This article is sponsored by Honda.
Image via jcomp/freepik, edited by Mix
Road-tripping is always a fun holiday idea. But if you’re a parent with young children, you’ll know that travelling long hours in a confined space aka the car is a different ball game all together.
They can get cranky and unpredictable. Plus, keeping your focus on the road gets a bit difficult when you have two littles one arguing in the backseat, throwing toys at each other. However, all hope is not lost. All you need to do is put in some prep work before the drive.
Here are some tips on how to survive that long road trip with your little ones!
#1 Pick the right day and time
Decide early on what day and time you’ll be setting off. If you have little passengers, it may be a good idea to hit the road at night since they’ll probably be sleeping throughout the journey, allowing you to drive in peace. Plus, there’s usually very little traffic.
However, only do this if you have someone else to share the driving responsibility with—so you can take turns to rest if needed. If you’re not confident driving at night though, then stick to the daytime.
Another option is to leave very early in the morning. With a bit of luck, your kids will continue their sleep in the car!
#2 Talk to them about the trip and what they can expect
It’s important to prepare your kids mentally for the long drive ahead of time, especially if it’s their first road-trip.
If your child is 3 years and older, tell them that they’re going on a fun holiday, but to get there, they’ll have to go on a long journey first. Explain what the drive could be like, including the long hours in confined space and unfamiliar surroundings.
Though this step seems unnecessary, getting them mentally prepared does make a difference!
#3 Keep them occupied so they don’t get bored
Make sure your smartphone or tablet is fully charged and loaded with their favourite shows or games. If you don’t want them spending too much time in front of a screen, then switch it for their favourite toy, book or activity.
Of course, there’s a chance there’ll get bored of that too. So here’s where your creativity will come into play. Come up with a few car-friendly games to keep them busy. Popular favourites include ‘guess the song’, ‘I spy with my little eye’, and ‘alphabet game’.
#4 Be okay with making frequent stops
Make time for breaks. Driving long hours isn’t just exhausting for the driver—your kids will feel the same too. Work in a couple of short R&R stops into your itinerary, maybe every two hours or so.
On top of giving you time to recharge, your pint-sized passengers will also get a chance to move around and stretch those cramped muscles, and take toilet breaks. It helps to eliminate the risk of motion sickness too.
#5 Create a backseat that’s comfy enough for naps
Add pillows and blankets to your packing list. When your kids are tired, it helps to have fluffy pillows and a comfy blankie to snuggle into. If there’s a favourite bantal busuk or soft toy that they go to sleep with every night, bring that too!
#6 Make sure everyone is well-fed
Before hitting the road, be sure that your kids aren’t leaving with empty stomachs. Hungry kids tend to get grumpy and that could potentially spoil your road-trip experience. Plus, empty stomachs tend to make one car-sick too.
Stock up on snacks and water—keep them somewhere you can reach easily from your seat—in case they are feeling peckish and to keep them hydrated throughout the journey.
#7 Keep your car organised so everything has its own place
Kids = mess. It’s going to be hard to always keep your car clean and neat when you have kids onboard. Consider using car accessories such as a mini dustbin and in-car dining table to make things a bit easier to manage. A car aromatherapy air-freshener can help to boost the mood and keep everyone relaxed too.
Now that you’re prepared, the Honda All-New HR-V is ready to take you on that road trip!
If you’re considering on a car that prioritises space, practicality and safety, check out the Honda All-New HR-V.
With the latest model, you’ll get:
9 Honda SENSING advanced safety features
- Forward Collision Warning: Your car can sense the risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle and alert you.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System: If there’s an increased risk of collision, your brakes will work automatically.
- Lane Keep Assist System: When the system detects your car veering out, it’ll alert you and gently correct the steering, bringing you back to the centre of the lane.
- Road Departure Mitigation: If you’re driving too close to the edge of the road, the car will automatically apply corrective steering and brakes.
Other features include Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Follow and Lead Car Departure Notification.
Lots of space to fit your baby stroller, bicycles and more
Image via Honda
When it comes to carrying objects in the All-New HR-V, the seats are ‘flexible’ and can be catered to different types of cargo:
- Utility mode: Lowers the back seat for more boot space to fit bulky things
- Long mode: Reclines the front passenger seat and lowers the back seat to carry long objects
- Tall mode: Extends the floor and ceiling space to carry tall objects
Hands-Free Power Tailgate With Walkaway Close which makes opening boot much easier
Image via Honda
It’s not easy to open the boot and load the car when you have your hands full with shopping bags and a child. With this feature, you can conveniently open the boot by raising your foot below the rear bumper! It’ll close automatically when you walk away too—but make sure to turn the Walkaway Close Switch on first.
Better air circulation in the car
Image via Honda
Malaysia’s weather can make the heat unbearable sometimes—and when you have multiple kids in the car, the air can get stuffy too. Fortunately, the All-New HR-V comes with an air diffusion system—a first for Honda—that better circulates cool air in the car.
A thrilling and powerful drive
This car can keep up with all the family holidays and school drop-offs you’ll need to do, as it has three types of engine. Its 1.5L e:HEV Powertrain lets you switch between three different drive modes to balance power and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, its 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged Engine is designed to boost performance responsiveness. It also has naturally-aspirated 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC.
Drive home the Honda All-New HR-V today
Visit Honda’s website or the nearest Honda Authorised Dealer for more details.