offer this service. Find one near you on their site.
Stay Alert
A recent study by Wakefield Research and Hum by Verizon that surveyed 1,000 U.S. adult drivers (ages 20 and older) found that “61% of millennial drivers struggle to focus while driving during the summer, followed by 43% of Gen X and 22% of baby boomers -more than half (54%) of parents struggle with focus while driving. And, 80% of respondents think drivers are more likely to speed over the summer months.”
That is some frightening information.
To get from point A to point B safely, it is extremely important for drivers to focus on the road. This can be tricky with little ones in the car, but being prepared with plenty of activities to keep kids occupied can really make a big difference.
We typically buy a few movies they haven’t seen – old classics seem to be a big hit and they are inexpensive. We also let our kids bring their devices too. Of course, they don’t all have phones so Wi-Fi becomes a big issue.
Fortunately, HumX includes a mobile 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that supports up to 10 devices. That is a huge lifesaver!!
Plan Pitstops Before You Leave
Another great tip I have is to plan pitstops before you start driving. Anticipation is one of the best parts about a vacation, so take time before you travel to research areas you will be passing through. You will be shocked by all the hidden gems you can find online. We usually try to find a tasty restaurant and somewhere to stop for a fun treat. I’m not opposed to bribing my kids with a small treat to help them behave on a long drive. In my parenting book that is #winning!!
Something I don’t think many people think about is looking for public parks. We like to grab food to-go or stop at a grocery store and picnic in the park. It allows the kids to get out their jitters, making the rest of the drive easier. Even 15 minutes can really make a difference. Plus, it’s great for the driver to get out and stretch too!
Are you headed on a road trip this summer?
Learn more about Hum by Verizon by logging onto their website.
*Disclosure- this is a sponsored post in partnership with Hum by Verizon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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